Cssp

BA-TWAS-AAAS Regional Workshop on Science Diplomacy

Call for Application

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) through the Center for Special Studies and Programs (CSSP), The World Academy of Sciences for the Advancement of Science in Developing Countries Arab Regional Partner (TWAS-AREP) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) were seeking candidates to participate in the regional workshop on science diplomacy, that was held on 12-16 June 2019 in Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt. The workshop was the second among a series of courses within specific regions, launched by AAAS and TWAS, to better address relevant regional science diplomacy issues.

The workshop exposed participants to key contemporary international and regional science policy issues while providing an overview of how science, technology and innovation contribute to policy development, global governance and conflict resolution. Another focus of the meeting was to gain a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the roles that governments, academia, international organizations and the private sector play in addressing complex science-based issues such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the different governance structures required for the involvement of these different stakeholders. Finally, the workshop took stock of science diplomacy case studies and experiences in the various forms that they took in the Arab Region and build strong networks to foster the next generation of science diplomats in the region. This workshop encouraged active interaction among participants, speakers and facilitators as they develop ideas and strategies to enhance science diplomacy in the region.

PARTICIPANTS

This workshop was designed for young Arab scientists (below the age of 40) living and working in the Arab Region, whose research and wider engagement have brought them into the international policy-making arena, as well as policymakers and diplomats interested in some of the central science-based themes that might influence their work, in addition to representatives from NGOs and other sectors working at the science-diplomacy interface. Alumni would join a global network of young leaders and innovators reaching across borders to address societal challenges and become agents of change in their countries and sectors. Special consideration was given to applications from refugee young Arab scientists who come from countries suffering from war but may be living in other countries.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

The completed signed application and requested supporting documents was submitted via the online system: Click Here
The deadline for submitting applications was 17 March 2019
Applications were invited from young Arab scientists (up to the age 40) as well as scientists, diplomats, representatives from NGOs, industry, and other sectors working at the science diplomacy nexus.
Economy class flights, local transport and accommodation in Alexandria was covered for selected participants; selected participants will have to cover their visa and travel insurance costs. A limited number of spaces for self-funded and partially-funded candidates was available. Applicants were encouraged to seek support from their institutions and to include a plan for how would they apply the newly gained knowledge and skills back in their organization.
Applicants from Science & Technology Lagging Countries(STLCs) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) from the Arab region were especially encouraged to apply.
Women were particularly encouraged to apply.
Only complete applications were considered.
Successful candidates were informed by mid-April. An expert committee reviewed the applications received.
For more information on the TWAS science diplomacy programme, please see http://twas.org/science-diplomacy