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CPD Media Monitor Reports synthesize and analyze the most relevant PDiN (Public Diplomacy in the News) articles on topical issues and are posted periodically by our research team at the USC Center on Public Diplomacy.
JAN 10, 2012
By Rachel Chan
Legislation
Summarized by Alex Laverty
Beginning in the summer of 2009, the United States government took a new interest in the use of science diplomacy, the exchange of science and technology across borders. By encouraging cooperation and development in scientific research, not only would American national security and economic prosperity improve it was hoped, but the new technologies and intellectual property would strengthen the United States’ scientific progress. The benefits of new research and partnerships were enumerated by Representative Brian Baird (D-WA) in the U.S. Congress when he submitted the International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of 2009 (H.R. 1736) for consideration. H.R. 1736 recreated a committee under the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) that would coordinate science diplomacy activities across the federal government.
A bill that was passed in conjunction with H.R. 1736 was the STEM Education Coordination Act of 2009 (H.R. 1709) which elevated an existing committee in the NSTC to coordinate science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education activities across the U.S. government including agencies such as NASA, the Department of Energy, the DOD, and the Department of Education.
These bills that passed in the House of Representatives followed the passage of a bill in the U.S. Senate that provided for the appointment of the Science Envoys on behalf of the United States. The Senate bill capitalizes on U.S. expertise and innovation in science and technology by creating the position of Scientific Envoy to collaborate with other nations to advance these growing fields surrounding issues of shared interest. This public diplomacy activity would enhance relationships between participating countries; display the United States’ commitment to improving lives throughout the world; and improve the nation’s image through scientist exchanges.
This bill from the Senate Foreign Relations committee was eventually taken up in a bill in the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Introduced by Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA) in March of 2010, the bill was to enhance the ability of the United States to share one of its greatest resources, the intellectual and creative capacity of Americans through science. H.R. 4801, The Global Science Program for Security and Competitiveness, and Diplomacy Act would establish grants for American and foreign scientists in order to foster exchanges, strengthen research infrastructure, and encourage cheaper access to scientific journals online. While the bill was meant to formalize the Obama Administration’s intent to facilitate international cooperation through science, it was referred to the subcommittee in March of 2010 and has not seen movement since.
This bill was originally lauded for following up the appointment of Science Envoys by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Science diplomacy was said to be a piece of Clinton’s “Smart Power” approach as it would leverage the United States’ strength in science and research with alliances and collaborations that would be strengthened through partnership in science. The legislation also followed up President Obama’s address in Cairo that incorporated science diplomacy as part of the Administration’s outreach to the Islamic world.
The failure of the bill to pass in the U.S. House of Representatives must cause concern among those that called the legislation an “important first step in realizing the opportunities that lie ahead”. The ability to restore the United States’ leadership in scientific and technological research may now be hindered as a result. To encourage public diplomacy through science, public diplomacy scholars and practitioners agree that this bill and others should be implemented.
Technological Exchange
Summarized by Rachel Chan
Technological exchange is an important platform for countries looking to create better connections with the publics of other nations, and to establish and strengthen relationships. Technological exchanges can be particularly effective between developed and developing nations. With multiple scientific challenges like sustainability, pandemics, climate change, environmental disasters and overpopulation faced by the world today, technological exchanges are effective platforms for states and scientists to cooperate and share knowledge, expertise and resources. In turn, this can promote economic and social progress, and contribute to peace and security. Such exchanges can also be a means for developed countries to boost their soft power and international image with developing nations. This form of exchange diplomacy is enhanced by the fact that science diplomacy as a whole is better funded than cultural diplomacy, especially since it has the capacity to deliver tangible results in a shorter period of time.
There are many avenues in which technological exchange can take place. One primary way is through education. On July 25, 2011, the U.S. government announced that it was committing $15 million towards a new five-year Fulbright Indonesia Research, Science, and Technology Program – or FIRST Program – which would support American and Indonesian students in the study, teaching and research of science and technology.
Next, technological exchange can also take place in the traditional sense of the word, where delegations travel to each other’s countries to share ideas on science, innovation and technology. The U.S. has several such exchanges with India, with the government playing a key role in setting the stage for businesses, scientists, laboratories and institutions in both countries to collaborate with each other. These strategic public-private exchanges will not only develop India’s infrastructure and research capabilities, they offer a possible route for countering China’s rise by allying the United States with one of Beijing’s main rivals.
Conferences are another form of technological exchange. The France-Israel Foundation, established in 2005, has brought together scientists from both countries at a yearly conference, with the objectives of shaping the respective images of France and Israel and cultivating deeper ties in science, as well as culture, economy and the media. The scientists are funded by the European Research Council, an independent organization which funds research in the European Union. This example also further attests to the role that multilateral institutions can play as instruments of soft power.
Technological exchanges can also enable countries to overcome a negative image in parts of the world. While America’s international image, for example, has faced a sharp decline since 9/11, its expertise in science and technology has always been held in high regard. Science is not as value-laden as culture or ideology and thus it can function as a more meaningful platform to build cooperation and understanding of different countries. At the same time, it receives better funding than culture as it has a more direct impact given the wide array of scientific issues common to countries around the world. The U.S. has used science diplomacy to reach out to Muslim countries, no doubt to repair strained relations following its unpopularity in the aftermath of 9/11. In 2009, the U.S. announced the appointment of three Science and Technology Envoys to Muslim communities around the world to make connections with local scientists there. With U.S. scientists and engineers included in the process, the envoys will establish partnerships with multilateral institutions, non-governmental organizations and private sector partners to work towards key scientific challenges.
For developing countries that share similar problems, technological exchanges can facilitate efforts towards solutions. India and South Africa, for example, have common HIV strains, and have launched a
joint research project backed by the requisite infrastructure and talent. With industrialized countries showing little interest in this area, developing countries can take the lead by carrying out technological exchanges of their own, boosted by their shared experiences.
One common thread running through technological exchanges is their focus on less-controversial issues. Nuclear power, for example, is rarely, if ever, on the agenda. Rather, topics like the environment, health and agriculture regularly feature in such exchanges, possibly since these do not stray into the political realm in which case countries would be more wary and skeptical, making it harder for public diplomacy to succeed.
Another limitation of technological exchanges is that aside from academic ones, they typically exclude large swaths of the population. Scientists, researchers, and institutions are included alongside governments, but this comprises a small group and does not have the depth of outreach at which public diplomacy aims.
Conducting technological exchanges on common scientific issues and challenges of key concern to countries across the globe, governments are in a better position to improve their country’s image and influence in the eyes of their target audience. With science diplomacy delivering more direct and tangible results, funding in most cases is not as critical a problem as it is with its cultural counterpart as governments are more than willing to step in. Although there are many various platforms for which technological exchanges can take place, countries prefer to stick to non-controversial topics that are less likely to offend. Yet, the effectiveness of such technological exchanges as a tool for public diplomacy is ambiguous as it reaches out to only a small proportion of a population.
Conflict Prevention
Summarized by Molly Krasnodebska
Science diplomacy can function as a tool for conflict prevention and be understood as fostering cooperation between the scientific communities of hostile countries. Cooperation in the field of scientific research can help bridge the gap between the countries by creating a forum of mutual support and common interests.
In recent years, there have been numerous examples of scientific cooperation between countries that otherwise have no official diplomatic relations. One such example is the "inter-Korean cooperation" in the chemistry, biotech and nano-science arenas, which was first proposed in March 2010. Science diplomacy between the two Koreas is also exemplified by the foundation of the first privately funded university in communist North Korea, the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology by Dr. Kim Chin-Kyung, a former war prisoner in North Korea. "Educating people is a way to share what they love, and share their values," said the South Korean in an interview.
Another example is the earthquake research cooperation between China and Taiwan initiated in January 2010. Chen Cheng-hung, vice chairman of the National Science Council in Taipei calls the initiative the “biggest scientific cooperation program between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits so far.”
The United States launched a science diplomacy campaign toward Iran. The two countries, which have had no formal relations since 1980, have re-launched their ‘broken dialogue” though science. In the summer of 2009, the American Association for the Advancement of Science established a new Center for Science Diplomacy in Iran. According to Miller-McCune, this “scientist-to scientist exchange” is more effective that governmental public diplomacy initiatives. The two countries instead of trying to “influence each other’s behavior…will learn something in the process.”
In addition, science diplomacy for conflict prevention can also be understood as the use of science and technology to enhance global or regional security. Solving regional problems and advancing peoples’ well-being though technology by providing them with access to water, clean energy, food, and information can prevent the rise of conflicts.
The United States had been the leading country in the use of science and technology diplomacy for the purpose of advancing security. This kind of public diplomacy is particularly directed towards the Muslim world. One example of this is "vaccine diplomacy." In an interview for SciDevNet in March 2010, Peter J. Hotez, president of the Sabin Vaccine Institute in Washington D.C. stated: “the United States could help reduce the burden of neglected diseases and promote peace by engaging Islamic nations in collaborative vaccine research and development.” This would “improve vaccine development for neglected diseases” in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan where vaccine diplomacy is currently being implemented.
In January 2010, Ahmed Zewail - America’s first science envoy to the Middle East – travelled to Egypt, Turkey and Qatar on a diplomatic tour. By defining “a coherent and comprehensive policy for pursuing science diplomacy with Muslim-majority countries”, he states that the United States can enhance its soft power, and promote a more positive image of itself in the Muslim world. At the same time “improving education and fostering the scientific and technological infrastructure will bring about genuine economic gains and social and political progress” in the targeted countries.
In The Mark, Daryl Copeland, author of Guerilla Diplomacy, writes that science and technology can provide "remedies that contribute materially to the achievement of security and development, for instance through remote sensing, agronomy, or the introduction of game changing information and communication technologies.”
Science Diplomacy Monitor: Latest News Coverage
Using science to bring together enemies
CNN
While tensions remain high between the United States and North Korea, the relationship is more cordial between their scientists....Scientists from both nations are collaborating via nongovernmental organizations and universities on projects ranging from tuberculosis research and deforestation issues to digital information technology.
Ministries sign ‘science diplomacy’ protocol, new in diplomacy
Today's Zaman
The Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology and the Foreign Ministry have introduced a new field in diplomacy called “science diplomacy,” in which Turkey will be assigning “science attachés” to technologically developed countries.
FACT SHEET: Harnessing Innovation for Global Development
The White House
Today, government and private sector leaders gathered at the White House to highlight progress in answering President Obama’s call to use science, technology and innovation to promote global development.
India steps up knowledge diplomacy with Africa
Prokerala News
Navdeep Suri, joint secretary (public diplomacy) in the ministry, also unveiled ambitious plans to connect the youth and accelerate people-to-people contacts between India and Africa.
Giant Panda Genes to Mapping Deadly E. Coli Show China’s Science Ambition
Bloomberg
Gains in civilian technologies offer a less-threatening way for the country...to recapture a leading role as a technological power. Having access to technology and being a science destination of choice “enhances China’s soft power for sure,”...The government backing and growth prospects also help lure and retain talent, especially people who have spent time overseas.
Islam Analysis: Change course on collaboration
SciDev
Plans for science collaboration in the Muslim world aren't working and need a major revamp. To turn things around...requires a reshaping of OIC science diplomacy to convince member states that through collaboration their collective science investment will be greater than the sum of its parts, and will result in greater credibility.
U.S. - Indonesia Educational Cooperation
U.S. Department of State
The United States has increased its funding for the binational Fulbright Program to $8.5 million per year, making it one of the largest Fulbright programs in the world. The U.S. government has committed $15 million for a new five year Fulbright Indonesia Research, Science, and Technology Program – or FIRST Program - to support American and Indonesian students and scholars.
U.S.-India Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation
U.S. Department of State
Vibrant science and technology (S&T) enterprises form the basis of U.S.-India economic growth and strengthen our strategic partnership. While governments play a role in enabling joint S&T activities, active and innovative collaboration in S&T, health, and innovation relies on the efforts of businesses, scientists and institutions in both countries.
Envoy’s vision: From science to diplomacy
Korea Herald
The Poland-Korea Education and Science Conference will bring together leaders from their field in both countries to better understand and share good practice of Korea’s quick progress in the educational sciences.
Finally, Israel Has a Global Foreign Policy
Real Clear World
Part of Israel's strategy is an attempt to decouple our relations with other countries from our conflict with the Palestinians. Israel is signing agreements for academic exchanges and joint research with many nations, and has been accepted as a new member of CERN, the OECD of the scientific world.
Indonesia’s New Scientists Focus on Local Solutions
Voice of America
This week Indonesian scientists met with American counterparts in Jakarta to trade ideas and seek support for projects such as plastic made from local plants, new fuel cells and heartier varieties of rice. The researchers were participants at the KAVLI Frontiers of Science Symposium - one of a series of conferences partly sponsored by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.
