Science and Diplomacy: Two Distant Worlds?

The role of science in promoting global peace was the subject of Maurizio Bona’s recent talk at GU-Q titled, “Science and Diplomacy: Two Distant Worlds?” Bona is the senior advisor for relations with parliaments and science for policy at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

In his presentation, Bona gave an introduction of the origins of CERN, recalling the role that scientists, diplomats, and politicians played in establishing the organization. Founded in 1954 by 12 European states with the mission of using science for peace, the intergovernmental organization now boasts 23 member states, and collaborates with over a hundred non-member states on various research initiatives.

Bona, who worked as a scientist in the CERN particle accelerator before transitioning to his public role as senior advisor, explained the evolving mission of CERN. This includes the drive to develop new technologies for particle accelerators and detectors for use in the medical field, training the next generation of scientists and engineers by extending access to their cutting edge facilities to researchers,  and uniting people from different countries by serving as a critical platform for multinational collaboration in the service of peaceful diplomacy.

The key to CERN’s role in the diplomatic world, he explained, is the foundational mandate to separate their scientific work and role in the international community from the world of geopolitics and economic competition, which has allowed otherwise rival  nations to work collaboratively on CERN projects. The CERN Convention signed in 1953 states: “the organization shall have no concern with work for military requirements and the result of its experimental and theoretical work shall be published or otherwise made generally available.”

To do this, 21 Member States each pay a contribution to the CERN budget . In addition, special contributions are made to specific projects by project host and non-member nations wishing to be involved in particular areas of research.

The presentation was followed by an interactive discussion on science diplomacy, and on the initiatives the worlds of science, diplomacy, politics, and academia can take in order to bridge the existing gaps in the field, and to make the interaction between science and policy more beneficial for society.

The talk, which was attended by students, faculty, staff, and members of the Education City community, was moderated by Dr. Kai-Henrik Barth, Senior Assistant Dean for Research Support at GU-Q, who also gave the welcoming remarks.