Reserve your place (free)
The University of Plymouth, in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, is hosting an in-person Science Diplomacy Consultative Forum. This will be an in-person event in Plymouth, with an option to join the morning session online. The focused breakout sessions in the afternoon will be in person only. This inaugural Forum will bring together senior representatives and distinguished contributors from UNESCO, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the European Commission, the European Science Diplomacy Alliance, and leading UK academic and policy communities.
Participants will explore how universities can strengthen science diplomacy, support international cooperation, inform policy, and help address shared global challenges. Drawing on the University of Plymouth and its partners' interdisciplinary research and higher education training strengths in sustainability, the Forum will provide a platform for dialogue, partnership-building, and multilateral engagement to support evidence-informed progress towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
Discussions from the Forum will help shape the vision, priorities, and partnerships for the proposed Centre for Science Diplomacy for Environment and Society, hosted by the University of Plymouth, including its longer-term ambition to explore a pathway towards UNESCO Category 2 Centre status to support the global higher education and research community.
Day 1: Evening reception
Monday 13 July 2026 | 18:00–20:00 | University of Plymouth
Day 2: Main forum
Tuesday 14 July 2026 | 09:00–16:30 | University of Plymouth
08:00–09:00
Registration, coffee and networking
Registration, coffee and networking
09:00–09:10
Welcome from the University of Plymouth
Professor Richard Davies, Vice-Chancellor, University of Plymouth
Welcome from the University of Plymouth
Professor Richard Davies, Vice-Chancellor, University of Plymouth
09:10–09:20
Opening remarks
Ambassador Anna Nsubuga, UK Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO
Opening remarks
Ambassador Anna Nsubuga, UK Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO
09:20–09:25
Opening remarks
Magdalena Landry
Director, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, Venice
Opening remarks
Magdalena Landry
Director, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, Venice
09:25–09:30
Setting the scene: Why a Science Diplomacy Consultative Forum for the research community, and why now?
Professor Will Blake, Director, Sustainable Earth Institute, University of Plymouth
Setting the scene: Why a Science Diplomacy Consultative Forum for the research community, and why now?
Professor Will Blake, Director, Sustainable Earth Institute, University of Plymouth
09:30–09:55
Keynote 1: EU framework on science diplomacy
Dr Jan Marco Muller (online), European Commission
Keynote 1: EU framework on science diplomacy
Dr Jan Marco Muller (online), European Commission
09:55–10:30
Panel 1: Framing a Centre for Science Diplomacy
How should the Centre position itself in response to current national, regional, and international science diplomacy debates?
Moderator: Magdalena Landry, Director, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, Venice
Panellists: James Omer-Bridge, Secretary-General and Chief Executive, UK National Commission for UNESCO; Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, Professor of Marine Conservation, University of Plymouth; Dr Jean-Christophe Mauduit (online), Associate Professor of Science Diplomacy, University College London.
Panel 1: Framing a Centre for Science Diplomacy
How should the Centre position itself in response to current national, regional, and international science diplomacy debates?
Moderator: Magdalena Landry, Director, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, Venice
Panellists: James Omer-Bridge, Secretary-General and Chief Executive, UK National Commission for UNESCO; Professor Abigail McQuatters-Gollop, Professor of Marine Conservation, University of Plymouth; Dr Jean-Christophe Mauduit (online), Associate Professor of Science Diplomacy, University College London.
10:30–11:00
Coffee break and group photograph
Coffee break and group photograph
11:00–11:25
Keynote 2: Science diplomacy in practice: sustainable management of natural resources and community resilience
Professor Ross Cornforth, Professor of Climate and Development and Director of the Pearl, University of Reading
Keynote 2: Science diplomacy in practice: sustainable management of natural resources and community resilience
Professor Ross Cornforth, Professor of Climate and Development and Director of the Pearl, University of Reading
11:30–12:00
Panel 2: Science Diplomacy for environment and societal sustainability
How can science diplomacy strengthen cooperation and global inclusivity on science for environment and society governance, with a focus on shared sustainability challenges, cross-border natural resource management, environmental resilience, and the responsible use of science and emerging technologies to support inclusive and evidence-informed decision-making?
Moderator: Professor Mel Austen, Professor of Ocean and Society, University of Plymouth
Panellists: Dr Samuel Partey, Head of Science Unit, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe; Anne-Sophie Stevance, Head of Global Science Policy Unit, International Science Council; Professor Harry Dixon, Associate Director of International Research and Development, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), Dr Sanja Damjanovic (online), Physicist and former Minister of Science of Montenegro, The European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN)
Panel 2: Science Diplomacy for environment and societal sustainability
How can science diplomacy strengthen cooperation and global inclusivity on science for environment and society governance, with a focus on shared sustainability challenges, cross-border natural resource management, environmental resilience, and the responsible use of science and emerging technologies to support inclusive and evidence-informed decision-making?
Moderator: Professor Mel Austen, Professor of Ocean and Society, University of Plymouth
Panellists: Dr Samuel Partey, Head of Science Unit, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe; Anne-Sophie Stevance, Head of Global Science Policy Unit, International Science Council; Professor Harry Dixon, Associate Director of International Research and Development, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), Dr Sanja Damjanovic (online), Physicist and former Minister of Science of Montenegro, The European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN)
12:00–12:25
Keynote 3: Preparing the next generation of science diplomats
Skills, partnerships, and institutional support for future leaders working across science, policy, and diplomacy.