DST strengthens Swiss collaboration
ITWeb (South Africa)
In a joint statement released by the SA and Swiss parties, the future bilateral cooperation strategy in the fields of science, technology and innovation were discussed. The statement also said with the appointment of a science and technology counsellor to the Swiss Embassy, in Pretoria in April 2010, an important hub was set up to help promote and expand cooperation between Switzerland and SA.
British Council and AUS set to host ‘Belief in Dialogue: Science, Culture and Modernity’ conference
AME Info
As part of an ongoing initiative by the British Council to explore how people all over the world can live peacefully amidst growing diversity- the Middle East's first Belief in Dialogue conference will focus on the convergence of science, culture and faith and will engage participants in a meaningful way about how these distinct yet linked forces are shaping the future of the region.
Brazil to create ‘botanical Wikipedia’ to catalogue the Amazon
The Telegraph
The website, which will be called Wikiflora.org, is intended to allow high-school students and other internet users to get involved in mapping the country’s vast biodiversity. Brazil’s Ministry of Science and Technology has reached an agreement with IBM to develop the website through the use of ‘citizen science’.
“Hydro-diplomacy” needed to avert Arab water wars
Scientific American
The United Nations should promote "hydro-diplomacy" to defuse any tensions over water in regions like the Middle East and North Africa where scarce supplies have the potential to spark future conflicts, experts said Sunday.
Open SESAME – building the MidEast’s first synchrotron
Israel 21c
The notion of scientists from Israel meeting in Jordan with counterparts from countries such as Iran, Bahrain, Egypt, Pakistan and Turkey seems like something out of a fantasy novel. Yet such meetings have been occurring - most recently in November last year - for about 15 years, as a conglomerate of Middle East countries hammers out the details of a major scientific project to benefit scientists from across the region.
Obama’s India visit generates science collaborations
SciDev.net
India and the United States signed three science pacts, covering clean energy, disease surveillance and monsoon forecasting, during US president Barack Obama's Asia visit this week.
India, South Africa to team up on HIV vaccine research
SciDev.net
India and South Africa will launch a joint research project on basic science and vaccines for HIV strains common to both countries. The project was formally approved by the governments of both countries last spring and is expected to be launched by the end of 2010.
U.S. Telemedicine Leaders Participate in First Iranian Telemedicine Symposium
SunHerald
Representatives from the American Telemedicine Association, along with leaders from other U.S. telemedicine programs, will participate next week in the inaugural Electronic and Telemedicine Hospital Symposium in Tehran, Iran, to advocate the use of telemedicine for medical diplomacy and cooperative international development.
Turkish FM plans to form “science diplomacy”
WorldBulletin.net
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said they wanted to open a new field in diplomacy called "Science Diplomacy"...We decided to establish "Science Diplomacy" to improve Turkey's scientific image and bring high technology to Turkey in a shorter period of time, Davutoglu stressed.
Science diplomacy should focus on people
SciDev.net
Science partnerships for development and diplomacy must put scientists at the forefront of engagement.
Obama’s initiative on science diplomacy expands
Physics Today
In a broadening of the Obama administration’s initiative to establish ties with Muslim nations, three more prominent scientists have been appointed as "science envoys" to countries in central and southeast Asia and to Africa.
Vietnam and China to boost agricultural ties with Africa
SciDev.net
Vietnam has "huge potential" for further collaboration with Africa on agriculture as part of its policy towards the continent.
7th Pyongyang International Scientific Books Exhibition opens
Xinhua
The 7th Pyongyang International Scientific Books Exhibition opened here at the Center for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries on Monday. There are 14 countries and regions including China, Russia, Spain, Germany, 46 groups taking part in the exhibition, which has 34 display counters and nearly 10,000 books.
In Europe, science collides with the bottom line
The Washington Post
Under mounting political pressure, some countries are now balking at the mega-price tags of lofty regional cooperation projects such as the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), home to the "Big Bang Machine" that sprawls for miles across this complex straddling the picturesque border of Switzerland and France.
Website linking Latin American scientists launches
ECN
The new website CienciAmérican (Science of the Americas) -- the brainchild of a Cornell neurobiologist -- combines some functions of Facebook and Craigslist. It launched Aug. 16 to help Latin American scientists exchange ideas among themselves and their North American colleagues.
US ‘science for development’ promises: it’s time to act
SciDev.net
Delivering on its 'science for development' promises will help the Obama administration regain trust within the developing world.
Syria’s window of opportunity
gulfnews
The stream of signals coming from Washington to Damascus has been steady for weeks. This month, three US Congressmen visited Syria, the last of whom, Brian Baird, carried the slogan of 'science diplomacy'.
Obama cancels trip to Indonesia, science diplomacy will have to wait
SciDev.Net
US President Barack Obama has cancelled a much-awaited trip to Indonesia intended to drive his science diplomacy mission to the Muslim world.
World’s scientists sans frontieres
The Australian
The traditional northern hemisphere science superpowers - the US, Europe, Japan - still produce most of the world's new knowledge and researchers, and exert a powerful pull of attraction as a result. But, as Sylvia Schwaag-Serger from Vinnova and the University of Lund in Sweden has recently pointed out, the centre of gravity of global science is spreading out, moving east and south.
Kerri-Ann Jones: The Role of Science Diplomacy in Advancing Global Health
American Association of the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
With more than 3 million children dying around the world each year from malnutrition and nearly a billion people lacking access to clean drinking water, the role of science and technology in improving global health is more urgent than ever, a top U.S. State Department official told the recent AAAS Forum on Science and Technology Policy.
Russia Seeks Cooperation With U.S. in Space Effort
The Wall Street Journal
Russian leaders are trying to use the current thaw in relations with the U.S. to enhance cooperation in space, pushing for joint exploration efforts extending past the life of the international space station.
SBY receives US special envoy on science
The Jakarta Post
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received Monday US Special Envoy on Science, Bruce Alberts, as Indonesia and the US are eyeing for enhanced cooperation in the field of science and technology.
Studies should involve more cross-cultural collaboration
ScienceBlog
Previous studies have found that the vast majority of published psychological research in the United States is based on American samples and excludes 95 percent of the world's population. Yet, these results are often generalized and taken as universal.
Bill Would Boost Science Diplomacy
National Journal (blog)
The House Foreign Affairs Committee is considering a bill that would enable the State Department to fund American research cooperation in the developing world -- including the Muslim world -- as a hedge against extremism.
