“Science Without Borders. Polish-German Academic Cooperation for Science Diplomacy” is a project carried out with the support of the Foundation for Polish-German Cooperation in Science.

The project focuses on science diplomacy and its role in international cooperation, with particular emphasis on Polish-German relations.

The exchange of knowledge, research cooperation, and international academic networks are increasingly understood not only as means of advancing science, but also as instruments for building relations, trust, and dialogue between states and institutions.

The project examines these issues from a Polish-German perspective, highlighting the importance of regional and cross-border cooperation. It thus approaches science diplomacy not only through the lens of relations between states, but also from the perspective of cooperation between academic institutions, researchers, and other actors involved in the international circulation of knowledge.

The project comprises two main activities:

• an international academic conference
• a joint academic publication.

The conference will take place on 25 November 2026 in Szczecin in a hybrid format. An important focus of the conference will be the role of science in addressing contemporary challenges in cross-border contexts. The conference will bring together researchers and practitioners, providing an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences concerning contemporary practices of science diplomacy.

The publication, planned for 2027, will document current practices while also contributing to academic reflection on the mechanisms of cooperation between science and policymaking. It will include analyses, case studies, and comparative perspectives on experiences related to science diplomacy.

A key dimension of the project is the development of academic cooperation between Poland and Germany. Joint activities undertaken by the University of Szczecin and Hochschule Neubrandenburg aim to facilitate the exchange of experience, foster new academic relationships, and lay the foundations for future research and international initiatives.

The project contributes to the broader debate on the role of science in contemporary international relations. Its aim is not only to analyse existing practices, but also to create a space for reflection on how academic cooperation can transcend national, institutional, and disciplinary boundaries and contribute to building lasting relations between societies.

• The project is supported by the Foundation for Polish-German Cooperation in Science.
• The project partner is Hochschule Neubrandenburg.
• The project is supported by Szczecin Association of Scientists SATU and Technopark Pomerania.