In the time of a pandemic who does get which vaccine, when and from whom? In case of extreme weather events who does get access to clean water, food or energy and how? How international organizations regulate nuclear energy? In short, how geopolitics and international affairs are intertwined and how do they depend on science and technology?

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg’s block seminar “What is Science Diplomacy” tackles the diverse notion of science, technology and health diplomacy. It is intended as an intense dialogue among senior scholars and advanced master and PhD students from different disciplines on how science and technology shape and are shaped by international affairs. EELISA students are more than welcome to join. As very few academic institutions offer yet a seminar solely dedicated to the theory and practice of science diplomacy, FAU breaks ground and brings a fast-growing field of practice in the university classroom.

We will discuss some of the most recent literature on the topic. We will also involve experts with practical experience in the field in our discussions.

Invited speakers, among others: Dr. Maurizio Bona, senior advisor for relations with parliaments and science for policy at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and Marko Naoki Lins, German Federal Foreign Office;  Prof. Thomas Demmelhuber, Middle East Politics and Society, FAU;  Prof. Dietrich Jung, Political Science and Islamic Studies, University of Southern Denmark.

The seminar will be taught ONLINE. Students are expected to read very closely the assignments, participate in the discussions, and produce a research paper or multimedia project at the end of the seminar. (ECTS: 10).

Please note: the seminar is open to last year bachelor students as well as master and PhD students from all disciplines

Dates of sessions:

19.10.2021 12:00-14:00
22.10.2021  09:00-14:00
23.10.2021  09:00-13:00
26.10.2021  12:00-14:00
12.11.2021  09:00-14:00
13.11.2021  09:00-13:00
23-26.2021  InsSciDE Open Conference on Science Diplomacy as an Intercultural Encounter
10.12.2021  09:00-14:00

Application deadline for EELISA students:

17.10.2021

Submit your Application HERE

If you want further details click HERE or contact: eelisa@fau.de.