Africa Could Join High-Speed Science Network
SciDev.net
African science ministers are hoping to extend a high-speed fibre optic network — currently linking Egypt to the northern hemisphere — to other countries in Africa.
Scientific Links with Japan Boosted by New Award
Media Newswire
Scientific links between the UK and Japan have been boosted by the announcement of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council's ( BBSRC ) latest Japan Partnering Awards.
Knowledge and Access to new Technologies are Key to India-Africa Partnership
Orissa Business News
Access to knowledge and latest advancements in science and technology will determine the quality and sustainability of India-Africa partnerships.
U.S.-Japan Partners In Agriculture
VOA
This month, the United States and Japan are celebrating more than 50 years of cooperation in agriculture.
S. Korea to Increase R&D Cooperation with Germany
Xinhua
South Korea and Germany have agreed to increase cooperation in research and development (R&D) projects, especially in the science and technology field, the South Korean government said Tuesday
Indo-German Technology Centre in Delhi Soon
The Hindu
The centre's mandate is to bring together scientists and industry from both countries to carry out R&D projects in a “2+2” collaborative arrangement.
Top Young French and Israeli Scientists Come Together
The Jersusalem Post
As part of a joint effort between France and Israel to promote scientific research, 15 outstanding young French and Israeli scientists, recipients of prestigious research grants from the European Research Council, were hosted at a Jerusalem conference this week.
Tunisian-American Cooperation in Science, Technology and Health Sectors
Tunisia Online News
Tunisian – American cooperation has witnessed so far a remarkable boost in many sectors, namely in science, technology and health”, said President Obama’s Special Envoy for sciences for the Gulf and North Africa, Mr. Elias Zerhouni, during his visit in Tunisia.
Berman Introduces Legislation to Boost U.S. Science Diplomacy
Frontier India
Congressman Howard L. Berman (D-CA), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today introduced bipartisan legislation to enhance U.S. efforts at science diplomacy.
China Expands Science Globalization Trends
LaboratoryEquipment.com
Science globalization is in vogue, pooling together scientists and researchers of various races and with different backgrounds and Chinese scientists "go global" as well.
Egypt Says it will Propel African Science Agenda
SciDev.net
Egypt has vowed to "maintain momentum" in building African science and technology (S&T) capacity when it takes over as chair of the African Ministerial Council on Science and Technology (AMCOST) this month.
New Awards Strengthen Australia-India Science Links
oneindia
The theme for the inaugural awards, "energy generation in a low-carbon future", reflects the importance India and Australia place on meeting our growing energy requirements in a sustainable manner.
Israel and France to Hold Conference for Young Scientists in Jerusalem
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Israel's Ministry of Science and Technology, the France-Israel Foundation, and the Embassy of France in Israel are jointly organizing, for the very first time, a conference for young scientists on 8-11 March at the Mount Zion Hotel in Jerusalem.
Chile to Open up Quake Data to Global Community
SciDev.net
Chilean seismologists studying the massive earthquake that hit the country last week (27 February) have decided to share their data with scientists around the world to aid natural disaster mitigation.
Second U.S. Science Envoy Begins Travel to North Africa
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Science Envoy Dr. Zerhouni, M.D., arrived in Morocco today on a two-week trip to North Africa that will include visits to Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya.
US Naval Research Office opens in Prague
Prague Daily Monitor
The U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR) that supports science opened its branch in Prague and a part of the office's activities have been moved to the Czech capital from London that was the only European branch until Friday.
NORTH AFRICA: Boost for Maghreb University Cooperation
University World news
The five members of the Arab Maghreb Union - Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya and Mauritania - have agreed to create a website for all universities and research centers in the region and to re-activate a union of Maghrebi universities.
Providing a Suitably Clean Home for a Legendary Old Turtle in Hanoi
VietNamNet Bridge
Dr. Werner is the chair of the ongoing $2.4 million project, which uses low-impact environmental German technology to remove sludge from the Sword Lake to help ensure Hanoi’s legendary old tortoise is at less risk from environmental pollution.
Women Scientists Take Role In Rebuilding Iraq
NPR
Liane Hansen speaks to Dr. Alkazragy and Dr. Mustafa, two female Iraqi scientists who are visiting scholars at American universities.
Tanzania: Science Must Benefit Mankind
allAfrica.com
A Tanzanian scientist who last year narrowly missed being appointed Unesco director general has said he would continue to pursue science diplomacy for the benefit of the world.
University of Pennsylvania Joins International Collaboration
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania’s Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter has entered into a multi-year agreement with specialty chemical producer Rhodia and the French National Center for Scientific Research to launch an international, public-private research collaboration in soft condensed matter.
African Countries Fight Banana Disease
SciDev.net
A new front in the war against deadly banana diseases opens next month, with seven African countries uniting to launch a spatial surveillance programme.
UK and India Forge Two New Research Collaborations to Tackle Global Challenges
Web Newswire
UK and Indian researchers will collaborate on health research and the changing global water cycles which both present huge challenges for our societies as we adapt to a changing climate.
US scientists analyze first LHC data through the Open Science Grid
Symmetry Magazine
The task of connecting scientists with LHC data falls to the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid, a collaboration linking computing grid infrastructures with each other and with 170 computing centers in 34 countries.
Cambridge to “Brain Train” in India
SciDev.net
Cambridge University and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have plans to collaborate in research with a view to generating innovation that benefits society.
Herman Winick accepts Sakharov Prize
Symmetry Magazine
At the 2010 April Meeting of the American Physical Society last week in Washington DC, SLAC physicist Herman Winick accepted the Andrei Sakharov Prize, given to a physicist for outstanding leadership and/or achievements in upholding human rights.
Lois Kazakoff: Global security depends on sharing scientific progress
SFGate
Partisan feuding is undermining America's ability to use our leadership in science in technology to advance U.S. foreign policy and competitiveness.
Pakistan Looking for Meaningful Cooperation with Italy: Dr. Ishfaq
Online International News Network
Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad has said that Pakistan is looking for meaningful cooperation with Italy in various fields relevant for development, particularly science and technology, higher education and power generation.
No water? No problem for these Jordanian farmers.
The Christian Science Monitor
In 2002, Mr. Shukri spent $250,000 to build a small desalination and purification plant for Modern Valley Farms, which he managed in the Jordan Valley. While it was a significant investment, it allowed him to reuse the valley's abundant brackish water and sell his produce in foreign markets with stricter health requirements.
