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Science Diplomacy

Global research partnerships are a central feature of science diplomacy. They contribute to solve shared global challenges and strengthen international cooperation. Global research partnerships and international diplomacy are inextricably linked. Global research partnerships provide relevant knowledge to inform foreign policy objectives and international agreements. Moreover, global research partnerships strengthen international relations, especially in contexts where formal diplomatic relations are weak. On the other hand, diplomatic relations and multilateral cooperation foster conductive conditions for collaborative scientific endeavours and innovation.

Global Research Partnerships in Diplomacy
Global research partnerships provide scientific evidence and expertise to inform international decision-making on shared provlem solving for transboundary challenges such as health crises, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Institutions like CGIAR, Swiss TPH and the Spiez Laboratory play a vital role in advising policy through their contributions to global biosecurity, environmental governance, and public health frameworks.

Global Research Partnerships for Diplomacy
Global collaboration in research and teaching build trust and sustain international cooperation, especially in contexts where formal diplomatic ties are weak or contested. Swiss-supported institutions such as CSRS in Côte d’Ivoire or the Transnational Red Sea Center exemplify how scientific collaboration can foster long-term bilateral relations and maintain open communication channels in fragile political environments. These partnerships function as neutral, knowledge-driven platforms in politically sensitive contexts.

Diplomacy for Global Research Partnerships
Global research and teaching partnerships depend on diplomatic frameworks that facilitate mobility, access to funding, and joint infrastructure. Instruments such as Swissnex, bilateral funding programmes, and multilateral initiatives (e.g. CERN, CGIAR, EDCTP) are supported through diplomatic channels that make scientific collaboration possible at scale.

Our Activities on Science Diplomacy

The ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva establish in the internationally renowned city of Geneva the Lab for Science in Diplomacy

Image: Photograph: UNIGE/Marco Cattaneo

In 2023 the GRP-Alliance launched a project to describe the current Swiss science diplomacy ecosystem, assess its value, and identify areas that could be strengthened and the means to do so.

In 2024 the GRP-Alliance Swiss science-diplomacy relations with specific African countries. On the basis of case studies, the project identified with researchers, research funders and actors of internationl cooperation benefits and obstacles of engaging in science diplomacy relations.