Shaping Tomorrow’s Science Diplomats: 4th Annual Diplomatic Skills Trainings for Emerging Scientists
Addressing some of the world’s most urgent challenges, energy security, pandemics, food scarcity, and more, demands both technical expertise and the ability to collaborate internationally. Science diplomacy bridges the world of analytical insight with effective communication, cultural understanding, and global cooperation to translate knowledge into action.
Through Meridian’s 2025 Diplomatic Skills Training for Emerging Scientists, 15 early-career scientists developed the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to extend the impact of their work beyond the laboratory into diplomacy to advance solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
Project Objectives
The fourth annual Diplomatic Skills Training for Emerging Scientists equipped early-career scientists to engage effectively in international settings with essential competencies to operate effectively at the intersection of science and diplomacy.
As global challenges grow increasingly complex, the program underscores the critical role of scientists who are equipped with not only technical expertise but also with the diplomatic tools to foster international cooperation and build trust across borders.
The Diplomatic Skills Training prepared the Ph.D. candidates and early-career scientists with essential competencies in cultural awareness, negotiation, and international protocol to complement their technical expertise. Participants engaged in virtual sessions and in-person workshops featuring expert speakers, interactive exercises, and the Artemis Accords Policy Debates, putting their newly acquired skills into practice.
Project Design
The fourth annual Diplomatic Skills Training for Emerging Scientists took place in summer 2025. Hosted by Meridian International Center in partnership with the National Science Policy Network (NSPN), the program brought together 15 Ph.D. candidates and early-career scientists for six virtual sessions and two in-person workshops in Washington, D.C., preparing participants to engage effectively at the intersection of science and diplomacy. The virtual sessions focused on Diplomacy 101, Public Diplomacy, Cross-Cultural Communication, Protocol, Internal Diplomacy and Multilateral Diplomacy. Guest speakers included Christina Hardaway (Foreign Service Officer at U.S. Department of State from 2011-2025), Yannick Tona (Head of Political Affairs at the Embassy of Rwanda), Katherine Shields (Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State; Science, Technology, and Health, U.S. Embassy in Ottawa Canada), La’Nita Johnson (Program Facilitator, Founder and CEO of Iluminada+ Consulting co.), Ambassador Joan Polaschik (Director, Foreign Service Institute and U.S. Ambassador to Algeria from 2014 to 2017), Natalie Jones (Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President, Meridian International Center), Dr. Jonathan Margolis (retired American Diplomat and Adjunct Professor, University of Maryland), Frank Justice (Vice President, Open Diplomacy Programs, Meridian International Center), and Mark Rebstock (Vice President, Deputy Director at Meridian International Center).
U.S. Department of State
The participants began their visit in Washington, D.C. with a half-day visit to the U.S. Department of State.
Mr. Robb Gordon (Consultant, Office of Science & Technology Investment, Innovation and Cooperation) provided valuable insights into the impact of scientific research, discoveries, development, and innovation.
The first panel of the day, “Science at State: A Day in the Life,” featured Dr. Patrese Anderson (Office of Global Food Security), Dr. Phil Kao (Foreign Affairs Officer, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Regional Security & Arms), and Dr. Lydia Roll (Economic Officer, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs), who shared personal stories, day-to-day experiences, and lessons learned from bridging scientific expertise with international engagement.
The second panel, “Inside the Process: How Policy Gets Made,” featured Patrick Craven (Foreign Affairs Officer, Office of Science & Technology Investment, Innovation, & Cooperation), Michael Overby (Deputy Director for Space Affairs, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs), and Elizabeth Wewerka (Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation). They provided participants with a firsthand look at U.S. policy development, highlighting how ideas are crafted, negotiated, and implemented.
Kyle Nichols (Program Analyst, Office of Science & Technology Investment, Innovation, & Cooperation), moderated both panel discussions and shared his insights on how scientists can apply their scientific background to international challenges and highlighted the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow program.
