Science Diplomacy Workshop: translating science into policy

Expressions of interest are invited from both staff and students to participate in the workshop ‘Science Diplomacy Worksop: translating science into policy‘, run in partnership with the University of Aberdeen. ECRs and PhD students are encouraged to apply.

The workshop will take place virtually from 8 – 11 February 2022 (3 hours per day) and will be framed around the role of science diplomacy in the Global Leaders Summits such as the recent COP26 Climate Summit.

The aims of the workshop are:

● To help our research community to understand climate, biodiversity and global governance, with emphasis in international climate policy and diplomacy frameworks (engagement with NGOs and policy-led institutions e.g. IUCN; intergovernmental conventions and processes, such as UNFCCC, IPCC, IPBES, CBD; participation in COP26*; UN SDGs and the 2030 Agenda).
● Learn to convey their research to policymakers using innovative tools and techniques.
● Develop communication and negotiation skills to navigate international and cultural boundaries, to establish research partnerships with other universities, as well as governments, NGOs, multilateral  organizations and the private sector and to address shared challenges and increase our collective impact.
● Develop a ‘train the trainers’ toolkit to empower institutions to replicate the training and adapt it to their needs.

The workshop is structured as follows:

Module 1 – Introduction to science diplomacy
Introduction to science diplomacy and climate, biodiversity, data and health governance
frameworks and policy interfaces.

Module 2 – How to make your research matter at the negotiation table?
Knowledge and skills: policy brief assignment.
Communication and negotiation skills: simulating science diplomacy scenarios using scenic arts methodologies and negotiation simulations.

Module 3 – Impact into practice
Plenary with relevant stakeholders (e.g. Tara Shine)
Breakout sessions
Pitching session to a high-level climate policy expert panel
Peer-to-peer exchange: evaluation and feedback on the policy brief.

Module 4 – Mock COP26
Train the trainers: workshop trainees become school facilitators

Module 5 – Workshop debrief

Further information can be found here.