Brussels Alumni Network Event/Aletta Dialogue

Science and Diplomacy, building relations on shared knowledge to meet EU's challenges

Global challenges are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, requiring expert knowledge to understand the potential consequences of political action. At the same time, science and innovation have become a driver and enabler of global change. Together science and diplomacy, or science diplomacy, can help to address major global challenges of our time and to increase overall influence, understanding and prosperity.

Learn more about how the University of Groningen (UG) supports strategic collaborations between international scientists, diplomats and policymakers during the University of Groningen (UG) Brussels Alumni Network gathering on 30 March at Maison Grand Place in Brussels (startime: 18.00h). The entrance is free of charge. Drinks and a buffet are included. The number of places is limited.

Science and diplomacy play a crucial role in addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. Universities play an important role in this process. UG fosters collaborations between international scientists, diplomats and policymakers to support building of resilient and sustainable societies across the EU and the globe, and to strengthen the trust in science and its use in policy making.

18.00   Walk-in & registration
18.30   Welcome by host Jan Molema , President of the Brussels Alumni Chapter & UG alumnus
18.35   Kick-off by moderator Thomas Jörgensen , Director for Policy Coordination and Foresight, European University Association
18.45   How diplomacy can benefit science and vice versa by Pieter Jan Kleiweg de Zwaan , Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Belgium & UG alumnus
19.00   The European Science Diplomacy agenda by Nienke Buisman , Deputy Director Global Approach & International Cooperation at the European Commission
19.15   How universities can benefit diplomacy and vice versa by Prof. Jouke de Vries , President of the University of Groningen
19.30   European project ENLIGHT and the Interdisciplinary Schools of the UG by Prof. Cisca Wijmenga , Rector Magnificus of the University of Groningen
19.40   Discussion between the experts incl. Q&A with the audience
20.00   Wrap up: conclusions & takeaways
20.10   Buffet, drinks and networking (till 21.30 hrs)