International School of Science Diplomacy - 2nd Edition
Ettore Majorana Foundation and Centre for Scientific Culture
Erice (TP), Italy
October, 4–10, 2026
The goal is to foster dialogue among different stakeholders and areas of expertise, highlighting science's role in developing diplomatic relations and strengthening international cooperation.
The central theme of this edition is the Arctic, explored in its various aspects: Science Diplomacy: History, Visions and Perspectives; Arctic: Science, Geopolitics, and Cooperation; Polar Region and Strategic Routes; and Global Science Diplomacy and Future Challenges.
Throughout the week, experts from institutional, academic, and professional fields will contribute complementary and up-to-date perspectives.
Students will engage in wargaming exercises. There will also be opportunities for dialogue and discussion during the day dedicated to an excursion to an archaeological site.
The School is co-organized by CAST, CNR, Sorbonne Université, the University of Padua and Venice International University.
This course is designed for diplomatic staff, officials of international organizations and NGOs, academics, researchers, and students.
Students and scholars from VIU member institutions and beyond can apply to participate.
The 2nd Edition of the International School of Science Diplomacy, The Arctic: Challenges for Science Diplomacy, brings together perspectives on science diplomacy, Arctic science, geopolitics and international cooperation. The programme combines lectures, discussions, round tables and wargaming activities, with a particular focus on the Arctic and its strategic, scientific and diplomatic challenges.
Information on Application, Selection Criteria and Fees
PROGRAM
Sunday, 4th October 2026
PM Participants Arrival
19:00–21:30
Course presentation/Ice breaker and Welcome Dinner
A memory of Prof. Antonio Zichichi, practitioner of Science diplomacy
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Monday, 5th October 2026
Science Diplomacy: History, Visions and Perspectives
09:00–09:45
Welcome from School Directors: Prof. David Burigana (University of Padua), Dr. Virginia Coda Nunziante (National Research Council of Italy), Prof. Pascal Griset (Sorbonne University and University of Ottawa), Lieutenant General Stefano Mannino (Centre for Defense Higher Studies), Ambassador Umberto Vattani (Venice International University)
Institutional welcome greetings: Prof. Andrea Lenzi (President of National Research Council), Ambassador Mauro Battocchi (Director General-Directorate General for Growth and Export Promotion - MAECI) TBC
09:45–10:30
The dual nature of science diplomacy, Pierre-Bruno Ruffini (Université Nord La Havre-Normandie)
11:00–11:45 Science diplomacy in History, Léonard Laborie (CNRS - Paris)
Focus on Arctic and Italy: an operational History, David Burigana (University of Padua)
11:45–12:15 Discussion
12:15–13:00
Round Table: Europe-Canada and Science diplomacy
Moderator: Pascal Griset (Sorbonne University and University of Ottawa)
Speakers: Costanza Conti (Italian Scientific Attaché in Canada)
13:00–13:30 Discussion
13:30–15:30 Lunch and break
15:30–18:30 Wargaming activities: “Science & Diplomacy in the Arctic”
20:00 Dinner
21:30–22:30
Book Nook: Embrangled Science Diplomacy. A history of challenges and failures. Actors, dynamics, arenas, diplomatic objects since the 1960s, edited by D. Burigana and L. Laborie, discussed by Daniele Pasquinucci (University of Siena), President of SiSi (Società italiana di Storia internazionale)
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Tuesday, 6th October 2026 Arctic: Science, Geopolitics and Cooperation
09:00–10:05
Space and the Arctic Region, Roberto Battiston (University of Trento)
10:05–11:10
The Italian model of civil-military cooperation in the poles, Carlo Di Somma (Italian Join Steering Committee for the Arctic, Sub Arctic and Antarctic Environment)
11:10–11:40 Coffee Break
11:40–12:45
Borealis mud volcano in the Arctic: when science demands diplomacy, Giuliana Panieri (Institute of Polar Science - CNR)
13:30–15:30 Lunch and break
15:30–18:30 Wargaming activities: “Science & Diplomacy in the Arctic”
20:00 Dinner
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Wednesday, 7th October 2026
08:30–15:00
Excursion: Archeological Site, Segesta
15:30–18:30 Wargaming activities: “Science & Diplomacy in the Arctic”
20:00 Dinner
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Thursday, 8th October 2026 Polar Region and Strategic Routes
09:00–10:05
Italian Navy High North program, Maurizio Demarte (Marine Geophysics and Geometoc Dept., Italian Navy), Roberta Ivaldi (Italian Hydrographic Institute)
10:05–11:10
Research programmes and national strategy documents for the Arctic policies of the Nordic countries, Augusto Marcelli (Italian Scientific Attaché in Sweden)
11:40–12:45
Greenland's mineral resources and the semiconductor industry's materials supply chain. A problem for science, technology and diplomacy, Alessandro Paccagnella (University of Padua)
13:30–15:30 Lunch and break
15:30–18:30 Wargaming activities: “Science & Diplomacy in the Arctic”
20:00 Dinner
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Friday, 9th October 2026 Global Science Diplomacy and Future Challenges
09:00–10:05
The Arctic in the Era of Global Change, Florian Vidal (The Arctic University of Norway)
10:05–11:10
Building a European Union framework for science diplomacy, Jan Marco Mueller (Science Diplomacy and Multilateral Relations, EC, DG Research and Innovation)
11:40–13:15
Round Table: Schools and International Projects on Science Diplomacy in Dialogue
Moderator: Francesca Tolve (National Research Council of Italy)
Speakers: Marcelo Knobel (The World Academy of Sciences - TWAS), Emanuela Colombo (Politecnico di Milano), Elke Dall (Centre for Social Innovation - ZSI, Austria), Alessandro Lombardo (Executive Secretariat of the Central European Initiative - CEI)
13:30–15:30 Lunch and break
15:30–18:00
Round Table among Students – Coordinator: Marco Ferrazzoli (Press Office - Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers)
18:00–18:45
Closing Ceremony (Attendance certificate, Group photo, Course evaluation form)
20:00
Gala Dinner
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Saturday, 10th October 2026
