Science diplomacy — Who are the scientific attachés?
by Giulia Rizzo
Science diplomacy is a form of diplomacy that uses scientific collaborations among nations to address common problems and build constructive international partnerships. In this article, three scientific attachés share their experience in science diplomacy.
According to the Royal Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, science diplomacy can be described through three main types of activities. These include “science in diplomacy”, which refers to supporting foreign policy objectives with scientific advice; “diplomacy for science”, which means facilitating international scientific cooperation; and “science for diplomacy”, which improves international relations between countries.
To understand more about science diplomacy, I decided to interview three Italian scientific diplomats on the topic.
Who are scientific attachés?
A scientific attaché, also known as a science or technical attaché, is a member of a diplomatic mission. The role of a scientific attaché in their embassy or other intergovernmental organization is managed by their country’s ministry of foreign affairs.
The scientific attachés I spoke with are Cristina Biino, from the International Organization in Geneva, responsible for Italian multilateral projects at the UN; Marco Borra, from the Italian Embassy in Paris, responsible for bilateral projects between France and Italy; and Costanza Conti, from the Italian Embassy in Ottawa, responsible for bilateral projects between Canada and Italy.
According to the interviewees, science attachés have five primary functions. These are to advise a country’s ambassador on scientific and technical matters, report on scientific and technological events, represent and support their country in scientific, political, and technical matters in foreign scientific and technical academies, industry, or intergovernmental organizations and agencies, organize events for the dissemination of a particular scientific topic, and support their home country’s researcher network in the country they reside in.
The interviewees explained that there is no specific training or Master’s degree to become a scientific attaché. In Italy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs opens an official call on its website and interviews appropriate candidates on their background, career development, and knowledge of foreign languages. In the case of Italy, there are two requirements: having Italian citizenship and being permanently employed at an Italian public institution. The scientific attaché contract usually lasts two years, with the possibility of renewal up to a total of eight years.
What are the positive sides and drawbacks of being a scientific attaché?
The interviewees value being a scientific diplomat for its dynamic and challenging nature, which involves tackling a diverse agenda each day. They also enjoy wielding influence and fostering international cooperation, all within a rich multicultural environment. Additionally, there is a range of potential career paths available post-diplomacy after occupying such a prestigious position.
The drawbacks of the position predominantly arise from the short duration of contract terms, which complicates the formulation of long-term plans and initiatives. Moreover, there are initial challenges related to relocation and other ones upon the conclusion of the contract, whether in relation to transitioning back to research or moving forward into other diplomacy roles. Each interviewee relocated to their work countries with their families, encountering initial difficulties in finding suitable housing and, sometimes, schooling for their children. The latter is due to the differences between countries’ educational systems, including inscription costs and school structures.
What should future candidates and young researchers interested in diplomacy do to become scientific attachés?
For aspiring future scientific diplomats, Cristina Biino recommends broadening their scope of personal interests to encompass various subjects such as climate change and artificial intelligence. Marco Borra suggests active involvement in international and multicultural associations and events, recognizing their pivotal role in facilitating international cooperation. Costanza Conti emphasizes the importance of nurturing interpersonal relationships, as diplomacy heavily relies on fostering strong human connections.
As science continues to transcend borders and address global challenges, the role of scientific diplomats remains indispensable in building bridges, fostering understanding, and advancing collective goals on the world stage. Ultimately, science diplomacy stands as a powerful instrument for building nontraditional alliances and tackling global challenges in collaboration.
Written by
Giulia Rizzo
Chair of the MCAA France Chapter
Postdoctoral researcher at INSERM
