Swiss Young Network for Science Policy and Diplomacy (SYNESPOD)
This project provides a platform for science for policy and diplomacy within the Swiss Young Academy (SYA) through (inter)national partnerships and activities, increasing the capacity, impact, and visibility of early-career professionals in Switzerland and beyond to address challenges toward sustainable development globally.
Project group
Current members
Jovana V. Milić (Co-Speaker)
Mohammd Peydayesh (Co-Speaker)
Darius Farman
Abishek Narayan
Clément Meier
Former members
Lauren Clack
Florian Egli
Servan Grüninger
Lucas Mueller
BinBin Pearce
Clara Zemp
Silvia Maier
Background
The project is motivated by the global challenges that affect Switzerland, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and the devastating effects of geopolitical and health crises, which require transdisciplinary solutions at the interface of science, policy, and diplomacy. For this purpose, science for policy and diplomacy provides opportunities to address challenges through science-policy dialogue and international cooperation.
Goals
Building the capacity of early-career researchers to contribute to science for policy and diplomacy
Connecting and empowering early-career researchers in science for policy and science diplomacy
Establishing an (inter)national network for science for policy and diplomacy
Activities
SYNESPOD will be realized through workshops, participation in forums, and partnerships, creating and strengthening a network for science policy and diplomacy. In particular, the project envisages a workshop on science for policy and diplomacy for early-career scientists co-organized in collaboration with Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI) and Reatch. Moreover, we plan to participate in Geneva Science and Diplomacy Week, an international forum for science diplomacy leaders. We will further focus on strengthening and mapping connections and partnerships with other young academies and (inter)national organizations involved in science for policy and diplomacy, including the Global Young Academy (GYA), Young Academy Finland (YAF), UK Young Academy, Young Academy of Ireland, Young Academies Science Advice Structure (YASAS), International Network of Government Science Advice (INGSA), and International Science Council (ISC), among others. Finally, we will develop a long-term strategy for SYNESPOD within the Swiss Young Academy.
New Report
On Science for Policy and Diplomacy Education in Switzerland and Beyond: A Brief Overview
Some of the most pressing challenges worldwide, from global pandemics to the climate and environmental crisis, require efforts at the interface of science, policy, and diplomacy. To this end, skills development for scientists engaged with science for policy and diplomacy is increasingly important, yet relevant educational offers in Switzerland and worldwide remain limited. Such training opportunities are crucial as engaging effectively at the science-policy interface requires specialized skills that go beyond traditional academic training and are essential for creating science-informed policies to address complex local and global challenges. The Swiss Young Network for Science Policy and Diplomacy of the Swiss Young Academy, in collaboration with the Geneva Science-Policy Interface and the Franxini Project of Reatch, considered educational offers in science for policy and diplomacy available for early-career academics, including courses, workshops, and webinars in Switzerland, across Europe, and beyond. Without being comprehensive, this report provides insights for academics and others interested in building capacity in science advice.
