Conference: Science Diplomacy in Border Regions

Science Diplomacy in Border Regions: Building Relations between Neighbouring States

Contemporary diplomacy increasingly extends beyond traditional political relations to encompass scientific cooperation, knowledge exchange, and international research networks. Science diplomacy draws on scientific cooperation and expert knowledge to support international relations, while also creating opportunities for cooperation between states and institutions.

This is particularly relevant in the context of neighbouring states and border regions. Here, international relations often take on a direct and practical dimension, with universities, research institutions, public authorities, and other stakeholders working together to address shared social, economic, and environmental challenges.

The conference will explore the role of science in building lasting relations between neighbouring states. Discussions will focus on the specific characteristics of science diplomacy in border regions, the role of universities and research institutions in developing cross-border cooperation, the contribution of scientific cooperation to building trust, and the use of scientific knowledge and data to address shared challenges.

The Polish-German experience will provide an important point of reference, alongside perspectives from other European border regions and neighbouring states.

The conference welcomes researchers and academics, representatives of universities and research institutions, public authorities, and practitioners working in cross-border cooperation and international scientific cooperation.

 

***Conference Programme***

8:30–9:00 | Registration

9:00–9:30 | Opening Session

  • Prof. Kinga Flaga-Gieruszyńska – Vice-Rector for Organisation, University of Szczecin
  • Prof. Gerd Teschke – Rector, Hochschule Neubrandenburg
  • Prof. Daniel Wacinkiewicz – President of Technopark Pomerania, University of Szczecin

9:30–10:15 | Keynote Lecture

  • Dr hab. n. med. Andrzej Ossowski, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin

10:15–11:45 | Panel Discussion: Science Diplomacy: Knowledge, Cooperation and Challenges

Moderator: Prof. Pierre-Frédéric Weber, University of Szczecin

Panellists:

  1. Dr Tim Flink – Verband Forschender Arzneimittelhersteller / Humboldt University of Berlin
  2. Dr Agnieszka Łada-Konefał – German Poland Institute (online)
  3. Dr Kalterina Shulla – University of Bonn
  4. Dr Monika Szkarłat – Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin (online)

11:45–12:00 | Coffee Break

12:00–13:30 | Panel Discussion: Building Science Diplomacy: Mobility, Universities and Partnerships

Moderator: Prof. Monika Machoy-Rakoczy – Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin

Panellists:

  1. Dr Klaudia Knabel – German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
  2. Jan Jerzy Malicki – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland (online)
  3. Dr Damian Syjczak – Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)
  4. Dr Magdalena Sajdak – Ethics Advice Mechanism to the European Commission
  5. Prof. Gerd Teschke – Hochschule Neubrandenburg

 13:30–14:00 | Lunch Break

 14:00–15:30 | Panel Discussion: From Research to Innovation: Science, Technology and Industry in Science Diplomacy

Moderator: Paweł Szeremet – Head of the Office for Innovation, Science and Smart Specialisations, West Pomeranian Region

Panellists:

  1. Dr Norbert Obrycki – University of Szczecin
  2. Prof. Rafał Rakoczy – West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin
  3. Marcin Zamaro – Regional Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Szczecin
  4. Representative of German local government

15:30–15:45 | Closing Remarks

 

Conference Programme in pdf

Academic coordination and contact: Dr Olga Łozińska, University of Szczecin, olga.lozinska@usz.edu.pl

 

Project supported by:

 

Project Partners: