A Unit of Science Outside the Lab Program Report June 26 - July 2, 2016 Marga Gual Soler, Ph.D. marga.gual@asu.edu Assistant Research Professor School for the Future of Innovation in Society Arizona State University
The Program SCIENCE DIPLOMACY & LEADERSHIP PROGRAM June 26 - July 2, 2016 Washington DC A workshop for scientists and engineers interested in the intersection of science and diplomacy, especially in the context of Latin America and the Caribbean Who should attend? Early career scientists and engineers interested in the broader implications of science, technology and innovation for international relations and addressing the emerging challenges facing the Americas. What to expect? Academic module: includes lectures by Arizona State University faculty, national and international speakers, and visits to federal agencies, nonprofits, multilateral bodies and think tanks focused on regional engagement with Latin America. What is the role of science in global challenges? How do nations engage in scientific cooperation? How are shared spaces and natural resources governed? How can science stabilize difficult political relations? Solutions to challenges that know no borders, such as ensuring energy, health, water or food security in a sustainable world lie at the intersection of science and international relations. Science diplomacy is an emerging concept that promotes the common language and values of science to cooperatively solve global problems. Leadership module: training in communication, teamwork, crosscultural awareness, innovation and entrepreneurship. Networking: join a growing inter- American network of young leaders and innovators reaching across borders to positively impact the region. How much does it cost? $2,500 includes tuition, shared lodging at George Washington University dorms, breakfasts, lunches and local transportation. Does not include travel and visa costs to Washington DC. $2000 without lodging and breakfast. Questions? Contact Dr. Marga Gual Soler at Marga.Gual@asu.edu The Science Diplomacy & Leadership Program is an international Science Outside the Lab course presented by the Consortium for Science, Policy & Outcomes to expose scientists and engineers to key transnational issues relating to science, technology, environment and health in the Americas. Participants will develop a broad set of skills and practical tools to work across borders, cultures and disciplines and become agents of change in their countries and in the region. Apply by March 31, 2016 http://cspo.org/science-diplomacy-leadership-program/ Participants came from the US, México, Argentina and Paraguay
Academic Module Networking Module Leadership Module The Program Introduction to Science Diplomacy Science Diplomacy at the United Nations: the road to the Sustainable Development Goals Science as a Bridge for Peace and Prosperity in the Middle East The Role of U.S. Science Envoys Polar Diplomacy: the Antarctic Treaty as Success Story for Science Diplomacy Health Diplomacy in the Americas Transboundary Science: Lessons from Africa to Latin America Urban Resilience to Extremes Decision Theater and Policy Design Studio at the McCain Institute Strengths-based Leadership Proposal development Improvisation and cross-cultural communication Media training Conversation with Cuban Dignitaries Inter-American Development Bank Dialogue with Science Attachés hosted by the Embassy of Costa Rica Office of the S&T Adviser to the U.S. Department of State NASA Goddard Space Flight Center An evening with Chef José Andrés
Guest Faculty and Speakers AMB. ROMAN MACAYA HAYES GEN. BENJAMIN FREAKLEY Senior Advisor at the McCain Institute
Guest Faculty and Speakers PROF. NANCY GRIMM Co-Director, Uban Resilience to Extremes Sustainability Research Network (URExSRN) ANNE SIMMONS-BENTON Executive Director, ASU International Development DR. JOSÉ MIGUEL BENAVENTE Chief of the Competitiveness and Innovation Division at the Inter-American Development Bank DR. WILLIAM COLGLAZIER Former S&T Adviser to the Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State CHEF JOSÉ ANDRÉS Founder of World Central Kitchen
Participants feedback All speakers were extraordinary: their experiences, their generosity in telling us their stories and the patience for our questions, and their interest in discussing with us their approach and the "behind the scenes" of diplomatic relationships and the impact on public policies. I feel this was an extraordinary experience, which allowed me to meet extraordinary people. Marga and Carlo, my classmates, the speakers, their working teams, the institutions they represent, the interests they hold, the goals they aim. I hope this kind of experience might be multiplied in different countries, building stronger relations and institutional channels where to place further collaboration. I realized that science diplomacy is the way of the future. In a globalized world it is very important to be well informed, and now the media and social media are playing a very important role on that. Instead, I believe that our duty as scientists and educated people is to be able to communicate. NASA was a dream come true... All the speakers and the places we visited were excellent, they have explained us in detail their activities and the importance of collaboration to accomplish them. This speaker captivated me, beyond her amazing career and professional experience, I felt that she left on me a very strong message of encouragement, strength and personal growth. I felt very motivated with her talk. I found that the workshop revealed some very personal and deep seated issues, especially around confidence and empowerment. The communication practice was extremely useful for all aspects on my life, not just as an aspiring science diplomat. I was surprised by the usefulness of improv techniques regarding communication in science and diplomacy.
Participants feedback It was really exciting to be inside the Decision Theater, and to see how the information is modeled in order to be accessible to a broader audience. Visualization was impressive and it gave us a thought on the apparently limitless reach of graphs and articulation. There seemed to be a universal underlying message to all of the workshop sessions and talks: the importance of seeking to understand your audience before being understood. I liked everything, from the talks and diversity of speakers, the stories about their work in the field, to the amazing environment with the participants. I loved the variety of environments, agencies, and people experienced and encountered for our institutional visits and networking module. It was an outstanding experience to meet the ambassador and science attachés, to know better their interests and to see their plans. They were extremely nice and kind, and specially their dedication to the current and potential projects. What I enjoyed the most was to be inside these institutions and to meet those who make things happen. To ask them how did they get involved in that position and what did they do to strengthen diplomacy. Meeting some great minds and visiting the places they work. It was a lot easier, afterward, envisioning potentially working at some of these places.
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