Monthly focus

Science diplomacy – research across borders

01 April 2015

Collaborative research is strengthening ties between the EU and its neighbouring countries. Image credit: MODIS

Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, welcomed Ukraine as a full member of Horizon 2020 last month.

Climate change, war, water security, energy – these are issues that cross borders and span continents. That’s why science diplomacy is bringing together researchers to help solve problems that politics frequently struggles to address.

During April, we delve into some of the cross-border research projects that are uniting scientists and helping to bridge divides between countries.

We also find out how science diplomacy can help create the conditions for sustainable development to the east and south of the EU, and we follow Commissioner Moedas as he travels to Amman in Jordan to foster research cooperation between the EU and the Middle East.

The end of a conflict marks only the beginning of a restoration period. Image credit - Fernand and Cuville, public domain

social sciences

19 March 2018

Peacebuilding in conflict zones demands people-centric approach

The challenge of how to rebuild society following conflict is a difficult question that arises all too frequently, but recent studies have demonstrated that putting people at the centre of the process and enabling cooperation on politically neutral issues can help build peace.

Water resources can create conflict when they cross borders. Image: courtesy of Ralf Ludwig

policy

27 April 2015

Mediterranean states must work together to adapt to water scarcity – Prof. Ralf Ludwig

Countries in the Mediterranean need to work together to manage water resources in the face of climate change, according to Professor Ralf Ludwig, who coordinated the EU-funded CLIMB project.

Understanding the Atlantic Ocean requires cooperation between nations. Image Credit: Shutterstock

environment

17 April 2015

Mapping the Atlantic – EU, US and Canadian scientists take on the final frontier

The EU is teaming up with the US and Canada to make the first ever full map of an ocean floor, and they hope it will help to understand issues like climate change better.

Dr Koutchouk outlined progress with the SESAME synchrotron during an event called 'Building together knowledge-oriented and forward looking EU’, held in Brussels on 31 March. © European Union 2015 – EP

interview | policy

14 April 2015

Middle East particle accelerator shows positive power of science – Dr Jean-Pierre Koutchouk

The SESAME synchrotron in Jordan shows that science can make positive things happen among countries in a region which is facing political tensions, according to Dr Jean-Pierre Koutchouk, coordinator of the EU-funded CESSAMag project.

Science diplomacy was discussed during a joint meeting between ITRE European Parliament committee on research and the AFET committee on foreign affairs. Image: © European Union 2015 - EP

policy

01 April 2015

Science is a common language – Commissioner Moedas

Science can bring together countries which are in conflict with each other, Europe’s Research Commissioner told an event in Brussels on collaboration between the EU and neighbouring countries.

The agreement signed by Commissioner Moedas and Minister Kvit means Ukraine is an associated country to Horizon 2020, joining states like Iceland, Turkey and Israel. Image: EBS

policy | horizon 2020

20 March 2015

Ukraine chooses Horizon 2020 as its first EU programme

Ukrainian researchers will be able to take full advantage of the EU research fund, known as Horizon 2020, after the country signed up to its first EU programme.

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