Science Diplomacy Learning Lab
A research residency programme led by Mounia Benalil, Ph.D., combining lectures, masterclasses, and interactive discussions with international experts in science diplomacy, science policy, and knowledge governance.
2026 Science Diplomacy Programme
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.
Dates
July to December 2026
Format
Hybrid, online, and on-site at UM6P Ben Guerir
Audience
Doctoral students, researchers, diplomats, and policy professionals
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.
Autumn School of Science Diplomacy
Conceived and directed by Mounia Benalil, Ph.D., 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 Mounia Benalil, Ph.D., 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
All presentations will contribute to a peer-reviewed Impact Summary Report published by UM6P Press - IAS Institute for Advanced Studies in Spring 2027.
MB
8 July
Mounia Benalil, Ph.D.
IAS UM6P Resident; Programme Director, Science Diplomacy Programme 2026
Opening Lecture: Science Diplomacy, Science Advice, and Knowledge Governance in Africa
9 July
Dr. Lesley Masters
Senior Lecturer, Nottingham Trent University; SARCHI Chair in African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, University of Johannesburg; Visiting Fellow, Loughborough London
The International Geopolitics of Science Diplomacy
23 July
Prof. Yasmine Hasnaoui
Expert, Moroccan Sahara and North Africa Affairs; ESEF, Hassan I University, Settat
Science, Evidence, and Diplomacy: Morocco's Position at the United Nations
4 August
Prof. Mahmoud El Hassouni
Geopolitics and Trading Expert; Associate Professor, SUP MTI Rabat; Mentor, One Young World
Diplomacy, Soft Power, and Cultural Proximity
View bio
12 August
Mme Madeleine Hamel
Project Lead - Science and Technology, UNU-CPR
Science in Global Decision-Making Processes
View bio
10 September
Prof. Khalid R. Temsamani
University Abdelmalek Essaadi; Vice-Chair IFBA; Strategic Director, Science Policy Platform-Climate
The Role of Universities in the Development of Science Diplomacy in Morocco
View bio
11 September
Prof. Stéphane Paquin
Holder of the Jarislowsky Chair, UQAT/ENAP; Director, GERIQ and CEIM
Introduction to Diplomacy and its Practices
MH
14 September
M. Mehrdad Hariri
Founder and 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
DM
15 September
Dr. Dikabo Mogopodi
Lecturer in Analytical Chemistry, University of Botswana; Next Einstein Forum Ambassador for Botswana
How African Women Scientists Drive Science Diplomacy through the Africa Science Leadership Programme
TK
24 September
Mme Thilinakumari Kandanamulla
Senior Scientific Officer, National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka
Science Diplomacy: National, Regional, and Global Approaches in a Changing World
30 September
Joint Masterclass
Dr. Jackie Kado
Executive Director, NASAC; Fellow-AETSW; Member-BRISEC
View bio
FD
Prof. Françoise Driver
Associate Professor, University of Mauritius
African Women Scientists Driving Science Diplomacy in Times of Crisis
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
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
Mounia Benalil, Ph.D.
IAS UM6P Resident, July-December 2026
The programme is directed by Mounia Benalil, Ph.D., 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.
Speaker Bio