Taking place from Wednesday, 15 to Friday, 24 October, the Summer School is a hybrid event, held online and in person at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Gauteng. The programme aims to offer participants a comprehensive grounding in the theory and practice of science diplomacy as a critical tool for navigating complex global challenges, says the HSRC.

Through contextually relevant case studies, dialogues and reflective exercises, participants explore the diverse roles and perspectives of policymakers, diplomats, scientists and civil society actors. This combination of theory and practice is designed with the aim to enhance analytical and critical thinking, while fostering innovative strategies to strengthen Africa's voice and influence in global science and diplomacy arenas, says the HSRC.

The programme follows an interactive and practice-oriented approach, blending conceptual learning with hands-on activities and engagement. Participants will explore multiple dimensions, tracks, and approaches to science diplomacy through contextually relevant case studies, dialogues, reflective exercises and working groups, adds the HSRC.

Learning Outcomes

By the End of the Summer School, Attendees are Able to:

  • Understand the tools, soft skills and expertise required for effective science diplomacy.
  • Apply systems thinking to science diplomacy at the multilateral level using to real-world scenarios.
  • Have a sound understanding of policy stakeholders and effective engagement mechanisms for scientific and diplomatic partnerships.
  • Integrate African perspectives, knowledge systems and priorities into global science diplomacy dialogues.
  • Identify opportunities and challenges for advancing science diplomacy in the African context.

The Summer School will be Offered in a Hybrid Format, Comprising:

  • Three online sessions from Wednesday, 15 to Friday, 17 October via MS Teams.
  • In-person sessions from Monday, 20 to Tuesday, 21 October at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre.
  • Live streaming of in-person sessions and the HSRC/NRF Engaged Research Conference
  • A dedicated Google Classroom for course materials and online discussions.

For more information, visit www.hsrc.ac.za. You can also follow The HSRC on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor