Science Diplomacy: Merging Science, Policymaking, and International Relations

Science is an intrinsic part of our lives, even in aspects that seem unrelated. From global pandemic responses to climate action, diplomacy and science are closely tied like never before. Beyond advancing scientific-technology research, the concept of science diplomacy can foster international collaborations and support sustainable development.

Science and Policy

Ideally, data and science should inform geopolitical development. Science has long been involved in diplomacy agendas, but its relevance becomes increasingly more apparent as climate change impacts worsen. One of the most notable examples is the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty to limit global warming.

In essence, science diplomacy refers to a range of activities that use scientific research in the policymaking and international relations agenda, usually to promote national interests. It serves as a nation’s soft power as it can accommodate partnerships across different ideologies or socioeconomic levels.

Although science diplomacy may sound like a new concept, the implementation occurred long before the term was invented. For instance, Mario Molina won the Nobel Prize for discovering chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) that could destroy earth’s ozone layer, which then disallowed the use of CFC as adopted in the Montreal Protocol in 1987.

Facets of Science Diplomacy

The usage of science diplomacy as a term then developed into various categories. Though they all seem similar at a glance, below are four aspects:

1. Science in Diplomacy: Informing foreign and security policy objectives with scientific insight. One example is the nuclear arms control agreements that require a high level of scientific research in the negotiation process.
2. Diplomacy for Science: Facilitating international science cooperation through diplomatic action, like the agreement between the US and Russia in 1993 to build an International Space Station.
3. Science for Diplomacy: Using science to improve relations between countries, such as using scientific networks as vehicles for informal talks.
4. Diplomacy in Science: Using diplomatic skills and tools in and by science. For instance, when universities, research organisations, or funders end their partnership with certain countries for political reasons, diplomacy in science would add a neutral angle to overcome the problem.

These four categories are interdependent. For example, diplomacy for science and diplomacy in science allow and fund research and education, which creates results that can be used in science for diplomacy as well as science in diplomacy.

Practices Around the World

The development of science and technology plays a crucial role in the geopolitical world. Understanding it would enable governments to build comprehensive and relevant data-based frameworks and foreign policies, strengthening their bargaining power.

Nowadays, the appointment of chief scientific advisors to foreign ministries has been increasing. This role bridges the civil servants, politicians, and researchers in the universities or private sector. In 2015, for example, the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs created an advisory board for the promotion of science and technology diplomacy to support the government in bilateral and multilateral negotiations.

Another practice hauls from the Himalayas. As the region is highly impacted by climate change, eight member countries formed the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). The intergovernmental organization utilizes science diplomacy to protect the mountain ecosystem and improve the livelihoods of people in the region.

Science Diplomacy, in Development

Science diplomacy is still a developing discipline. In February 2025, the European Commission launched an expert report titled A European Framework for Science Diplomacy, a step closer toward popularizing it. It takes work, but it is not impossible.

First and foremost, though, scientific pursuits must be allowed to remain independent, separate from political interests. Furthermore, countries should assign dedicated persons in the strategic role that can advance both their scientific development and national interests. Last but not least, investment in education, research, and human resources is crucial. This includes providing incentives for researchers to participate in policy work.

All in all, science diplomacy has the potential to change the traditional patterns of international relations. It also emphasizes the urgency of interdisciplinary perspectives in sustainable development to create tangible changes for people and the planet.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

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