Quebec launches network of reseach chairs in science diplomacy

Recent geopolitical challenges, coming on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the need to build global capacity in science diplomacy and the provision of scientific advice to governments.  

Recognizing the importance of this work, Quebec’s research funding agency, le Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), along with the provincial Office of the Chief Scientist, recently launched a competitive process to create eight university research chairs focused on studying the various aspects and challenges of scientific diplomacy. This new network of science diplomacy chairs, one of the largest in the world, was officially launched in Montreal on Mar. 25. 

Research on science diplomacy has gained momentum over the past twenty years. In addition to mitigating the disruptions caused by geopolitical events, science diplomacy addresses crucial global issues, including: the rapid development of artificial intelligence; climate change; global health; food insecurity; democratic crises; and global governance of emerging technologies. The science diplomacy chair program aims to strengthen Quebec’s leadership in this rapidly expanding field by creating a structure for innovative research programs and fostering collaboration, both locally and with partners around the world.  

The research chair network builds on other recent FRQ initiatives, including programs to provide recent PhD graduates with experience in science advisory roles in local governments, provincial ministries, and in 15 diplomatic offices abroad. One of the authors of this article, Rémi Quirion, is the president of the International Network on Governmental Science Advice (INGSA), an organization partly funded by the government of Quebec and present in over 130 countries, primarily in the global south.  

The table at the end of this article briefly summarizes the focus of each chair. The chairs are international in their core structure, since their proposed projects must receive international funding and bring together researchers and institutions from different countries. Furthermore, they are mandated to implement research programs that could not be carried out without international cooperation; to train the next generation of researchers and science diplomats; and to contribute to the transfer of knowledge to diplomats, policy makers and public agencies who can put that knowledge into effect.  

The chairs will collaborate amongst themselves, ensure the effectiveness of the network, and commit to expanding it over time. It’s an ambitious project, and an exciting one.  

Here are the just two of the many new chairs:  

International Science Diplomacy Research Chair for Arctic and Space Cooperation 

The International Science Diplomacy Research Chair for Arctic and Space Cooperation, led by Pooneh Maghoul at Polytechnique Montréal, offers a compelling model for how scientific expertise can inform governance in rapidly evolving disciplines.  

The Chair advances a casedriven program that integrates scientific, legal, engineering, Indigenous, and diplomatic perspectives to address parallel geopolitical and environmental challenges in the northerncircumpolar regions and in outer space. It aims to cultivate a new generation of science techno-diplomats capable of dealing with climate disruptions, the proliferation of activities in outer space, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and the limitations of existing legal frameworks. At the core of this initiative is the creation of a scientific platform for cooperating in extreme environments, paired with training pathways that emphasize experiential, intercultural and Indigenousinformed engagement.  

The program also seeks to shape emerging legal norms that govern resource use and infrastructure in both the Arctic and outer space. It is complemented by a robust training ecosystem that includes two flagship programs: the NextGeneration TechnoDiplomats Summer School and the LabtoPolicy initiative. Together, they enable trainees to bring together technology, predictions and policy to help create protocols, assessments and toolkits.  

Chair on Science Diplomacy and Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence 

The Chair on Science Diplomacy and Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence, led by Catherine Régis at the University of Montréal, proposes investigating how science diplomacy can be used as an innovative approach to AI governance, and how AI can help those involved in science diplomacy to achieve their objectives.  

The Chair will produce knowledge that will concretely support the work of scientists, governments, diplomats, international organizations and others, by measures to help them achieve their objectives and by developing useful tools such as a dynamic map of global AIgovernance initiatives, policy briefs, and training programs on the appropriate use of AI in their activities.  

To carry out its program, the Chair will rely on an international network of researchers with complementary expertise, including international law, international relations, AI, ethics, communication, economics, and data science. Its activities will also be linked with other initiatives such as the recently created United Nations advisory committee, UNESCO’s Global AI Ethics and Governance Observatory, and FRQ’s observatory on the societal impacts of AI (OBVIA). 

With different approaches and research themes, as well as contributors from all continents, all eight science diplomacy chairs will contribute significantly to this rapidly changing field of research and action. The Office of the Chief Scientist and the FRQ will support them in ensuring they have the greatest impact possible, both individually and as an innovative network.  

Table 1: The Eight Chairs of the Science Diplomacy Network