Science can be a powerful tool for diplomacy

National boundaries and political differences have a big impact on science. Two researchers living on opposite sides of even a peaceful border may have different access to funding and facilities. But in regions affected by cross-border distrust or conflict, scientists are often prevented from working together by government sanctions, or by personal prejudices against those they have learned to view as competitors, and even enemies. As Patrick Walter discussed previously in Chemistry World, this is causing a marked decline in international scientific collaboration, despite the continuing threats of Covid-19, climate change and other issues that can only truly be solved by global cooperation.

Yet science can be a powerful tool for diplomacy, helping to overcome national and political divides. The Malta Conferences have been doing this since 2003, bringing together researchers and policymakers from across the Middle East (and beyond) to discuss the scientific issues affecting the region.