Two digital blocks
A 100% online programme of lectures, panels, and discussions bringing together researchers and practitioners from Africa, Europe, and the Global South.
Science DiplomacyProgramme
IAS UM6P launches a multi-component training and research programme exploring how science can strengthen international relations, epistemic justice, and sovereign knowledge governance from Africa and the Global South.
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Dates
July to December 2026
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Format
Hybrid, online, and on-site at UM6P Ben Guerir
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Audience
Doctoral students, researchers, diplomats, and policy professionals
2026 Science Diplomacy Programme
2026 Fall School on Science Diplomacy
Science and Scientific Diplomacy in Africa — Rethinking Sovereignty in the Governance of Knowledge.
Theme
The Fall School examines sovereignty, research security, science-policy capacity, emerging technologies, public diplomacy, and equitable international cooperation.
Publication pathway
Participants are invited to submit their texts for an Impact Summary Report, scheduled for publication by UM6P Press — IAS Institute for Advanced Studies in spring 2027.
How the school works: Each contribution follows a 30–40 minute presentation and 30–45 minute discussion format. Morocco local time is shown first; the speaker’s local time follows when relevant.
Digital block I
26–30 October 2026
All sessions are held online. Times are shown first in Morocco local time, followed by the speaker's local time where provided.
26 October · 10:00–10:30 Morocco time
Dr. Mounia Benalil
Research Fellow-in-Residence and Director of the Science Diplomacy Program, IAS UM6P Ben Guerir
Welcoming remarks
26 October · 11:00–13:00 Morocco time · 12:00–14:00 Brussels time
European Union Science Diplomacy and Research Cooperation with the MENA Region
Dr. Jan Marco MüllerTeam Leader, Global Approach, Multilateral Dialogue and Science Diplomacy, European Commission
AC
Alessandro CalabròMENA Policy Officer, European Commission
Heba GabrScience Counsellor for the MENA region, European Commission
A panel on the EU's Global Approach, research and innovation priorities for the MENA region, and practical science-policy cooperation.
26 October · 14:00–15:30 Morocco time · 09:00–10:30 Montreal time
Prof. François Audet
Professor and Director, Institut d’études internationales de Montréal and the Canadian Observatory on Crises and Humanitarian Action
De la sécurité humaine à la décolonisation : inflation conceptuelle et résistances structurelles dans les organisations internationales
26 October · 17:00–18:30 Morocco time · 10:00–11:30 Mexico City time
Prof. Alma Cristal Hernandez Mondragon
Co-founder, Asociación Mexicana para el Avance de la Ciencia; Professor, CINVESTAV
Building local capacities at the science-policy interface: training programmes, fellowship schemes, and transferable practices for the Global South
27 October · 12:00–13:30 Morocco time · 12:00–13:30 Lisbon time
Dr. Daniel Gamito-Marques
Assistant Professor, NOVA School of Science and Technology; Vice-President, Commission on Science, Technology, and Diplomacy
Science Diplomacy: Imperialist Pasts, Enduring Asymmetries, and Decolonial Possibilities
27 October · 15:00–16:30 Morocco time · 10:00–11:30 Montreal time
Prof. Stéphane Paquin
Professor and Jarislowsky Chair on Trust and Political Leadership, École nationale d’administration publique
La science et l’utilisation de données probantes dans les négociations internationales
28 October · 12:00–13:30 Morocco time
Dr. Mounia Benalil
Research Fellow-in-Residence and Director of the Science Diplomacy Program, IAS UM6P Ben Guerir
La diplomatie scientifique contemporaine : hégémonie épistémique, agentivités émergentes et conditions d’une pratique décoloniale
28 October · 15:00–16:30 Morocco time · 10:00–11:30 Quebec City time
Prof. Anna-Lena Rüland
Professor and Chair in Science Diplomacy, Université Laval
Two sides of the same coin? On the relationship between science diplomacy and research security
29 October · 15:00–16:30 Morocco time · 10:00–11:30 Falmouth time
Prof. Paul Arthur Berkman
Professor and Founding Director, Science Diplomacy Center; Fellow, International Science Council
Education–Research–Leadership Triangulation: Insights for Science Diplomacy
30 October · 10:00–11:30 Morocco time · 11:00–12:30 Torino time
Emilia Sannino
International Relations and Crowdfunding Specialist, Università degli Studi di Torino
From Projects to Partnerships: A Practitioner’s View on EU-Funded Scientific Diplomacy
30 October · 14:00–15:30 Morocco time · 09:00–10:30 Montreal time
Dr. Gaëlle Foucault
Postdoctoral Researcher, IVADO; Lecturer, Université de Montréal
Gouverner l’intelligence artificielle par la diplomatie scientifique : émergence, déploiement et perspectives
30 October · 16:00–17:30 Morocco time · 11:00–12:30 Montreal time
Dr. Laurent Borzillo
Postdoctoral Researcher in Political Science and Founder, Forum de Défense et de Stratégie
La diplomatie à l’ère du retour de la souveraineté : entre économie, sécurité et science
Digital block II
9–13 November 2026
All sessions are held online. Times are shown first in Morocco local time, followed by the speaker's local time where provided.
