AAAS-TWAS Course on Science and Diplomacy
8-13 June 2014
Trieste, Italy
THE WORKSHOP
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Washington DC, USA, and The
World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Trieste, Italy are seeking candidates to participate in a course
on science diplomacy to be held in Trieste, Italy, from 8-13 June 2014.
Two trends are becoming clear in the early part of this century; the majority of challenges facing
society have an international or global context; and science, technology and their applications
underpin the cause or the cure to these challenges. As a result science and technology are becoming
ever more embedded into the foreign policies and international relations of nations. At the same time,
cooperation in science and technology is increasingly benefiting from both the technical and political
interactions between states. For example, establishing such large scale projects as ICTP, ITER,
CERN and SESAME*, require both scientific exchange and diplomatic interactions. In addition to
facilitating cooperative multilateral projects, science cooperation can play an important role in
establishing trust and building bridges between nations. Throughout the Cold War, for example,
science, health and space cooperation provided one of the few ways for constructive interaction
between the East and the West. As a result, many new scientific institutions formed, providing
important focal points for dialogue and understanding.
Given the growing role of science and technology in international relations, AAAS and TWAS formed
a partnership in 2011 designed to focus on science diplomacy and engagement between the North
and the South. Part of this initiative includes a short-course on science diplomacy.
The course will expose participants to some key contemporary international policy issues relating to
science, technology, environment and health, while providing an overview of how technical
information has contributed to different policy developments and international structures. Another
focus of the course will be a better understanding of and appreciation for the roles governments,
international organizations, and the private sector in complex science-based issues, and how
different governance structures are developed to address the needs and involvement of these
different stakeholders.
The course will also encourage active interaction between and among participants as they work on a
project that builds on the case studies developed through the week. The project will be a short
summary memo on a topic or theme related to science, health or technology and their applications
that has relevance to the international policy community.
PARTICIPANTS
This short course is designed for scientists interested in connecting their research to international
policy making, policymakers interested in some of the central science based themes that might
influence their work, research institution administrators, and research funders focused on identifying
ways to build international networks.
* Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics; International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor; European
Organization for Nuclear Research; Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
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Travel, accommodation and visa expenses will be provided to the selected participants.
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A limited number of spaces for self-funded candidates will also be available.
Spaces are reserved for a number of young scientists (up to the age of 40), as well as
scientists and/or government officials, etc, with more experience in the policymaking arena
(‘science policy ambassadors’).
Deadline for sending applications is 7 March 2014.
Women are especially encouraged to apply.
The completed application should be sent by e-mail, fax or post to:
Ms. Sara Dalafi
TWAS Science Policy/Science Diplomacy Programme
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) – for the advancement of science in developing countries
ICTP Campus – Strada Costiera, 11 – 34151 Trieste – Italy
Phone: +39-040-2240687
Fax: +39-040-2240689
Email: sciencediplomacy@twas.org
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An expert committee will be established by TWAS and AAAS to review the applications
received.
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Successful candidates will be informed before the end of March.
For more information on the science and diplomacy programme, please see
http://twas.ictp.it/sci-dipl.
Science Diplomacy
AAAS-TWAS Summer Course • 8-13 June 2014 • Trieste, Italy
APPLICATION FORM
Please indicate the type of institution to which you belong: (Tick all that apply)
Academy of science
Government agency
Diplomatic corps
Research funding agency
International organization
Research institute
University
Other (please specify):
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please include with your application your CV, a photo of yourself (if you submit this application by e-mail, attach the photo as
a separate JPEG file, i.e. not embedded in another document) and a scan of your passport, even if expired (only the page
with personal details is required). In completing this form, please provide your surname and name exactly as indicated in
your passport.
First name
Surname
Male
Female
Date of birth (day-month-year)
Applicant’s home institute contact address:
Tel:
Fax:
e-mail:
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Degree awarded
Grade
Year
Passport No:
Date and place issued:
Expiry date:
Name and contact details of a person to be contacted in case
of an emergency:
Tel:
Fax:
e-mail:
Nationality
Field/Discipline
University
CURRENT EMPLOYER / HOME INSTITUTION / ORGANIZATION
The applicant must be employed. Please provide a supporting statement from the head/director of your current employer on
official headed paper.
Name of current institution
Postal address
Tel:
Fax:
e-mail:
Field of activity of your institute or organization
Describe your present employment duties, particularly in relation to your organization or department, specifying any positions
you hold in management or administration, and give a brief account of your work.
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Name of employer
Position
From - To
Field of activity
Tasks and
responsibilities
RECORD OF ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA OF SCIENCE DIPLOMACY
Area(s) of current research/employment:
Science diplomacy-related projects/policies undertaken (if any):
Awards/scholarships
MEMBERSHIP IN SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS.
Please specify your function and activity in the(se) organization(s).
CONVENTIONS, CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, SCIENTIFIC VISITS, TRAINING COURSES RELATED TO SCIENCE
DIPLOMACY TOPICS
Title and location
Year
PUBLICATIONS
Titles of max. 5 of your most recent papers (relevant to the subject of science diplomacy!) with their precise reference.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
EXPLAIN YOUR REASONS FOR WISHING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE AAAS-TWAS SCIENCE AND DIPLOMACY
COURSE
How does your professional role and/or experience relate to the aims of the Science and Diplomacy Course?
Provide examples of any of your research/policies/projects that had an impact on scientific cooperation between countries.
Provide evidence of engagement in 'wider society', e.g. involvement in science policy, science communications, public/school
events, engagement with industry/NGOs.
Provide examples of cooperation with representatives of the scientific community (e.g. workshops, reports, development
projects) (if you are a policymaker) or with the policymaking community (if you are a scientist)
REFERENCES
Please provide the names and addresses of two or three referees in support of your application, and attach letters of
recommendation from each of your referees to your application form.
Name
Position
Contact details
Address
Tel:
Fax:
e-mail:
Address
Tel:
Fax:
e-mail:
Address
Tel:
Fax:
e-mail:
APPLICANT’S ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE WORKSHOP
Please print this page, sign the original and send as scanned attachment. Do note that unsigned applications cannot be
accepted. If you are unable to send a scanned version via e-mail, please send the page with the signature by fax.
I accept the terms and conditions governing this activity and I confirm that to the best of my knowledge the information above
is true and correct.
Signature: ......................................................................................................
Date:
NB: The application form cannot be accepted without a signature.
If selected (please check only one of the following):
I will require support for travel and accommodation while in Trieste.
I am able to cover my own costs to attend this meeting.
Important: Please ensure that ALL relevant enclosures are included with the completed application form.
Please only submit the material requested; do not send any other material.
Passport size photograph as a separate JPEG file (do not embed in Word, Powerpoint or other file).
A copy of your passport, even if expired. Only the page with personal details is required.
Curriculum vitae.
Reference letters must be on headed paper, signed and sent as attachments via e-mail to TWAS. Alternatively, letters should be sent
in sealed envelopes by post. NB: Only signed reference letters can be accepted. The letters can be submitted either directly by the
referee or by the applicant.
Supporting statement (on official headed paper) by the head/director of the applicant’s current employment.
The completed application must reach the following address by 7 March 2014 by e-mail, fax or post:
Ms. Sara Dalafi
TWAS Science Policy/Science Diplomacy Programme
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) – for the advancement of science in developing countries
ICTP Campus – Strada Costiera, 11 – 34151 Trieste – Italy
Phone: +39-040-2240687
Fax: +39-040-2240689
Email: sciencediplomacy@twas.org