From the 14th to the 17th of September, the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS) organized the Science Diplomacy Learning Lab 2026, as part of the research residency program led by Dr. Mounia Benalil, Research Fellow in Residence at IAS.
It featured contributions from Pr. Khalid Riffi Temsamani from Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Pr. Mahmoud El Hassouni from the “École Supérieure de Management de Télécommunication et d'Informatique” (SUP MIT), Dr. Issam Krimi of Rabat Business School, and Dr. Dikabo Mogopodi from the University of Botswana.
The sessions explored universities' role as actors in international relations and their contributions to science diplomacy, public policy, and multilateral cooperation. The discussions also examined the relationship among culture, soft power, and regional relations, considering how cultural dynamics can influence trade, scientific partnerships, and international cooperation.
The Learning Lab further examined science diplomacy as a mechanism for South-South cooperation, discussing mutual interests, co-creation, technological sovereignty, shared scientific infrastructure, and collaboration among academia, industry, and government.