9 November · 13:00–14:30 Morocco time · 08:00–09:30 Montreal time
Amabilly Bonacina
Doctoral Candidate, Department of Political Science, Université de Montréal
La diplomatie scientifique dans les pays émergents : politiques de science, technologie et innovation et stratégies de développement au Brésil et en Afrique du Sud
9 November · 15:00–16:30 Morocco time · 10:00–11:30 Montreal time
Prof. Michel Audet
Professor, HEC Montréal; Centre d’études et de recherches en relations internationales
Le fragile équilibre entre coopération scientifique et souveraineté scientifique
10 November · 13:00–14:30 Morocco time · 08:00–09:30 US Eastern time
Dr. Bupe Chikumbi
Science Director, The Science Diplomat; Genius Education Zambia
AI Governance, Science Diplomacy, and the Global South: Power, Participation, and Emerging Technologies
10 November · 15:00–16:30 Morocco time · 10:00–11:30 Sherbrooke time
Dr. Valériane Thool
Postdoctoral Researcher in International Law, University of Ottawa
Diplomatie scientifique et gouvernance des océans : entre innovations juridiques et défis de mise en œuvre des régimes internationaux
11 November · 15:00–16:30 Morocco time · 16:00–17:30 Cape Town time
Hunadi Mokgalaka
Steering Committee Member, Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa; Public and Private Sector Specialist, CSIR
Shaping Inclusive Global Futures: Africa, Science Diplomacy, and Emerging Technologies
MA
11 November · To be determined Morocco time
Mhassin AlThaqafi
Advisory Council Member, Global Advisory Council, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Future of Science Diplomacy in the MENA Region
12 November · 13:00–14:30 Morocco time · 08:00–09:30 North Carolina time
Prof. Elizabeth Colton
Diplomat and Professor of Diplomacy & Communications, UNITAR and International Universities & Diplomatic Institutes
Public Diplomacy, Soft Power, and Influence: Rethinking Strategy in the Age of Global Media
12 November · 15:00–16:30 Morocco time · 10:00–11:30 Montreal time
Laurent Corbeil
Strategic Advisor for International Affairs, Fonds de recherche du Québec
Le Réseau en diplomatie scientifique : une initiative du Québec
HM
13 November · 14:00–15:30 Morocco time
Hind Mouslim
Jurist, Laboratory of Constitutional Studies and Analysis of Crises and Policies, University of Marrakech
Between Pressure and Persuasion: Recalibrating Coercive and Science Diplomacy for Sovereign Knowledge
13 November · 17:00–17:30 Morocco time
Dr. Mounia Benalil
Research Fellow-in-Residence, IAS UM6P Ben Guerir
Closing remarks
A programme for researchers and practitioners rethinking the place of science in diplomacy, sovereignty, and international governance.
The programme brings together doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, early-career professionals, diplomats, and policymakers around a shared question: how can scientific institutions contribute to more equitable international relations and more sovereign knowledge systems?
Rooted in a Global South perspective, the 2026 edition prioritises South-South cooperation, co-construction of knowledge, and the recentring of African realities in science diplomacy discourse and practice.
Programme Structure
Three progressive components, one shared intellectual agenda
Learning, reflection, and simulation are sequenced to move participants from concepts to practice.
Science Diplomacy Learning Lab
A research residency programme led by Dr Mounia Benalil, combining lectures, masterclasses, and interactive discussions with international experts in science diplomacy, science policy, and knowledge governance.
Autumn School of Science Diplomacy
Conceived and directed by Dr Mounia Benalil, the Autumn School of Science Diplomacy is an intensive programme on science and science diplomacy in Africa. The course emphasizes sovereignty in knowledge governance, epistemic justice, the integration and recognition of indigenous knowledge, and the strategic role of science in international relations.
Immersive Diplomatic Simulation
A full-immersion diplomatic exercise coordinated by Dr Mounia Benalil, with the participation of Prof. Marie Fall as lead facilitator. The exercise places participants in multilateral negotiations where scientific knowledge informs policy positions and negotiation strategies.
Learning Lab Speaker Programme
International voices on science, diplomacy, and knowledge governance
The Learning Lab concluded on 30 September 2026. Select any session to read a recap of what was presented and discussed. All presentations contribute to the Impact Summary Report published by UM6P Press - IAS Institute for Advanced Studies in Spring 2027.