United States and Germany Sign First Science and Technology Agreement
U.S. Department of State
The Governments of the United States and Germany held a Science and Technology Agreement signing ceremony today at the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C..
King Tut: The science behind the discovery
The Christian Science Monitor
The research was an international and interdisciplinary collaboration led by Zahi Hawass, secretary general of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, involving archeologists, medical scientists, and anthropologists from Egypt, Germany, and Italy.
UK and India to Join Forces on Solar Power
Energy Efficient news
The UK and India have announced plans to join forces on developing cost-effective and efficient solar power.
Science Envoy Zerhouni’s North Africa Travel
U.S. Department of State
The second U.S. Science Envoy, Dr. Elias Zerhouni, will embark on a 12-day trip to Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya early next month.
Former prisoner of North Korea builds university for his former captors
The Christian Science Monitor
Decades after being imprisoned by North Korea on espionage charges, Dr. Kim Chin-Kyung is opening the first privately funded university in the north as a way to increase dialogue with the closed-off country.
President Obama Addresses the U.S.-Islamic World Forum
FOX News
President Obama spoke via video conference to the U.S.-Islamic World Forum in Doha, Qatar today. The President built on his speech to the Muslim world last year in Cairo, where he spoke of peace and cooperation.
CPD conference explores science as a language of diplomacy
USC Annenberg News
At a Feb. 5 conference on the USC campus, CPD joined with the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), bringing together scientists, scholars, peacemakers and policymakers to discuss the place of scientific diplomacy in the practice of conflict prevention.
Barren Middle East fights water shortfall
SciDevNet
Seven Middle-Eastern countries have joined forces to share ideas about how farmers can get the most out of water resources in the region's driest areas.
Science Diplomacy: Trading Frock Coats for Lab Coats
Miller-McCune
The American Association for the Advancement of Science is trying to revive an old — but, Turekian says, dormant — idea that “science diplomacy” could make major inroads in countries where traditional American diplomacy is nonexistent, or where existing relationships could be strengthened outside the embassy.
Nigeria: UNN Signs MoU With New York Academy On Science Education
allAfrica.com
The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) on science education and research.
India, Turkey to develop and enhance cooperation in science and technology
oneindia
The joint statement has recognized that cooperation in science and technology will not only advance the state of science and technology to the benefit of both countries but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding between people of both countries
In Haiti, Practicing Medicine From Afar
The New York Times
American doctors are switching to more sophisticated technology to help improve public health in Haiti, one of the world’s poorest nations.
Diplomacy: What’s Science Got To Do With It?
NPR
We all know that the technology produced from scientific research can make international conflicts more deadly than ever. But can science help stop war?...Everyone seems to think the time is ripe for science diplomacy, especially following Obama's appointment of three international "science envoys".
US Military may use Czech Cyber Attacks Protection System
Prague Daily Monitor
he U.S. armed forces will most probably use the results of Czech experts' research in the protection of computer networks against cyber attacks this year.
State set to ink innovation R&D pact with Israel
Deccan Herald
sraeli & State official sources told Deccan Herald that the proposal comes in the wake of Karnataka team pitching for such an alliance with Israeli counterparts following its trade missions to that country.
Germany announces 2 new projects
The Hindu Business Line
The German President also said that a German House of Science and Innovation will be established in New Delhi and under this establishment German institutions will come together and present themselves as a partner for the future.
Space Station Butterfly Experiment Grabs International Interest
redOrbit
It is estimated that approximately 180,000 students around the world followed the experiment, along with interested members of the general public.
Spanish Scientists Cooperate to Fight against Child Trafficking in Haiti
EurekAlert!
Spain's Secretary of State for International Cooperation, Soraya Rodríguez, has presented today a new cooperation program aimed at helping the human tragedy in Haiti.
Gates Promises US$10 Billion for Vaccine Push
SciDev.net
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged to spend more than US$10 billion on vaccine development and deployment in the next decade.
Scientists: Why Haiti Should Move Its Capital
TIME
As a result of that anomaly and others they've seen so far, Amelung and many of his colleagues are urging Haiti's government and international donors to consider relocating the capital, which was largely reduced to rubble by the quake.
M.D. Anderson Forms Relationship with Israeli Hospital
Houston Business Journal
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Israel have agreed to partner on oncology training, treatment and research.
ProQuest Launches AtmosPeer—New Social Network for Atmospheric Scientists
Information Today
A new online community designed specifically for researchers, scholars, librarians, and students in the atmospheric science community leverages the collaborative power of social networking across discipline-specific information.
India, Korea Take Initiative in Science
The Korea Herald
The deal will bring Indian experts together with their local counterparts in a regional cluster of scientific research, development and businesses.
U.S., Japan to Hold Meetings on Nuclear Forensics
Global Security Newswire
The United States and Japan are expected to hold meetings in Washington this month geared toward encouraging collaboration on nuclear forensics.
Spain and Jordan Agree to Nuclear Cooperation
World Nuclear News
Spain recently signed a bilateral agreement with Jordan to cooperate in the field of the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including for power generation and water desalination.
Bolden: New Space Policy Will Stress Cooperation
Space News
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden pledged to boost Israeli participation in the U.S. space program, citing Earth science, robotics and instrumentation as potential areas for future cooperation.
Egyptian Science Stars Get Their Night
Islam Online
With presentations ranging from wild topics such as extracting gold using plants to the more mundane but equally fantastic atom rearrangement, the grand finale of FameLab Egypt drew to an end with a huge bang.
Kalam inaugurates Indo-Korea Tech Centre
ExpressBuzz
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) on Wednesday launched the Indo-Korea Science and Technology centre, which will be dedicated for joint research projects and collaboration.
Academics Speak with White House Representative about Scientific Cooperation
The Jakarta Post
Academics from universities across Indonesia conveyed Thursday their wishes and woes to a number of listeners in Jakarta, including a representative of the White House, through a video conference.
Israeli Experts Work with NASA on Moon Research
The Jerusalem Post
The Israel Space Agency signed a deal that will make it a member of the NASA Center for Moon Research and promote cooperation between the two agencies.
Earthquake Researchers Return to Haiti to Gather Data
Newswise
A University of Arkansas researcher and his colleagues are traveling to Haiti as part of a National Science Foundation expedition to continue taking geologic measurements and better understand what happened, what is happening now, and what might yet occur.
