On 9 October, Elke participated in the round table “Schools and International Projects on Science Diplomacy in Dialogue”, moderated by Francesca Tolve of CNR. The panel brought together perspectives from science diplomacy initiatives and institutions, including The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), also a CUSP partner, alongside Politecnico di Milano and the Central European Initiative.
Drawing on ZSI’s experience in European science diplomacy initiatives, Elke highlighted the importance of connecting projects, networks and communities that often work in parallel. Her contribution presented CUSP’s ambition to strengthen these connections, make relevant practices more visible (including cooperation not explicitly labelled “science diplomacy”) and support shared learning and competence development. Consolidation, she emphasised, should build continuity and a shared orientation while preserving the diversity of approaches and contexts. The discussion also addressed how science diplomacy can sustain meaningful dialogue amid geopolitical tensions. CUSP partners stressed that trust develops through repeated collaboration, reliable partnerships and practical opportunities for joint work. Examples from regional research cooperation illustrated how trusted intermediaries, joint funding and sustained institutional relationships can create conditions in which cooperation remains possible despite political differences.
