Sir Mark WalportChief Scientific Adviser to HM Government

Science DiplomacyA big country perspective

What does being a big country mean?

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• More GDP means economies of scale for scientific advice

• We have the capacity to do research in lots of different areas

• Quick access to high quality domestic scientific networks

• More diplomatic influence

Credit: iStockphoto

Three different kinds of Scientific Diplomacy

• Diplomacy for science• Helping scientists to achieve their goals –

diplomacy supports science

• Science in diplomacy• Science informs policy objectives by

providing robust evidence or access to people and networks – science supports our diplomatic competencies

• Science for diplomacy• Science is a beach head in politically

difficult circumstances and can lead to improved political, social and economic links – science builds diplomatic relations

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Credit: Arpingstone

The common theme is scientists

• Can speak a common ‘language’

• Can argue in public more easily than diplomats!

• Can talk about difficult subjects more acceptably

• Are often more ‘believed’, especially by the public

• Are very used to sharing, (facilities, people and ideas!) across boundaries

In fact, science is at its best when it is an international endeavour

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Scientists:

Our first steps – the Royal Society

• The Royal Society appointed a Foreign Secretary in 1723

• Role to maintain regular correspondence with scientists overseas

• This was 59 years before the UK appointed its first foreign secretary

• Continues to today with Martin Poliakoff FRS

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Credit: Royal Society

Credit: Royal Society

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Credit: Olivier H. Beauchesne

International collaboration is the way to solve international problems

• Many 21st century challenges require scientific collaboration• Climate change• Poverty reduction• Food security• Nuclear disarmament

• Collaboration is essential for our domestic science• Strength of research base• Creativity of innovation

ecosystem• Knowledge economy• More export potential!

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Credit: CraneStation/CC BY 2.0 Credit: Earth Institute

Credit: vauvau/CC BY 2.0 Credit: US Department of Energy

What does good international collaboration look like?

• Access to world class facilities, people and ideas

• Access to multilateral funding (e.g. Horizon 2020)

• Reputation as a science and innovation nation

• Attracts foreign direct investment

• Attracts overseas students

• Lends credibility in debates

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A taste of what international collaboration has helped us to

achieve• 46% of UK scientific papers were

produced collaboratively with overseas authors

• 42 of the top 100 most international universities are in the UK (The Times, London)

• In 2011, the UK attracted $7 billion overseas-financed R&D

• UK is now the #1 recipient of EU FP7 research funds

• Leading participants in LHC, ITER and SKA

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Three UK initiatives:1. Science & Innovation Networks

(SIN)• Set up in 2001 with the aim of

linking science more directly to its foreign policy priorities.

• Now 93 staff in 28 countries and 47 cities around the world

• Work alongside other diplomats and representatives of UK bodies

• Understand and link science to policy, people and priorities

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Science and Innovation Network offices across the globe

Three UK initiatives:2. Foreign Office Chief Scientific

Adviser• The Foreign Office appointed

their first Chief Scientific Adviser in 2009

• Post now filled by Robin Grimes, a nuclear physicist

• Integrates science across Foreign Office priorities

• Improves linkages to other government departments

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Credit: EPSRC

Three UK initiatives:3. The Newton Fund

• Established this year

• Develops economic development and welfare of emerging economies through science and innovation partnerships

• £75 million per year for five years

• Requires matched funding from partner countries, the private sector, foundations and multilateral organisations

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Closing remarks

• International science collaboration is a tool both for diplomacy and as an engine for the economy

• We must remain open to world-leading scientists sharing knowledge

• The growing capabilities of BRICs and others are an opportunity for greater international engagement

• Collaboration is the key to pursuing our shared goals

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Credit: NASA

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