Below is the background information outlining the scope of the survey.
The International Science Council (ISC) is conducting this survey to better understand the engagement, capacities, and needs of its Members in relation to science diplomacy. This initiative is part of the ISC’s ongoing commitment to support its global membership in navigating the evolving landscape at the intersection of science and international relations. Science diplomacy is one of the ISC priority areas identified in the ISC Strategic Framework 2025–2028 and its Implementation Plan, with multilateral, regional, and country-level areas of action designed to strengthen the role of science in fostering international collaboration, addressing global challenges, and advancing peace.
This survey offers ISC Members not only the opportunity to provide insights into their current activities, but also to share ideas, experiences, and case studies that can enrich our collective understanding and practice—and pave the way for future collaboration in the field of science diplomacy. As the ISC Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan are being finalized by the ISC Governing Board, this survey will also inform related actions by the ISC in the area of science diplomacy in the years to come.
This global survey seeks to collect organizational-level data on science diplomacy engagement, resources, needs and practices across ISC Member institutions. The information gathered will help map current activities, identify areas for support and inform future collaborations within the ISC community.
The 2025 edition of the survey seeks to:
The survey aims to better understand the ISC Members organizations’ roles, interests and needs in science diplomacy. The survey should therefore be filled by a representative of the ISC Member organization that can share the views of that organization.
The information collected through this survey will be analyzed by the ISC Secretariat and the Science Diplomacy Advisory Group to inform the ISC science diplomacy report, as well as supporting internal planning and upcoming activities. Any examples, quotes, or specific data provided will only be published with prior permission from the contributing Member organization. The ISC Secretariat will contact respondents directly to seek consent before any content is publicly shared or featured in ISC outputs.
This survey forms part of the ISC’s broader science diplomacy workstream, which builds on the ISC’s and its predecessor organizations’ longstanding history in science diplomacy and a series of recent high-level activities, including:
Science diplomacy refers to the diverse set of practices, actors, and institutions at the intersection of science and international relations, where scientific knowledge, collaboration, and networks contribute to diplomatic goals—or vice versa. While the term gained visibility following the 2010 Royal Society–AAAS report, the intertwining of science and diplomacy dates back centuries. The original science diplomacy taxonomy encompasses a) informing foreign policy with scientific advice, b) facilitating international scientific cooperation to address global challenges and c) using science to improve international relations.
For any inquiries regarding this survey please contact Gabriela Ivan at [email protected].
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