Science Diplomacy

Science diplomacy has become one of the most consequential intersections of our time — where the conduct of international relations meets the realities of climate change, artificial intelligence, global health, space, energy security, and emerging technologies. As global challenges grow increasingly technical and transnational, governments, international organizations, and research institutions are turning to science diplomacy as a critical tool for building trust, advancing cooperation, and shaping policy. At the Elliott School's Institute for International Science and Technology Policy (IISTP), we recognize this shift — and we are responding to it. Situated in Washington, DC, at the center of U.S. foreign policy and global governance, IISTP brings together the study of international affairs, science and technology policy, innovation governance, and diplomacy in ways that few programs in the United States are positioned to do.

The Science Diplomacy section of this website reflects our commitment to making these connections visible, accessible, and meaningful — especially for the next generation of global leaders. Whether you are a graduate student exploring how science shapes foreign policy, a practitioner navigating international research cooperation, or a policymaker thinking about AI governance and technology diplomacy, this is your starting point. Here you will find information about our courses and training opportunities, including our dedicated Science Diplomacy course; insights into the broader science diplomacy landscape; curated resources and key organizations in the field; and upcoming events that bring scholars, diplomats, and practitioners together. IISTP is building one of the few university-based science diplomacy education and engagement platforms in the United States — and Washington, DC is exactly where that conversation needs to happen.

Leading faculty

Image

Derya Karacan