How Sun Power Could Save the World
Halifax Courier
An international research collaboration, supported financially by the European Union and by the Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Korean, Russian and US governments, has recently embarked upon one of the world's greatest and most ambitious scientific challenges.
Vietnam Draws on Finland’s Experience in Promoting Science and Technology
VOVNews
A delegation from the Vietnam Ministry of Science and Technology visited Finland from January 16-25 to gather ideas for promoting science and technology.
Chinese and American Scientists Meet to Discuss Environmental Causes of Cancer
National Cancer Institute
Researchers from science and public health organizations in China and the United States met in China, to discuss collaboration in cancer epidemiology, environmental monitoring, and tobacco control, and how to foster translational research.
Saudi Arabia Launches Initiative For Water Desalination By Solar Energy
BERNAMA
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) announced here Sunday the launch of the first phase of the national initiative for water desalination by solar energy, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Top Emerging Nations Pledge Climate Aid for Poor States
SciDev.net
Four rapidly developing countries — Brazil, South Africa, India and China (known as BASIC) — have vowed to boost climate science cooperation among themselves and other developing countries.
Science Diplomacy Monitor: Relevant Commentary and Reports
Durban diplomacy: Nations may battle to break climate gridlock
Business Standard (India)
Durban is all set to be the new venue for climate diplomacy, as leaders, negotiators and experts across continents gather in that South African city of to cobble up a consensus on the future course of action towards a more livable earth.
Islam Analysis: Change course on collaboration
SciDev
Plans for science collaboration in the Muslim world aren't working and need a major revamp. To turn things around...requires a reshaping of OIC science diplomacy to convince member states that through collaboration their collective science investment will be greater than the sum of its parts, and will result in greater credibility.
India-ROK Nuclear Cooperation: Is It A Win-Win Situation? – Analysis
Eurasia Review
The ROK, with its twenty nuclear plants, currently generates 35 per cent of its electricity needs. It is keen to export its nuclear technology to fast developing countries like India. Seoul also aims to export as many as 80 nuclear reactors to various countries by 2030.
Science diplomacy: Finding paths to Saudi-US cooperation
Arab News
Two years ago, President Barack Obama made a commitment to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries and appointed science envoys to forge meaningful partnerships in science and technology.Since then, science envoys have visited dozens of countries and fostered cooperation in science and technology (S&T) across the globe.
World Water Day: From Detroit to Shanghai
DipNote (Blog)
The theme of World Water Day 2011 is "Water for Cities: Responding to the Urban Challenge." Since I cover water issues for the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai, I sometimes talk to people here about my home state, Michigan, which borders the Great Lakes.
Saving Lake Victoria from drowning
Consulate General of Israel - Los Angeles
Kenya's Lake Victoria is in deep trouble, and Israel is partnering with Germany to come to its rescue. How Israel and Germany came to be involved in an African ecological project is a story based on a history of goodwill.
Arab Water Academy trains 25 senior policy makers on water diplomacy
AME Info
On March 3, 2011, the Arab Water Academy will have completed training the first group of water diplomats in the Arab region... The 6-month training programme focused mainly on 'water diplomacy' and transboundary water issues.
Now is the time for science diplomacy in the Arab world
SciDev.net
In his annual State of the Union address, delivered in Washington DC last month, US President Barack Obama spoke strongly about the need to promote science-based technologies to "protect our planet, and create countless new jobs for our people". His words have significance not only for the United States, but also for the Arab world.
Tailor renewable energies to local culture
SciDev.net
To make an impact, small-scale renewable energy systems must fit social expectations and cultural norms, argues Benjamin K. Sovacool.
Can Science Be Used As A Diplomatic Tool?
NPR News
Some moon craft house instruments from a handful of countries — an example of international scientific collaboration. But how valuable is science in the diplomatic sphere? Biologist Nina Fedoroff, former science adviser to both Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton, talks about her time in Washington.
Egypt’s turmoil: a wake-up call for Arab science
SciDev.net
For most Egyptians protesting vociferously — and ultimately successfully — in Cairo's Tahrir Square and elsewhere over the past two weeks, the state of the nation's science will have been far from the top of their complaints.
From Reykjavik to New START: Science Diplomacy for Nuclear Security in the 21st Century (Remarks)
U.S. Department of State
Working at the intersection of policy and science is where I have spent much of my career so a symposium like this is right up my alley. Science diplomacy is critical to the work that lies ahead and this symposium no doubt will generate valuable ideas for moving the nuclear security agenda forward.
China has potential as space partner
Examiner
The one thing that the world learned early on from the ISS experience is that space is a great forum for diplomacy. One time arch-rivals now work side by side on a daily basis.
How Canada Could Contribute to Science Diplomacy
The Mark News
The Canadian case brings many of these issues, and in particular the aspect of unfulfilled possibilities, into stark relief. Notwithstanding its humiliating electoral defeat at the UN, Canada retains a significant comparative advantage vis-a-vis the global competition in terms of soft power.
Water Shortages Could Trigger Mideast Unrest
Voice of America
Water is a scarce resource in the desert regions of the Middle East. Though disputes over water have come close to triggering wars between nations of the region in the past, diplomats intervened to keep tensions to a minimum. Now a new study suggests that, over the next 20 years, water shortages could trigger unrest within national borders instead of between the nations of the Middle East.
Science, Technology, and Global Change
The Mark News
In a previous article, I examined the relationships – or lack thereof – between diplomacy, science, and international policy, and noted the serious image problems that plague all three enterprises. These difficulties have hobbled the practice of science diplomacy, and are compounded by a host of substantial issues, which will be addressed presently.
Yemen: Think things are bad now? Don’t let it run out of water.
The Christian Science Monitor
Yet with all these problems, the most severe threat to Yemen’s future is its water crisis. Yemen is running out of water fast. Experts say that Sana’a, Yemen’s capital, is likely to run out of water by 2020. This kind of water scarcity breeds conflict and instability...
A Role for Science Diplomacy? Soft Power and Global Challenges – Part II
Guerrilla Diplomacy
Part I of this series examined the relationships – or lack thereof – between diplomacy, science and international policy, and noted the serious image problems which plague all three enterprises. These difficulties have hobbled the practice of science diplomacy...
Science Diplomacy in South Asia
Policy Innovations
Perhaps a missing link in all these conversations is science—an underutilized means of diplomacy worldwide, and particularly in South Asia. This is especially ironic since the subcontinent is perhaps the most "geek-friendly" place on Earth!