Participants also explored the National Museum of American Diplomacy with Dr. Taylor Livingston (AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow). Dr. Livingston, a cultural and medical anthropologist, offered insights on the museum’s mission to showcase the history, practice, and impact of American diplomacy through its collections, exhibits, and public programs.
National Academy of Sciences
Visiting the National Academy of Sciences, participants had an opportunity to learn about the National Academies work, as well as fellowship opportunities available for early-career scientists.
Alison Boland-Reeves (Senior Program Officer for Science and Engineering Capacity Development) provided an overview of the Academies’ role in advancing science and policy, and highlighted programs such as the Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship that provides scientists with an opportunity to work at the intersection of science and policy.
Participants also heard about “Careers in Science Diplomacy,” through a panel discussion featuring Frank Justice (Vice President, Open Diplomacy Programs, Meridian International Center), Dr. Daniel Kovich (Science Advisor, Trade Policy and Geographic Affairs, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA), John Lepore (Head of Public Policy, Moderna), and Dr. Dalal Najib (Senior Director, Science and Engineering Capacity Development, National Academies). The featured speakers and science diplomacy experts shared their experiences navigating careers at the intersection of science, technology, and diplomacy across government, industry, and nonprofit sectors, offering participants valuable insight into the myriad opportunities available in science diplomacy.
Embassy of the United Kingdom
Hosted by the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., the UK’s largest bilateral mission, participants gained firsthand insight into how foreign diplomats conduct science diplomacy. Stephanie Ashmore (Director, Americas – Science & Technology Network) and Dr. Francesca Manzella (Policy Advisor – Science & Technology Network) shared their experiences advancing UK–U.S. partnerships, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how diplomatic engagement supports scientific exchange, drives joint research initiatives, and helps address shared global challenges. Their remarks underscored the importance of connecting scientific expertise with policy priorities to strengthen transatlantic cooperation and maximize the societal impact of innovation.
Negotiations Workshop and Simulations
On the final day of the program, participants took part in an intensive negotiations seminar designed to bring together the skills and knowledge they had developed throughout the week. Led by Dr. Jonathan Margolis, Professor at the University of Maryland College Park and a seasoned expert in diplomacy and negotiations, the seminar combined interactive exercises, structured debriefings, and reflective discussions. At the core of the day was a dynamic international water crisis simulation in which participants stepped into the shoes of regional and global delegations. In this role-play, they grappled with the complex challenge of allocating shared water resources, balancing technical capacities with political realities, and navigating sensitive issues such as sovereignty and water rights. The immersive experience underscored the intricacies of multilateral negotiations, pushing participants to think strategically, build coalitions, and reconcile competing interests—skills essential not only for science diplomacy but also for addressing the broader global challenges of the 21st century.
Impact
Analysis of post-program survey results indicates a strong impact on participants’ career interests in diplomacy and international relations. According to the survey data, 92% of respondents reported a significant increase in their interest in pursuing an international relations or diplomacy-oriented career. Of these, 66% expressed interest in careers within Non-Governmental Organizations focused on diplomacy or international relations, while 19% reported growing interest in becoming a Foreign Service Officer. These findings reflect the program’s objective of engaging scientists and fostering pathways toward future careers in diplomacy.
One participant commented on the Negotiations Workshop & Water Simulation Exercise "This is the crown jewel of this training: there is no learning how to negotiate without… well, negotiating. Regarding both content and methods, this workshop far exceeded expectations and met every single learning outcome I could have imagined."
Overall, the survey responses suggest that the program successfully enhanced participants’ awareness of career opportunities in diplomacy, deepened their understanding of international relations, and provided practical skills directly applicable to pursuing future careers in this field.
Project summary
| Shaping Tomorrow’s Science Diplomats: 4th Annual Diplomatic Skills Trainings for Emerging Scientists | August 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Impact Areas: | Science and Technology |
| Program Areas: | Diplomatic Engagement |
