Science Diplomacy online course

Science diplomacy has gained increasing importance and prominence over the last years. Though not a new practice, there is a growing realisation that science diplomacy, actively pursued, is integral to reaching foreign policy goals and addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as climate change and global health.

The Science Diplomacy course explores science diplomacy in-depth. We ask: How can it effectively contribute to global goals and the common good? What particular practices of science diplomacy are relevant? Who are the key actors? What is required of diplomats on the one hand and of scientists on the other? And more broadly, what is needed to ensure that science and diplomacy come together in working towards global goals and the common good? In answering these questions, the course explores science diplomacy in the context of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the science-policy interface, practices of ‘boundary spanning’, and anticipation of future science policy interactions.

This course is aimed at diplomats and staff of international organisations, on the one hand, and scientists on the other. It makes an explicit effort to bring together both groups to engage in a dialogue that is crucial in working on global challenges. The course will also benefit academics and NGO representatives working on the intersection of science and policy.

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What will you learn?

• Explain the main ideas and concepts of science diplomacy
• Have a broad overview of the various actors
• Understand its relevance for the SDGs
• Pinpoint the various ways in which science and policymaking interact
• Understand and contextualise evidence-based decision-making
• Have an overview of skills and practices that foster science diplomacy and science-policy interactions
• Apply the knowledge and skills gained in this course in their field of work

Who should apply

Diplo and the GSPI are seeking applications from the following applicants, from both developed and developing countries:

• Practising diplomats, civil servants, staff of international organisations, and others working in international relations who want to explore this subject in the context of the SDGs under the guidance of experienced practitioners and academics.

The following applicants are also welcome:

• Journalists, staff of non-governmental organisations, translators, business people, and others who interact with diplomats and wish to improve their understanding of diplomacy-related topics.
• Postgraduate students of diplomacy or international relations wishing to study topics not offered through their university programmes or diplomatic academies, and gain deeper insight through interaction with practising diplomats.

Also of interest

Methodology

The course will last for a total of 5 weeks, structured as follows:

• 1 week split between the course introduction and the wrap-up
• 4 weeks dedicated to addressing the course topics individually

The course is based on a collaborative learning approach, involving a high level of interaction over a four-week period. This interaction takes place in two main forms:

• Asynchronous interaction, using a custom-developed commenting tool
• Synchronous interaction, through live class meetings held in real time

Each module is discussed over seven days, during which you are expected to actively engage in the exchange of ideas, examples, and experiences with fellow participants and lecturers from around the world. Some modules may also include additional online activities, such as quizzes and exercises. Weekly interaction concludes with a one-hour live class meeting, conducted via Zoom or as a text-based chat. These sessions provide an opportunity to discuss the week’s topic in real time with the lecturer and other participants.

To complete the course successfully, an average of 5 to 7 hours of study time per week is required. This includes both synchronous and asynchronous discussions, as well as any additional online activities. Throughout the course, you will also receive guidance and personalised feedback on your classwork from the course team.

Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certificate issued by Diplo Academy, which can be printed or shared electronically.

To learn more about the methodology used in this course, watch the video below.

Prerequisites

• Regular internet access
• An undergraduate university degree, OR 3 years of work experience, and appropriate professional qualifications in diplomacy or international relations
• Sufficient English language proficiency to undertake postgraduate-level studies

Fees and scholarships

The fee for this course is €500. 

• Diplo alumni are eligible for a 15% discount on the course fee.
• A limited number of partial scholarships are available for diplomats and professionals working in international relations from developing countries. 
• Group discounts are available for multiple participants from the same institution.

Applicants are encouraged to actively explore scholarship funding from local or international institutions.

How to apply

Fill out the short form to begin your application process for this course. 

Applying for financial assistance? Please indicate this on the application form and upload your CV, along with a motivation statement that includes:

• Details of your relevant professional and educational background
• Your reasons for applying to the course
• Why you believe you should be offered the opportunity to participate, and how your participation would benefit you, your institution, and/or your country

Note: Financial assistance from Diplo is available only to applicants from developing countries! Late applications will be considered only if places are still available.

Cancellation policy

A minimum of 15 applications is required for the course to run.

Diplo Academy reserves the right to cancel the course if enrolment is insufficient. In the event of cancellation, Diplo will notify applicants shortly after the application deadline. Applicants who have paid an application fee may either transfer the fee to another course or request a refund.