Building Trust Through Medical Partnerships
DoD Live
I often tell audiences at home and abroad that medicine is a language all nations understand. It’s one of the best ways to help people who are in need. Medicine builds bridges, builds trust and cooperation, and working together, our partnership in Djibouti will help improve our two countries for our mutual benefit.
Strengthening U.S.-India Agricultural Research
Earth Institute (Blog)
In fact, efforts have been underway since 2009: the Earth Institute’s International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) has been working for the past two years with India’s Ministry of Agriculture and other institutions to improve forecasts of the seasonal monsoon rains that water much of the nation’s farms, and to help farmers manage drought.
A Place for Science Diplomacy?
The Mark News
In my book Guerilla Diplomacy, I argue that if development is the new security in the age of globalization, then diplomacy must displace defence at the centre of international policy. If policymakers were to accept this formulation, then diplomacy, and in particular public diplomacy (PD), would be placed front and centre in international relations.
A Role for Science Diplomacy? Soft Power and Global Challenges – Part I
Guerrilla Diplomacy
Science diplomacy (SD), a term which encompasses both the use of international scientific cooperation to advance foreign policy objectives and the use of diplomacy to achieve scientific ends, represents a critical component within the broader public diplomacy ambit. Science diplomacy is an expression of soft power.
Why has the Global Forum for Health Research collapsed?
SciDev.net
Barely a year ago nearly 1,000 people from 80 countries gathered enthusiastically at the Palacio de Convenciones in Havana, Cuba, under the banner 'Innovating for the health of all'. More than half came from low- and middle-income countries.
Space ministers press for co-operation to make exploration a reality
Flight International
Indeed, said [ESA Council chairman Giuseppe] Pizza, there is no question of achieving ambitious scientific objectives or opening a significant new chapter in space exploration without a global strategy, including the active participation of every European player.
U.S.-India Space Cooperation Could Power Ties
World Politics Review
Space-based solar power (SBSP) may soon emerge as one of the leading sectors of strategic cooperation between India and the U.S., with a recently released report authored by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Peter A. Garretson making the case for it being the next focus of the growing partnership.
United States and Turkey Sign Science and Technology Agreement
U.S. Department of State
This new Agreement, which replaces an earlier 1994 text, marks an important milestone in the rich history of U.S.-Turkish scientific cooperation. As President Obama stated during his visit to Turkey in April 2009, "…Turkey and the United States must stand together -- and work together -- to overcome the challenges of our time."
Islam Analysis: Will the US deliver on its promises?
SciDev.net
To follow up on its promises, the White House appointed three science envoys to the Islamic World last February, with a further three announced last month. It hosted an Entrepreneurship Summit in April this year, and issued a 'fact sheet' of activities in June.
Africa needs a culture of science
SciDev.net
For science and technology to contribute to development goals, countries must embrace a 'science culture' — a scientifically enlightened society where research findings can be better and more efficiently used to produce goods and services
Egypt and Thirsty Neighbors Are at Odds Over Nile
The New York Times
Upstream countries, looking to right what they say are historic wrongs, have joined in an attempt to break Egypt and Sudan’s near-monopoly on the water, threatening a crisis that Egyptian experts said could, at its most extreme, lead to war.
Water security and climate change: how science can help
SciDev.net
Policymakers need better information about the regional impact of climate change on water supplies, and on ways of adapting to it. For centuries, food production — and thus social development — has depended heavily on access to the water needed to grow crops or rear livestock.
On the Nile, Egypt cuts water use as Ethiopia dams for power
Los Angeles Times
It is in the delta, on some of the most fertile land in the world, that rice farmers have been ordered to plant fewer acres to conserve water as Ethiopia and other nations threaten to siphon away millions of gallons before the river reaches Egypt.
Climate data-sharing ‘will be long, expensive process’
SciDev.net
For nations to understand the effects that climate change will have on their locality, it is essential to gather local data into an internationally coordinated database, the meeting, organised by the UK's Meteorological Office, agreed.
Islam Analysis: Promoting scientific collaboration
SciDev.net
Scientific cooperation between Islamic countries has a lacklustre record, marked by a shortage of resources and a lack of political will for investment. The few countries that have invested heavily in recent years — including Iran, Pakistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia — have chosen to work instead with scientifically advanced countries in North–South collaborations that offer more obvious benefits than partnerships among themselves.
African Union science awards to change name
SciDev.net
The African Union Scientific Awards, some of which are scheduled to be given later this week (9 September), will be officially renamed at the ceremony as the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards in order to increase the AU's international visibility.
Asia’s Water Crisis
The Diplomat
As the contradictions of Asia’s water challenges have been laid bare this summer—with millions affected by flooding while others are hit by droughts—one thing has been made clearer: the coming water crisis could exacerbate already simmering domestic and regional tensions.
Water worries
International Business Times
The U.S. State Department attempts to address the crying need for cleaner water through grants and other aid programs to developing nations. Each year the department issues a report, in adherence to the Water for the Poor Act of 2005, detailing its efforts.
Partnering to Strengthen Labs in Liberia
U.S. Africa Command
Captain Gabrielle Caldara, of USARAF's command surgeon's office and Major Mike Walter of USAMRU-K joined for a weeklong partnership in Monrovia, Liberia. Their goal was to assess the AFL's laboratory needs to look for ways that U.S. Army medical personnel can help their Liberian counterparts, Caldara said.
UN declares access to clean water a human right
AFP
The resolution urges states and international organizations to provide financial and technological assistance to help developing countries "scale up efforts to provide safe, clean, accessible and affordable water and sanitation for all."
Water as Human Right Threatens to Split World Body
Inter Press Service
A long outstanding proposal to recognize the right to water as a basic universal human right is threatening to split the world's rich and poor nations. Opposition to the proposal is coming mostly from Western nations, says Maude Barlow, a global water advocate and a founder of the Canada-based Blue Planet Project.
The Future of Russian Innovation: A Conversation with Russia’s Young Entrepreneurs
The Huffington Post (Blog)
On the margins of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, I joined John Beyrle, U.S. Ambassador to Russia, for a meeting with a dynamic group of about 20 young Russian entrepreneurs to discuss their role in and expectations for Russia's economic transformation and modernization.
How to Innovate Together
The Moscow Times
President Dmitry Medvedev was in California two weeks ago drumming up support for creating a version of Silicon Valley in Skolkovo, just outside Moscow. At the heart of the president’s push into the technology sector is the need to diversify Russia’s economy by developing new, innovation-based sectors.
