Birkbeck launches global ‘Science Diplomacy Initiative’ amid rising geopolitical tensions
The launch explores how science can support global cooperation during times of political and technological change.
Birkbeck has officially launched the Birkbeck Science Diplomacy Initiative (BDSI), a new programme led by Professor James Hammond from the School of Natural Sciences, aimed at exploring the role of science diplomacy in an increasingly fragmented global landscape.
The initiative was inaugurated with a high-profile symposium held in Seoul, South Korea, earlier this month. Co-organised with The Royal Society and the British Embassy in Seoul, the event convened scientists, diplomats, policymakers and industry leaders to examine how scientific collaboration can help navigate geopolitical disruption.
The symposium addressed the dual forces shaping today’s global environment: the urgent need for international cooperation on issues like climate change and pandemics, and the competitive pressures driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, bioengineering and quantum computing.
Discussions also explored the geopolitical implications of disruptive technologies, including national security concerns around Chinese semiconductor production and the widening global inequalities exacerbated by AI.
The symposium featured keynote addresses from His Excellency Colin Crooks, UK Ambassador to the Republic of Korea; Mr Jiho Cha, Member of the Korean National Assembly; Deputy Minister Hee Sang Kim, Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Professor Alison Noble, Foreign Secretary of The Royal Society. The event concluded with remarks from His Excellency Ban Ki Moon, former Secretary General of the United Nations and current President and Chair of the Global Green Growth Initiative.
James Hammond, Professor of Geophysics at Birkbeck’s School of Natural Sciences said: “Science diplomacy offers a unique opportunity to build trust and collaboration across borders. In an era of disruption, it’s more important than ever to harness the power of science to promote peace, understanding and shared progress.”