Gauteng: The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is currently hosting the Science Diplomacy Summer School with the aim of equipping participants with knowledge needed to address Africa’s developmental and global challenges. Held in collaboration with its partners, the summer school is a hybrid event, taking place both online and in person in Gauteng from 15 to 24 October 2025.
According to South African Government News Agency, the council said the innovative programme aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to effectively leverage the intersection of science, policy, and diplomacy in addressing Africa’s developmental and global challenges. The programme offers participants a comprehensive grounding in the theory and practice of science diplomacy as a critical tool for navigating complex global challenges.
The HSRC said that through contextually relevant case studies, dialogues, and reflective exercises, participants will explore the diverse roles and perspectives of policymakers, diplomats, scientists, and civil society actors. This combination of theory and practice is designed to enhance analytical and critical thinking, while fostering innovative strategies to strengthen Africa’s voice and influence in global science and diplomacy arenas.
The programme takes an interactive and practice-oriented approach, combining conceptual learning with hands-on activities and engagement. Participants will explore various dimensions, tracks, and methods of science diplomacy through relevant case studies, dialogues, reflective exercises, and working groups. By the end of the summer school, attendees will understand the tools, soft skills, and expertise necessary for effective science diplomacy. They will learn to apply systems thinking to science diplomacy at the multilateral level using real-world scenarios.
In addition, participants will gain a solid understanding of policy stakeholders and effective engagement mechanisms for scientific and diplomatic partnerships. The participants will engage in integrating African perspectives, knowledge systems, and priorities into global science diplomacy dialogues, identifying opportunities and challenges for advancing science diplomacy within the African context.
The summer school includes three online sessions via MS Teams. There will be in-person sessions held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre on 20 and 21 October 2025.