16 June 2021
June 16th, MGIMO Rector A.Torkunov met with the Head of the Center for Science Diplomacy, Professor P.Berkman, a well-known researcher, who is also the Head of the Science Diplomacy program at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and a visiting professor at Harvard University (USA).
The meeting was attended by the Vice-Rector for Research A.Baykov, the Director of the International Institute for Energy Policy and Diplomacy, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences V.Salygin and the Head of the School of International Law A.Vylegzhanin.
The parties discussed the activities of MGIMO’s Center for Science Diplomacy and the most relevant areas of research, including the theoretical foundations of science diplomacy and corporate issues.
June 15th, another meeting was also held at MGIMO’s International Institute for Energy Policy and Diplomacy and was devoted to organizing the effective activities of the Center for Science Diplomacy.
A number of key topics were highlighted during the discussion including the theoretical and practical aspects of scientific diplomacy in crisis conditions resulting from the ongoing pandemic, the increase in cyber threats, and the qualitative transformation of international relations. The participants also concentrated on the current topics of research and educational programs of the Center for Science Diplomacy, including the development of green energy, the implementation of hydrogen-related projects, sustainable innovation, decarbonization, and cross-border energy supplies.
The sides also performed a comprehensive analysis of the problems of corporate science diplomacy, taking into account the development of strategic partnerships between MGIMO, MIEP and large companies such as Rosneft, Norilsk Nickel, Transneft, Gazprombank, Rosseti, Rosatom etc.
Professor P. Berkman suggested creating a master's program in science diplomacy, which could be implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research.
The parties considered the prospects for holding international conferences and seminars on the platform of MGIMO’s Center for Science Diplomacy, in particular, on science diplomacy in the Arctic as part of Russia's chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021-2023.
