Vilniaus mokslo diplomatijos forumas 2025 | 10-16

This session brings together representatives from research councils and other key
science and diplomacy institutions across the region countries to explore the evolving
role of these organizations in shaping and supporting science diplomacy. Through
focused 5-minute lightning talks, panelists will share how their institutions engage with
foreign policy actors, promote international scientific collaboration, and help position
their countries in global research agendas. The discussion will highlight common
challenges, innovative practices, and opportunities for joint action to strengthen regional
and European science diplomacy efforts.

This session explores how to balance science openness and proportionate research
security to safeguard Europe’s competitiveness. Panelists will address risks such as
dual-use research, disinformation, IP theft, and brain drain, as well as emerging issues
in AI and migration-related vulnerabilities. The discussion will also consider how science
diplomacy can enable responsible collaboration while mitigating security risks.

This session explores how science diplomacy can strengthen state resilience in the face of crises – be it armed conflict, pandemics, or natural disasters. The panel will discuss how foreign policy, crisis governance, and science ecosystems can work together to navigate uncertainty, build strategic foresight, and enhance national security.

Kęstutis Budrys, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania