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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.

• Date: 25 November 2026
• Venue: Technopark Pomerania, Cyfrowa 2–8, Szczecin (PL) and online
• Participation: free of charge; registration required – registration form
• Conference Programme in pdf

***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:

Scientific diplomacy is gaining increasing importance as a field at the intersection of science, politics, and international relations. In the face of the growing complexity of contemporary challenges — including climate change, energy security, public health, and social transformations — cooperation grounded in knowledge and expertise is becoming an increasingly important element of fostering dialogue and developing shared solutions.

Scientific diplomacy is of particular relevance in the context of neighbouring states and border regions. Geographical proximity, shared historical experiences, social and institutional ties, and everyday cross-border interactions create distinctive conditions for developing relationships based on knowledge exchange and cooperation. Border regions provide a space in which universities, research institutions, public authorities, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders can play an important role in building relations between states and strengthening mutual trust.

This monograph aims to explore how scientific diplomacy develops in the context of relations between neighbouring states and to examine the role that border regions play in this process.

Further details coming soon.

Dr Olga Łozińska has been awarded funding by the Polish-German Science Foundation to carry out the project “Science Without Borders: Polish-German Academic Cooperation for Science Diplomacy.”

The project focuses on strengthening Polish-German academic cooperation and developing activities related to science diplomacy. Science diplomacy refers to the use of science, expert knowledge, and research cooperation as tools for supporting international dialogue, building relations between states, and addressing shared challenges. It encompasses efforts to facilitate international scientific cooperation, the use of science as a means of fostering mutual trust, and the contribution of scientific knowledge to the development of public policy.

The project will create opportunities to strengthen cooperation between academic communities in Poland and Germany, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience, and develop joint initiatives exploring the role of science in shaping international relations. Particular attention will be given to the cross-border dimension of the project and to the Polish-German border region as a space for scientific cooperation, dialogue, and relationship-building.

Strengthening links between academic communities on both sides of the border can foster the exchange of knowledge and experience, contribute to the development of lasting research partnerships, and support joint efforts to address challenges at the local, European, and global levels.

As part of the project, an international academic conference, “Science Diplomacy in Border Regions: Building Relations between Neighbouring States,” will be held on 25 November 2026. The project will also result in the publication of a scholarly volume entitled Science Diplomacy Across Borders.

The project is being implemented in partnership with the Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences.

The University of Szczecin has become a member of the European Union Science Diplomacy Alliance – a European network of institutions committed to advancing and promoting science diplomacy.

As part of the University of Szczecin’s membership in the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance, the UNESCO Chair for Social Sustainability at the University of Szczecin will play a key role in representing the University and developing its activities in the field of science diplomacy.

The Chair will coordinate the University’s participation in the Alliance’s initiatives, supporting the development of international cooperation, the exchange of knowledge and experience, and activities aimed at strengthening the role of science in addressing contemporary social and global challenges.

The European Union Science Diplomacy Alliance is a collaborative platform bringing together universities, research institutions, expert organisations, and other stakeholders engaged in the development of science diplomacy. The Alliance aims to foster dialogue, knowledge and experience exchange, training activities, institutional capacity building, and project-based cooperation in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.

Joining the Alliance opens up new opportunities for the University of Szczecin to cooperate with partner institutions from different countries, participate in international projects, and actively engage in initiatives connecting science, policy, and society. Membership in the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance will also provide a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences on the role of science in building international relations and addressing key contemporary challenges.

Dr Olga Łozińska will serve as the coordinator for the University’s cooperation with the EU SD Alliance, overseeing communication and supporting the development of joint activities within the network.

More information about the European Union Science Diplomacy Alliance can be found at: www.science-diplomacy.eu

The Pomeranian Universities Alliance brings together twelve universities from the Polish-German border region, creating a space for joint activities in science, education and the sustainable future of the region.

The Alliance includes the University of Szczecin, as well as the Academy of Art in Szczecin, Maritime University of Szczecin, Koszalin University of Technology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Hochschule für Nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde (HNEE), Hochschule Neubrandenburg – University of Applied Sciences, Hochschule Stralsund – University of Applied Sciences, University of Greifswald, Hochschule für Musik und Theater Rostock, and University of Rostock.

The cooperation focuses on the exchange of knowledge and experience, the development of joint research and educational initiatives, and strengthening relations between universities and communities on both sides of the border.

The Pomeranian Universities Alliance demonstrates how academic cooperation can become a practical instrument of science diplomacy. Joint research, knowledge exchange and direct contacts between researchers create lasting channels of dialogue across national borders.

This is particularly important for the Pomeranian region. Many contemporary challenges – from sustainable development and social change to environmental issues and the cohesion of border regions – require cooperation that extends beyond individual countries and institutions.

The Pomeranian Universities Alliance is therefore more than a network of universities. It is an example of how science can support dialogue, build relationships across borders and contribute to the sustainable future of a shared region.