Imagining New Ground for Science Diplomacy

Conference to be held on 16–17 June 2026 at AIAS at Aarhus University, Denmark.

The field of science diplomacy stands at a significant turning point, shaped by emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing — both diplomatic tools and competitive forces — alongside complex and tension-filled multipolar power relations and urgent global challenges. In this context, science is often portrayed as vital to tackling these issues and gaining strategic advantage worldwide. This pivotal turning point represents an opportunity to broaden and enrich the field of science diplomacy: to make space for fresh perspectives and approaches to the topic and to invite those already working on science diplomacy to consider where multiple conceptions of “science” and multiple understandings of “diplomacy” intersect, conflict and co-exist.

The Science Diplomacy group at AIAS asks: Where can we imagine new ground — and new grounding — for science diplomacy? What practices, perspectives and possibilities have we overlooked when thinking about how science exists at the intersection of its epistemic and diplomatic dimensions?

To be considered for participation, please submit the following online by 1 December 2025:

• a title
• an abstract (of a maximum of 300 words)
• a short bio (of a maximum of 200 words)

ACCESS THE FULL CALL FOR ABSTRACTS & SUBMIT HERE

🔗https://aias.au.dk/events/science-diplomacy-conference

ORGANIZERS: The AIAS Science Diplomacy group:

Casper Andersen, Department of Philosophy and History of Ideas, Aarhus University, Denmark Maria Rentetzi, Department of Science Technology and Gender Studies, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany Matteo de Donà, Department of Political Science, Lund University, Sweden Rachel Fishberg, Department of Political Science at Aarhus University, Denmark

We are looking forward to your contribution and to engaging discussions in Aarhus this coming June.

Kind regards,