Science Diplomacy
UniTo’s vision
The University of Turin has elevated Science Diplomacy to an institutional priority.
The University believes in the value of science as a space for dialogue, cooperation, and exchange at the international level. At the same time, it recognizes the need for the responsible sharing of research results, aware of potential risks and committed to maintaining the necessary balance between openness, scientific integrity, and research security.
To consolidate its role on the global stage, the University has adopted a comprehensive and structured strategy designed to address the new challenges arising from geopolitical tensions, international crises, and the profound transformations affecting contemporary higher education systems.
This commitment translates into a conscious and strategic management of international relations, encompassing not only collaboration with other universities but also engagement with States, international organizations, and non-state actors.
Science Diplomacy has a dual meaning. On the one hand, it enhances the contribution of science — data, results, and expertise — to inform political and diplomatic decision-making and to strengthen international relations through scientific cooperation.
On the other hand, it encompasses the set of strategies and tools through which universities develop relationships with other actors on the international stage, collaborating with States and international organizations and, in some cases, supporting or complementing their action.
A strategic priority for UniTo
UniTo strongly supports the integration of scientific evidence into decision-making processes as a means to anticipate future global scenarios, address global challenges, and ensure coherent policy approaches at the regional, national, and international levels.
Every research decision and every technological breakthrough carries implications and responsibilities that extend far beyond the laboratory in which they originate. It is both our duty and our interest to ensure that scientific knowledge becomes reliable evidence for policymaking — a bridge between evidence and decision, between the language of science and the language of peace.
The University of Turin therefore aims to position itself as a leading actor in science diplomacy, both in the sense of science for diplomacy and science in diplomacy.
In an international context marked by the crisis of the liberal and multilateral model of international relations, by growing authoritarian tendencies — including within Europe — and by serious violations of fundamental rights and international law, universities are called to contribute to the development of international relations grounded in respect for international law, with the aim of promoting human rights, social justice, and peace.
- Strengthen awareness among local and national stakeholders of the importance of science for Italy’s and the European Union’s diplomatic relations.
- Generate innovation and advanced knowledge capable of supporting both immediate policy decisions and long-term strategies for sustainable and equitable development at all levels.
- Translate academic knowledge into practical tools and policy advice for science-based diplomacy.
- Promote a science-based culture that fosters mutual understanding and dialogue with all stakeholders and partner countries.
- Showcase UniTo’s core values and expertise on the global stage.
- Build advocacy networks at the local, national, and international levels with public and private institutions committed to promoting research and technological innovation as drivers of sustainable and inclusive development.
- Strengthen international collaborations to preserve spaces for exchange and to fully leverage the potential of research and innovation.
- Educate and train a new generation of researchers and professionals — including science diplomats, international policy advisors, environmental negotiators, global health strategists, and research analysts in international organizations — capable of bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and decision-making processes.
- 18th and 25th May, 8th June 2026 - Seminar series: Science Diplomacy and the Transformation of the International Order
The European Science Diplomacy Alliance is a collaborative initiative launched by the Horizon 2020-funded science projects S4D4C, InsSciDE, and EL-CSID. It aims to maintain and further develop the networks, impact, and momentum built by these three projects.
The Alliance facilitates interaction and dialogue, training activities, institutional capacity building, and coordination in identifying funding opportunities and leveraging joint funding schemes.