Survey finds science diplomacy is widespread but under-resourced

A new International Science Council report says most scientific organizations already engage in science diplomacy, but funding and staff shortages are limiting their ability to expand. The findings come as geopolitical tensions and disruptions to international research partnerships put more pressure on global scientific cooperation.

Why it matters: - Scientific organizations are already helping shape international policy and build cross-border cooperation, but many lack the capacity to do more. - The report says stronger science diplomacy could help protect global research links, support peaceful dialogue and improve responses to shared challenges. - The findings land as geopolitical tensions and disruptions to international cooperation are making scientific collaboration harder.

What happened: - The International Science Council released a report titled "At the forefront of science diplomacy: The role of non-governmental scientific organizations." - The report is based on a survey of 106 ISC members across all world regions and 16 interviews with stakeholders including UNESCO, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, IPBES, AAAS and the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator. - The survey found 72% of responding organizations take part in international policy dialogues. - The survey found 69% advise governments on international issues. - The survey found 57% run collaborations that use science to build relations between countries. - The report says 57% of organizations view science diplomacy as a strategic priority. - The report says 63% have no dedicated science-diplomacy unit, officer or team. - The report says 77% cite lack of funding as a barrier. - The report says 73% cite limited staff as a barrier. - The report says 36% cite insufficient access to diplomats or policy-makers, the least common barrier. - The report says 44% report disruptions to research and international partnerships. - Reported disruptions include the displacement of scientists in Sudan and Ukraine and visa restrictions that keep researchers from international meetings.

The details: - The report says independent scientific bodies have shaped global governance for decades. - The International Geophysical Year of 1957-58 brought together more than 60 countries and about 60,000 scientists during the Cold War. - That effort informed negotiations on the Antarctic Treaty. - A 1985 conference co-convened by the same predecessor organization helped pave the way for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. - ISC members now advise the OPCW on chemical weapons. - ISC members also contribute to UN discussions on space debris and the Moon. - The report says scientists continue to communicate across conflict lines through these networks. - The report identifies five opportunity areas for the scientific community: protect scientific freedom, scientists at risk and open data; build inclusive networks and equitable partnerships; strengthen science advice and governance across scales; invest in shared capacities and infrastructure; and strengthen the wider ecosystem for science diplomacy.

Between the lines: - The report frames the main obstacle as capacity, not access to decision-makers. - That suggests many scientific groups already have a seat at the table, but not enough money or staff to sustain deeper engagement. - The authors say the next UN leadership could create a strategic opening to embed science more deeply in multilateral governance. - The report argues that shift could move science diplomacy from a side activity to a core function of international relations.

What's next: - The ISC says the five opportunity areas can guide future action by scientific organizations and partners. - The report points to the next UN leadership as a moment to expand science’s role in multilateral decision-making. - The broader test will be whether funders and institutions add the resources needed to match their ambitions.