SPOT Nordic at the 2nd European Science Diplomacy Conference

On 17–18 December, the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union held the 2nd European Science Diplomacy Conference at Copenhagen Business School. As one of the final flagship events of the Danish Presidency, the conference confirmed that science diplomacy is becoming a key component of EU cooperation and policymaking.

SPOT Nordic was represented by Rita Valinhas and Sérgio Matos Dias. Our presence reflects SPOT Nordic’s commitment to play an active role as a science diplomacy agent, bridging Portugal and the Nordic countries and supporting research collaboration.

Science Diplomacy in the EU: a clear trajectory

Day 1

A pre-conference session, “From Research to Relation: International Scientific Networks, the Quiet Diplomats”, highlighted how international scientific networks often precede formal diplomacy. Examples such as the U7+ Alliance and the Marie Curie Alumni Association showed how universities and researcher communities build trust, generate evidence, and prepare the ground for diplomacy.

In one of the opening interventions, Eva Ortega-Paíno, Secretary General for Research at Spain’s Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, praised the developments since the first EU Science Diplomacy Conference held in Madrid in 2023 and presented RAICEX as a concrete example of network-based science diplomacy.

RAICEX, the Spanish Network of Researchers and Scientists Abroad, brings together associations of Spanish researchers worldwide and acts as a bridge between researchers, institutions, and policymakers, supporting talent circulation and alignment with EU priorities.

In one of the main talks of the event, Enrico Letta called for the need of a “5th Freedom” of the European Single Market: the free circulation of knowledge, research, innovation, education, and scientific evidence. Framed as essential for Europe’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy, this vision positions science diplomacy as key infrastructure, with a call for action by 2028.

Day 2

Day 2 focused on implementation and governance. One of the highlights was the role of non-state actors, often the initiators of cooperation and the “glue” between stakeholders as well as the translators of why actions must be taken in practice. Examples of these are philanthropic organizations, universities, research charities, industry, and professional networks.

A session offered a sneak preview of the forthcoming Handbook of Science Diplomacy, highlighting how emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology are reshaping the practice of science diplomacy. The discussion stressed the need for new tools, norms, and partnerships to ensure that technological advances support international cooperation and the global public good in an increasingly polarized world.

In Plenary Session IV, “Next Steps for a European Framework for Science Diplomacy”, Alessandro Lombardo, Chair of the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance, outlined how the Alliance will support the next phase of the European Science Diplomacy Framework.

SPOT Nordic: bridging Portugal and the Nordic Countries

For SPOT Nordic, the conference reaffirmed both the strategic importance of science diplomacy and our operational role within it. By connecting Portugal’s scientific ecosystem with Nordic excellence in research and innovation, SPOT Nordic contributes to a European science diplomacy landscape that is open, collaborative, and evidence-based, reinforcing our commitment to building North–South bridges and supporting a resilient, inclusive ecosystem that underpins Europe’s cooperation, innovation, and competitiveness.