Science Diplomacy

Science Diplomacy, an umbrella term, describes both formal and informal collaborations between stakeholders from science, policy, and diplomacy, which involve various governmental or diplomatic organizations as well as non-governmental and other institutions. These typically address research based and practice oriented international relations, global policy making, societal challenges, differences in cultures and belief-systems, and/or politically delicate situations. At the institutions of the University Alliance Ruhr, the role of science diplomacy is at numerous levels, and we are internationally networked in multiple manners. We operate international liaison offices for the promotion and intensification of our international contacts and cooperation. Our departments organize cross-disciplinary talks and research projects to further scientific relationships and dialogue as well as international research. Important topics include discussions and research on displacement, migration, and international higher education, as well as current political developments and crisis. Of note is that the Ruhr University Bochum helped found and steer the German branch of the Scholars at Risk Network (SaR) . This network seeks to protect fundamental scientific rights and freedoms, both in research and teaching.

• In 2024, UA Ruhr brings together our President's Roundtable (with all three UA Ruhr University Presidents) to discuss the role of universities for internationalization. The event marks 20 years of our North American office in New York. 
   
• In 2023 and in the context of Science Diplomacy and Academic Freedom, University Alliance Ruhr curated the exhibition "What We Brought With Us" with Goethe-Institut and organized a panel discussion “Objects of Resilience: Exploring Symbolic Weight of Refugee Things” alongside the Humanities in Exile Symposium at University of Cincinnati. 
  • First meeting of the Transatlantic Working Group for At-Risk Scholars during Future Forum (DWIH Spotlight Event)
     
• In 2022, the University Alliance Ruhr along with our partners, German Center for Research and Innovation, and UAS7 – German Universities of Applied Sciences, hosted a breakfast meeting on Science Diplomacy in International Organizations: Fostering Multilateral Resilience and Driving Sustainable Innovations. Click here for more information or download the most important takeaways here.