Science, not Hollywood or Starbucks, is America’s best soft power
The Christian Science Monitor
The U.S., admired worldwide for its leadership in technology, should pursue science diplomacy with Muslim-majority countries. Such a policy could complement efforts to promote human rights.
Syria’s window of opportunity
gulfnews
The stream of signals coming from Washington to Damascus has been steady for weeks. This month, three US Congressmen visited Syria, the last of whom, Brian Baird, carried the slogan of 'science diplomacy'.
China and India: Neighbors Need to Collaborate for Sake of Global Environment
Physorg.com
Cooperation between China and India can curtail biodiversity loss, mitigate climate change and reduce deforestation, especially in the Himalayas, the mountain chain that stretches between the Indus and Brahmaputra River valleys.
Science Diplomacy gets a Boost with New Bipartisan Bill
Partnership for a Secure America
Last Friday, Reps. Howard Berman (D- CA) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) introduced the Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy Act, which proposes an increase in the application of science and scientific engagement in America’s foreign policy.
Peace Through Vaccine Diplomacy
Science Magazine
Indonesia, will host U.S. President Obama, a visit that could establish important scientific ties between the United States and Indonesia and implement a potentially powerful piece of vaccine diplomacy.
CRDF Statement on the Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy Act
CRDF
CRDF applauds the extraordinary work spearheaded by Representatives Howard L. Berman (D-CA) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), with their introduction of legislation to enhance and expand the role of science in American foreign policy.
Leverage Science Diplomacy Now to Boost U.S. Foreign Policy
Baltimore Sun
In 1979, a science and technology agreement between the United States and China paved the way for bilateral scientific cooperation that continues to benefit American science and society more broadly.
Science Diplomacy Statement Launch
Partnership for a Secure America
Partnership for a Secure America, U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation, and American Association for the Advancement of Science have released a bipartisan statement signed by 26 prominent members of the political and scientific communities supporting the elevation of science and technology exchanges in U.S. foreign policy.
Climate Science Research: Who Pays, Who Plays?
www.npr.org
A post on the NPR website which responds to the New York Times article by John Tierney on research sponsorship, corporate or otherwise.
Save the Panel on Climate Change!
Spiegel Online
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has been heavily criticized for erroneous projections. In the following editorial, climate researchers Richard Tol, Roger Pielke and Hans von Storch call for a reform of the IPCC.
Russia Loses Science Powerhouse Standing
abc NEWS
Political turmoil, a brain drain of scientists and waning interest have transformed Russia from a nation that launched the first satellite into an increasingly minor player in the world of science, according to a Thomson Reuters report released on Tuesday.
Sustainable Development Linked to Scientific Innovation
MyNews.in
Everyone agrees that better science and technology is vital, but as Watkins and other World Bank staff at the Global Forum asked, what should the Bank’s role be in this process?
Hennessy: Outdated Export Laws Hurt U.S.
Palo Alto Online
Restrictions on technology exports are hurting American innovation and scientific leadership, Stanford University President John Hennessy warned U.S. lawmakers Friday.
UK - MFA - A call for convergence: Science and Diplomacy in the modern age
ISRIA
The Foreign Secretary (of the UK, David Miliband) spoke at the Royal Society on 12 January 2010 on the connections between diplomacy and science.
Get ready for China’s domination of science
NewScientist
China has become the world's second-largest producer of scientific knowledge, surpassed only by the US, a status it has achieved at an awe-inspiring rate.
Harmonizing Global Science
Science Magazine
Every major problem facing modern society now has a science and technology component—either as a cause or cure—whether it's energy and the environment, access to water and fertile land, the spread of infectious diseases, or sustaining a viable economy.
The Science of Diplomacy
Foreign Policy
U.S. President Barack Obama has won over the scientific community. Now, he should adopt their resources and influence for a novel use: bolstering America's foreign policy.
Just how Soft is NASA’s Soft Power Going to be?
The Space Review
While there are lots of serious reasons to object to the Obama Administration’s opening up an expanded relationship between NASA and the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) it is probably too late to stop the process.
Time to Coordinate Science Aid
SciDev.net
Harmonizing 'science for development' funding would make science aid more effective, benefiting both donors and recipients.
Science Diplomacy for Sustainable Development: A Southern Perspective
Deutsche Welle
Science will play a key role in addressing global problems, expert have said. They argue a global science pact is needed to make solutions to problems accessible to all nations.
The Limits of Science Diplomacy
SciDev.net
Using science for diplomatic purposes has obvious attractions and several benefits. But there are limits to what it can achieve.
Science Diplomacy for the 21st Century
Seed Magazine
There is a profound gap between the well-fed citizens of affluent nations with access to up-to-date technology and excellent educational opportunities and citizens of the poorest countries of every continent.
Science Diplomacy
MountainRunner.us
What is "Science Diplomacy"? Science Diplomacy (SD) is the exchange of Science and Technology across borders. A valuable resource and little understood tool of awareness, understanding, and capacity building, its power is not widely known or considered often enough.
Science Diplomacy Monitor: Legislation
Durban diplomacy: Nations may battle to break climate gridlock
Business Standard (India)
Durban is all set to be the new venue for climate diplomacy, as leaders, negotiators and experts across continents gather in that South African city of to cobble up a consensus on the future course of action towards a more livable earth.
Bill Would Boost Science Diplomacy
National Journal (blog)
The House Foreign Affairs Committee is considering a bill that would enable the State Department to fund American research cooperation in the developing world -- including the Muslim world -- as a hedge against extremism.
H.R.4801
GovTrack.us
To establish the Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy, and for other purposes
President Obama Expands “Educate to Innovate” Campaign for Excellence in Science, Technology,
Office of Science Technology Policy
President Obama Expands “Educate to Innovate” Campaign for Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education. Public-private investments of more than $250 million will help prepare over 10,000 new math and science teachers and train over 100,000 existing teachers
U.S. Senate Bill S.838: To Provide for the Appointment of U.S. Science Envoys
U.S. Government Printing Office
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar proposed the creation of a Science Envoy program in April 2009. His legislation was soon passed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. On November 3rd, Secretary Clinton announced the creation of a U.S. Science Envoy Program.
House Approves Bills to Coordinate International Science and Technology Partnerships
House Committee on Science and Technology
The House of Representatives approved two bills that originated in the Committee on Science and Technology. H.R. 1736, the International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of 2009, and H.R. 1709, the STEM Education Coordination Act of 2009.
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