science diplomacy
Innovation
“In an era of complex global challenges, science diplomacy is a critical tool for U.S. foreign policy. The opportunity to strengthen that tool and advance our diplomatic goals should not be missed.”
—Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering and Dr. Peter Agre (Baltimore Sun, Feb. 2010)
the scientific and foreign affairs communities on the value of science diplomacy, as well as op-eds published in the San Diego Tribune and the Baltimore Sun outlining the key points of their campaign. View the statement and these press articles at www.psaonline.org/science. CRDF, PSA, and AAAS also hosted events in San Jose, CA and Washington, DC featuring notable experts on engaging the U.S. science and engineering communities, to advance diplomacy, global security, and economic competitiveness. Similar events are planned for Houston, TX and New York, NY in 2010. CRDF’s Role in Supporting Science Diplomacy
The Power of Science Diplomacy Disease, climate change, extreme poverty, water and energy shortages, and armed conflict are some of the global challenges we face today. Science—particularly in the form of international collaborative partnerships—must play a pivotal role in addressing these issues. Scientific cooperation is a productive, apolitical, and non-controversial way to engage countries where diplomatic relations may be strained. These relationships strengthen our institutions and foster greater understanding between America and the rest of the world. Science diplomacy provides a way to establish non-threatening, collaborative environments in which to build bridges between individuals from different countries where shared scientific goals overcome pre-existing conflicts. It is imperative that the U.S. utilize its scientific and technological strength to deepen international partnerships and tackle global challenges. In “Time for a New Era of Science Diplomacy,” an article published by Science Magazine on February 9, 2007, authors Kristin M. Lord and Vaughn C. Turekian describe the crucial, if underappreciated, role science diplomacy has played in U.S. foreign policy over the last 50 years. Both authors believe that science diplomacy must be revitalized because of the rising value of nongovernmental associations, private companies and social networks that operate in all levels of society in nations around the world. They argue that science and technology unifies the United States and other nations. Science and technology (S&T) remain among the most admired aspects of American society, even among nations without a wholly favorable opinion of the U.S. Science has the power to inform decisions and serve as a core instrument of diplomacy. Science cooperation is critical to America’s ability to win worldwide respect and support and can help build bridges for peace and prosperity worldwide
Science Diplomacy Campaign CRDF, the Partnership for a Secure America (PSA) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) have embarked on a campaign to highlight the importance of science diplomacy. Components of the campaign include a statement by leaders from
CRDF has proven that science diplomacy, through our work in more than 30 countries, that science is an asset to the national and international R&D communities. Its ability, alacrity and accomplishments have created a matrix of success, and the opportunity to apply that experience to future challenges where R&D can be used to impact them. CRDF’s work implements science collaborations that address security, competitiveness, and foreign policy interests along with building global science partnerships, has helped to: •
Address health, energy, environment and other global challenges through merit-based grantmaking.
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Promote nonproliferation and security by redirecting former weapons scientists toward productive civilian research.
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Support U.S. competitiveness and foreign entrepreneurship through programs that help America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs to access knowledge and innovation wherever it exists around the world—and at the same time create benefits for their foreign counterparts.
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Promote institution building and sustainability by working with foreign countries to build scientific and educational institutions that are based on the principles of merit and transparency.
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The Iraq Virtual Science Library (IVSL), initiated by CRDF, which provides free, full-text access to thousands of scientific journals from major publishers as well as a large collection of online educational materials.
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The U.S.-DPRK Science Engagement Consortium delegation trip in December 2009 to North Korea to discuss with North Korean leaders future opportunities for collaborative research activities in fields of mutual interest. CRDF serves as Secretariat of the Consortium.
CRDF is a nonprofit organization that promotes international science collaborations to advance diplomacy and foreign development. CRDF unites scientists and businesses internationally to research issues of international scientific and technological importance, to advance security by stemming proliferation of weapons expertise, and to build economies through enhanced educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. Through its activities, CRDF builds upon the principles that the United States cherishes: transparency, meritocracy and innovation. Since 1995, CRDF has promoted colorations between the U.S. and Eurasia, and now also works to advance cooperation globally, with a high priority on the Middle East and North Africa.
1530 Wilson Blvd, 3rd Fl | Arlington, VA 22209 | info@crdf.org | www.crdf.org | Tel: 703-526-9720
June | 2010