8 July · 11:00–12:30 · In-person
Dr Mounia Benalil
Science Diplomacy Research Fellow in Residence, Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), UM6P Ben Guerir
La diplomatie scientifique : Construire la collaboration mondiale dans un champ contesté
View session recap
9 July · 14:00–15:30 · Online
Dr. Lesley Masters
Nottingham Trent University / UJ / Loughborough London
The International Geopolitics of Science Diplomacy
View session recap
23 July · 11:00–13:00 · In-person
Prof. Yasmine Hasnaoui
ESEF, Hassan I University, Settat-Morocco
Science, Evidence, and Diplomacy: Morocco at the UN
View session recap
29 July · 15:00–16:30 · Online
Mr. Mehrdad Hariri
Founder, CEO & President, Canadian Science Policy Centre | Senior Fellow, Institute for Science, Society and Policy, University of Ottawa
Lessons from Science Meets Parliament for Africa and the Global South
View session recap
12 August · 14:00–15:30 · Online
Mme Madeleine Hamel
Project Lead – Science & Technology, UNU-CPR
La science dans les processus de prise de décision mondiaux
View session recap
11 September · 15:00–16:30 · Online
Prof. Stéphane Paquin
Chaire Jarislowsky sur la confiance et le leadership politique, ENAP | UQTR | Directeur GERIQ & CEIM
Fondements et pratique de la diplomatie
View session recap
14 September · 11:00–13:00 · Online
Prof. Khalid R. Temsamani
University Abdelmalek Essaadi | Vice-Chair IFBA
Rôle des universités dans la diplomatie scientifique
View session recap
14 September · 15:00–16:30 · In-person
Prof. Mahmoud El Hassouni
Head of EGDI Research Team at SUP MTI Rabat
Diplomatie, soft power et proximité culturelle
View session recap
16 September · 11:00–13:00 · In-person
Dr. Issam Krimi
Head of Innovation and Creativity Dept and Science Diplomat ICESCO
Beyond Borders: Science Diplomacy as a Mechanism for More Effective South–South Cooperation
View session recap
17 September · 13:00–14:30 · Online
Dr. Dikabo Mogopodi
Vice President OWSD Botswana Chapter | Aphrike Research President
African women scientists drive science diplomacy
View session recap
24 September · 11:00–12:30 · Online
Mme Thilinakumari Kandanamulla
National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka
Science Diplomacy: national & regional approaches
View session recap30 September · 13:00–15:00 · Online
Masterclass: African Women Scientists Driving Science Diplomacy in Times of Crisis
Dr. Jackie Kado
Executive Director, NASAC
Prof. Françoise Driver
Chair of African Studies, UoM
Masterclass: African Women Scientists Driving Science Diplomacy in Times of Crisis
View session recapLearning Lab 2026 · Concluded 30 September
What the Learning Lab achieved, ahead of the Autumn School
From 8 July to 30 September 2026, the first Science Diplomacy Learning Lab hosted at a Moroccan university brought a cohort of UM6P doctoral students and early-career researchers into direct dialogue with practitioners and scholars of science diplomacy.
12sessions, about 20 hours of lectures, masterclasses and discussion
13speakers from Morocco, Canada, the United Kingdom, Botswana, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Mauritius and the UN system
~30doctoral students and early-career researchers from across the UM6P ecosystem
4 + 8in-person sessions at UM6P Ben Guerir and online sessions
A shared vocabulary
Participants worked with the reference frameworks of the field (science in diplomacy, diplomacy for science, science for diplomacy, diplomacy in science) and with a critical reading of who defines them, from a Global South and African perspective.
Real cases, from Rabat to the UN
Morocco's evidence-based diplomacy at the UN, Canada's Science Meets Parliament, the UN Secretary-General's Scientific Advisory Board, ICESCO's South-South computing initiative, Sri Lanka's national approach and African women's scientific leadership in times of crisis.
Skills for the science-policy interface
Translating evidence for decision-makers, communicating research in plain language, understanding how governments and international organisations work, and building relationships before they are needed.
Next: the Autumn School
The full cohort continues into the Autumn School on 26 October, where these foundations are deepened around science, sovereignty and knowledge governance in Africa, before being put into practice in the immersive diplomatic simulation at UM6P Ben Guerir. The Learning Lab presentations also feed the Impact Summary Report published by UM6P Press in Spring 2027.
Who Should Join
Designed for people working where science meets public life
Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
Participants building research agendas connected to science, society, and international affairs.
Early-career professionals
Professionals working at the intersection of science, policy, diplomacy, and governance.
Practitioners and policymakers
Actors interested in science governance, negotiation, and international relations.
Africa and Global South communities
The programme places particular emphasis on participants connected to African and Global South realities.
Key Dates
From first session to publication
The 2026 edition runs from July through December, with report publication planned for Spring 2027.
8 July 2026Learning Lab - opening session
30 September 2026Learning Lab - final session (concluded)
30 October 2026Contributions deadline for the Impact Summary Report
26-30 October 2026Autumn School - Block I
9-13 November 2026Autumn School - Block II
30 November - 4 December 2026Immersive Diplomatic Simulation at UM6P Ben Guerir
Spring 2027Impact Summary Report published by UM6P Press - IAS Institute for Advanced Studies
Programme Direction
Dr Mounia Benalil
IAS UM6P Resident, July-December 2026
The programme is directed by Dr Mounia Benalil, whose research project, La Science au Parlement, examines the role of scientific expertise in parliamentary processes and explores pathways towards African scientific diplomacy sovereignty.
Dr. Benalil brings extensive expertise in science policy, science advice, applied research, knowledge mobilisation, and international cooperation, grounded in her experience within research ecosystems in Canada.
Session recap