Science diplomacy in action: highlights of the Forum
On 12 March 2026, the First Ukrainian–European Science Diplomacy Forum took place in Vienna, bringing together representatives of governments, universities, research institutions, and international organizations to jointly explore ways to support Ukrainian science.
The forum opened with official remarks from diplomatic and academic representatives of Ukraine and Austria. The first session focused on institutional perspectives, featuring speakers from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the National Research Foundation, the European Commission, and UNESCO. The discussion highlighted that science diplomacy is becoming a key instrument for sustaining research in times of war.
A strong focus was placed on the role of the Ukrainian scientific diaspora. The panel “Displaced but Not Disconnected” demonstrated how researchers abroad act as a strategic bridge between Ukraine and the European research area, fostering collaboration, mobility, and knowledge exchange.
The second panel addressed global scientific alliances and multilateral cooperation. Participants from European institutions and research organizations discussed the importance of partnerships, joint programmes, and networks in strengthening scientific ecosystems.
The final panel connected science diplomacy with heritage, arts, and culture, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and the cultural dimension of diplomacy as a tool for dialogue across divides.
Beyond discussions, the forum created space for networking and new partnerships, proving that science diplomacy can transform dialogue into concrete collaboration.