Science Diplomacy as an Intercultural Encounter – Open Conference at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

InsSciDE's second Open Conference brings intercultural encounters and academic training in science diplomacy into the spotlight. An interdisciplinary group of scholars in the humanities and social sciences interact with practitioners, students and stakeholders to analyze science diplomacy as an intercultural encounter, and explore how this understanding could enrich research and training. National, regional or ethnic cultures but also a diversity of technoscientific, diplomatic, engineering, business and other compound cultures come together in science diplomacy. Profound differences in worldview and life practice may be found among the actors addressing contemporary global challenges, such as when indigenous peoples are enrolled in climate change negotiations bringing alternative views on science. Technical multi-lingualism becomes a key competence in negotiating multilateral solutions to global crises. To create a rich description and deep analysis, science diplomacy studies must acknowledge the multiple dynamics of the intercultural encounter, the tacit or overt tensions, effects and compromises. Science diplomacy training too should acknowledge this encounter, and the educational endeavor may be framed as an intercultural exercise.