January 2021: Special Issue

Editorial

National Interest, Global Interest, and Science

By E. William Colglazier - 01/22/2021

The degree to which global concerns are incorporated into national aspirations becomes one of the most important factors in determining whether countries can tackle worldwide problems together. 

Editorial

Twelve Months of COVID-19: Shaping the Next Era of Science Diplomacy

The guest editors of the special issue, Future-Casting Science Diplomacy reflect on the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had in the relationship between science and diplomacy, and on ideas proposed by contributors to this special edition.

Article

Connecting the Dots: The Role of African National Academies of Science in Informing the COVID-19 Response

By Phyllis Kalele and Stanley Maphosa - 01/22/2021

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, academies of science in Africa and its role in providing credible, independent, and evidence-based scientific advice came into sharp focus.

Article

Higher Education Institutions and Science Networks: Unique International Platforms for Accelerated Response to Global Shocks

This article presents examples of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)-based responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the importance of developing, supporting, and maintaining HEI networks in low- and middle-income countries.

Article

Science Attachés in a post-COVID-19 World: Taking Stock of the Crisis

Based on their experience and those of colleagues as part of science attaché networks, the authors aim to start a conversation about the roles and responsibilities of these networks during the crisis and the recovery period.

Article

We Need to Train Climate Doctors

Authors propose a multidisciplinary training program in climate medicine, aiming to create physicians proficient and credible in climate and health science to assume leadership, disseminate knowledge, and influence policy.

Article

A Regional Approach to Fighting COVID-19 in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe

A reflection on the role of the Central European Initiative (CEI), the first intergovernmental forum for regional cooperation ever incepted in Europe, in responding to the COVID-19 crisis. 

Article

Catalyzing U.S. Higher Education to Build a Better post-Pandemic Future through Science Diplomacy

This is an urgent call for greater leadership, collaboration, and action. These need to be guided by visionary and strategic plans so that Higher Education Institutions can rebuild public trust in science and effectively engage in science diplomacy.

Article

COVID-19 and the Arab World – Between a Rock and Hard Place

By Dalal Najib - 01/22/2021

As countries in the Arab world grapple with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health, the economy, and society in general, the author argues it could be a pivotal moment to address deeply rooted structural weaknesses in the region.

Article

The Past, Present, and Future of Science Diplomacy at the Smithsonian

The authors explore examples of the Smithsonian Institution's international engagements through the lens of science diplomacy, highlighting its institutional footprint in Panama. 

Article

An Overview of Science Diplomacy in South Asia

A multidisciplinary group of scientists discusses the past and present status of science diplomacy in South Asia, with particular reference to existing science and technology agreements, COVID-19 diplomacy, and nationalism.

Letter from the Field

Growing Our Own Timber: Perspectives and Experiences from the Field on Training the Next Generation of Science Diplomats

By Robert J. Swap - 01/22/2021

Based on lessons learned over nearly 35 years of experience with international partnerships and science diplomacy, the author argues in favor of starting science diplomacy training earlier in a student’s career. 

Perspective

Food Security in a Post-COVID-19 World: Regulatory Perspectives for Agricultural Biotechnology

By Muhammad Adeel - 01/22/2021

The discussion around agricultural biotechnology, especially in light of technological advancements, warrants an evolving science-policy-society discourse.

Perspective

Scientists’ Responsibility for Global Futures

Scientists call for a new convention for science diplomacy, rooted in their understanding of the evolution of complex systems. 

Perspective

A Foreign Policy for Universities: Science Diplomacy as Part of a Strategy

By Alice P. Gast - 01/22/2021

Scientists are natural diplomats. Universities can and should make the most of this potential. Networks, capacity building, and reciprocity are three important elements of a university’s foreign policy.

Perspective

A Time to Rebuild

By Kerri-Ann Jones - 01/22/2021

As the world confronts daunting crises, the U.S. must reimagine and rebuild the web of expertise, respect, and action that will define its commitment to science and diplomacy.

Perspective

The Role of Science Diplomacy in Panama's Response to COVID-19

A multidisciplinary group relates how scientists, diplomats, and decisionmakers in Panama have worked closely with international organizations and countries in the Latin American and Caribbean region to craft the country's COVID-19 response.

Perspective

Building the Base: Why a More Diverse, Communication-Savvy Scientific Workforce is the Key to Addressing Future Catastrophes

The disconnect between the public’s trust of scientists and its disregard for scientific advice is a paradox which must be addressed in order to better prepare for future crises.