Professor Dame Anne Glover, FRS, Professor Emerita, University of Strathclyde
Keynote 3: Preparing the next generation of science diplomats
Skills, partnerships, and institutional support for future leaders working across science, policy, and diplomacy.
Professor Dame Anne Glover, FRS, Professor Emerita, University of Strathclyde
12:30–13:00
Panel 3: Science Diplomacy in Practice
How do scientists practice science diplomacy? Panellists will share practical examples of how they use scientific evidence, trusted relationships, institutional mandates and international networks to inform policy, build international cooperation and support multilateral decision-making
Moderator: Professor Iain Stewart, UNESCO Chair in Geoscience and Society, University of Plymouth
Panellists: Professor Richard Thompson, Director, Marine Institute, University of Plymouth; Dr Antonella Di Trapani (online), Science Diplomat, United Nations University in Paris; Dr Ben Howard, Research Associate, Imperial College London; Dr Maria Jarquin, International Relations Manager, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)
Panel 3: Science Diplomacy in Practice
How do scientists practice science diplomacy? Panellists will share practical examples of how they use scientific evidence, trusted relationships, institutional mandates and international networks to inform policy, build international cooperation and support multilateral decision-making
Moderator: Professor Iain Stewart, UNESCO Chair in Geoscience and Society, University of Plymouth
Panellists: Professor Richard Thompson, Director, Marine Institute, University of Plymouth; Dr Antonella Di Trapani (online), Science Diplomat, United Nations University in Paris; Dr Ben Howard, Research Associate, Imperial College London; Dr Maria Jarquin, International Relations Manager, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)
13:05–14:00
Lunch and networking
Afternoon breakout discussions: Positioning the Centre for Science Diplomacy
The breakout discussions are designed to generate practical recommendations to inform the Centre's future priorities, partnerships, governance and areas of activity.
Lunch and networking
Afternoon breakout discussions: Positioning the Centre for Science Diplomacy
The breakout discussions are designed to generate practical recommendations to inform the Centre's future priorities, partnerships, governance and areas of activity.
14:00–15:10
Breakout A: Training the next generation of science diplomats
How can the Centre help build the skills, confidence, and global perspective needed to work effectively across science, policy, and diplomacy?
Moderator: Claudia Alarcon Lopez, Frontiers
Rapporteur: Brenda Trust, University of Plymouth
Breakout A: Training the next generation of science diplomats
How can the Centre help build the skills, confidence, and global perspective needed to work effectively across science, policy, and diplomacy?
Moderator: Claudia Alarcon Lopez, Frontiers
Rapporteur: Brenda Trust, University of Plymouth
Breakout B: Building strategic international partnerships and securing funding
How can the Centre strengthen collaboration with governments, multilateral organisations, diplomatic networks, and global research partners?
Moderator: Dr Kimberly Tam, Associate Professor in Cybersecurity, University of Plymouth
Rapporteur: Dr Eva Perrin, University of Plymouth
How can the Centre strengthen collaboration with governments, multilateral organisations, diplomatic networks, and global research partners?
Moderator: Dr Kimberly Tam, Associate Professor in Cybersecurity, University of Plymouth
Rapporteur: Dr Eva Perrin, University of Plymouth
Breakout C: Advancing international cooperation on sustainable natural resource management
How can the Centre support cross-border cooperation on natural resources, environmental resilience, responsible and ethical use of AI, and shared sustainability challenges?
Moderator: Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Marine Institute, University of Plymouth
Rapporteur: Katie Thiessen, University of Plymouth
How can the Centre support cross-border cooperation on natural resources, environmental resilience, responsible and ethical use of AI, and shared sustainability challenges?
Moderator: Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Marine Institute, University of Plymouth
Rapporteur: Katie Thiessen, University of Plymouth
15:10–15:25
Comfort break
Comfort break
15:25–16:20
Plenary reporting session: Priority actions for the Centre for Science Diplomacy
Moderators and rapporteurs from each breakout will share key messages, priority areas, and recommended next steps.
Chair: Dr Samuel Partey, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe
Plenary reporting session: Priority actions for the Centre for Science Diplomacy
Moderators and rapporteurs from each breakout will share key messages, priority areas, and recommended next steps.
Chair: Dr Samuel Partey, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe
16:20–16:25
Next steps: Shaping the Centre for Science Diplomacy at the University of Plymouth
Professor Will Blake, Director, Sustainable Earth Institute, University of Plymouth
Next steps: Shaping the Centre for Science Diplomacy at the University of Plymouth
Professor Will Blake, Director, Sustainable Earth Institute, University of Plymouth
16:25–16:30
Closing remarks
Professor Kevin Jones, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, University of Plymouth
Closing remarks
Professor Kevin Jones, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, University of Plymouth
Reserve your place (free)
If you have any queries, or for further information, please email
Dr Munira Raji at munira.raji@plymouth.ac.uk