Science and Academic Diplomacy for European Cooperation in Higher Education: Use case from Ulysseus European University

This course provides an introduction to Science Diplomacy, exploring how science and international relations intersect to tackle global challenges. Students will discover the role of higher education institutions and university alliances, with a focus on the Ulysseus European University.

 

Students will also examine the European framework of science diplomacy, including key actors like the EU Commission, major agencies, and programs such as Erasmus and Horizon Europe. By the end, learners will have a comparative understanding of national science diplomacy models and the concrete skills and career opportunities available in this field.

Registration dates 16 July 2026 08 March 2027
Course dates 01 February 2027 30 April 2027
Registration is open
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Science and Academic Diplomacy for European Cooperation in Higher Education: Use case from Ulysseus European University

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Science Diplomacy and the European Union Framework

  • Definitions and Conceptual foundations
  • The European framework of Science Diplomacy
  • Science diplomacy strategies and policies in Members States

Module 2: From Academic cooperation to Science Diplomacy: What Role do Higher Education and Research Institutions play?

  • Academic cooperation, a traditional dimension of universities’ international engagement
  • Why Universities are Turning to Science Diplomacy

Module 3: Focus on University Alliances

  • Converging challenges and shared interests for European universities
  • Focus on the European University Ulysseus
  • Example of other models

Module 4: Science diplomats, concrete actions and organization

  • People Behind Science Diplomacy – Actors, Roles, Skills, and Opportunities

Link to the course: https://ulysseus.eu/learn/course/view.php?id=359

Learning Outcomes

Through active participation in this course, participants will be able to:

  • Define Science Diplomacy and explain how science and international relations intersect to address global challenges. Recognise the diversity of institutional and national approaches to science diplomacy within Europe.
  • Understand the common European vision of science diplomacy through case examples including the Ulysseus European University Alliance.
  • Identify the ways higher education institutions contribute to dialogue, international cooperation, and mutual understanding through science.
  • Analyse how universities act as strategic actors in the diplomatic ecosystem, relying on their role as research and innovation centers.
  • Develop a comparative understanding of national science diplomacy models across Ulysseus partner countries, including how these models are implemented in practice at institutional and policy levels.

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