The BMBF understands science diplomacy as the interface between education, science, international politics and diplomacy.

This interface is important: Scientific findings help policy-makers to make better decisions. Major global challenges in particular, such as climate change, can only be solved with the aid of science – and only when working together internationally. Another positive effect arises when scientists from different countries collaborate: they build up trust and are able to maintain links between countries even in politically difficult times.

Through its science diplomacy activities, the BMBF creates suitable conditions for international education and science cooperation, from basic research to applied research. Ultimately, this serves to boost the quality of science and innovation – since good ideas do not stop at national borders – to the benefit of society.

Aims of science diplomacy

The BMBF aims to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by means of international cooperation. Furthermore, the BMBF supports other countries in establishing and developing their education, science and innovation systems.

One important science diplomacy objective for the BMBF is to use international cooperation in education, science and research to strengthen the ties between civil societies. We try to win over countries that are courted by systemic rivals to commit to our common values and objectives. In this context, the ministry actively pursues its commitment to the freedom of science, research and teaching. It assists vulnerable scientists, researchers and students both in Germany and abroad.

Examples of science diplomacy

The BMBF relies on a comprehensive toolkit for its science diplomacy work:

• Strategic instruments (e.g. strategies and position papers in international research cooperation), bilateral and multilateral agreements (e.g. agreements on scientific and technical cooperation, or "STCs"),
• Operational instruments (e.g. funding tools in cutting-edge fields, advisory bodies and dialogues like OECD, G7 or G20) and
• Supporting instruments (e.g. communication measures, networks and discussion platforms).

Science counsellor networks

The science counsellors at German embassies and representations abroad serve to liaise between Germany and the host country. They support the preparation of research collaborations between institutions in both countries and organize meetings to bring together different stakeholders in education, science and research. Through their work, they represent and promote Germany as a prime location for science, give advice and accompany delegations from science and politics. In their reports, they describe trends that are relevant to the world of science. In their own projects, they strengthen Germany’s reputation as an international site for science and support the freedom and independence of science and research.

Research in Germany initiative

The Research in Germany marketing initiative includes communication measures that advertise Germany as an attractive location for international researchers and innovators. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is involved in actively promoting research and innovation in Germany. It organizes information events for science staff at all career levels.

Higher education institutions and research institutions can find support material and information on the research-in-germany.org portal to help them recruit international researchers more effectively.

Under the umbrella brand “Germany - Land of Ideas”, Research in Germany also collaborates closely with the German Centres for Research and Innovation (DWIH). On behalf of the Federal Foreign Office, the German Centres for Research and Innovation are a joint showcase of German science organizations in New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, São Paulo and New Delhi. They promote research in Germany and support local networking.

Why is there no standard definition for science diplomacy?

As yet, there is no internationally recognized, standard definition for the term "science diplomacy".

However, in 2010 the Royal Society, together with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), developed three core points which are often used to explain different aspects of science diplomacy:

1. Science in Diplomacy: Science provides expertise, facts and models which diplomacy or politics can build on.
2. Science for Diplomacy: Education, research and innovation serve diplomacy and politics by building bridges and promoting international relations through cooperation and exchange, particularly during difficult political situations.
3. Diplomacy for Science: International science and research cooperation is supported through diplomatic channels and political framework conditions.

What is the difference between science diplomacy activities and the BMBF’s general international research cooperation?

The BMBF’s international cooperation in education, research and innovation lays the foundation for science diplomacy. Core elements of science diplomacy are rooted in international cooperation: academic mobility and networking, for example, help to build bridges, above all in politically difficult times. Furthermore, international research projects also generate knowledge, build trust and provide politics and society with solutions to global challenges. These aspects of science diplomacy are clearly visible in many of the BMBF's international activities.

How does science diplomacy contribute to implementing the Future Research and Innovation Strategy under which the Federal Government wants to strengthen innovation in Germany?

One objective of the Future Research and Innovation Strategy is to intensify European and international cooperation. “…[If we are to live] up to our responsibility to help solve the current global challenges – climate change, biodiversity crisis, environmental pollution, the fight against poverty, and sustainable development - it is imperative that Germany is involved in and actively shapes global knowledge flows and innovation processes.” (Future Research Strategy 2023) This is the core of science diplomacy as it is understood and implemented at the BMBF.

Editorial deadline for this text: 01.11.2024