Meeting of the associations of scientists abroad in Madrid - 10 September 2017

11 November 2018

• The meeting has brought together 12 associations of Spanish scientists and researchers abroad, cultural and scientific advisors of the embassies, and the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT).
• The main objective of this meeting has been to strengthen the dialogue between these actors so that a robust science diplomacy will result in improved conditions for scientists in Spain and abroad, as well as for the competitiveness of Spain in R&D.
• Collaboration, dialogue and transparency are essential to solve scientific challenges.

September 10, 2017

On September 7th and 8th, 2017, and for the third consecutive year, 12 associations of Spanish scientists and researchers abroad met at the headquarters of the Ramón Areces Foundation in Madrid. These associations bring together more than 3,500 professionals in the world of research, represented on four continents. This meeting took place on the occasion of the III Meeting of Science, Technology and Innovation Diplomacy organized by the State Secretariat for R & D (through the FECYT) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and was attended by embassies, the Confederation of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) and representatives of various government agencies such as the MAEC, REPER, CDTI and AECID.

During the meeting, the "Network of Spanish Scientists Abroad" (RAICEX) has been consolidated as an interlocutor body between the associations and public and private institutions. This network aims to improve the conditions of Spanish researchers abroad and in Spain, promote quality research in Spain, and enhance international collaborations. In addition, the meeting has served to bring positions closer together and strengthen the dialogue between the associations of Spanish scientists abroad and Spanish institutions. The scientists have requested a greater sensitivity in public communication by the institutions and that the independent nature of the associations be respected at all times. They have also highlighted the need for greater transparency and better flow of communication between institutions and associations to ensure that the interests of each party are heard and to carry out initiatives that benefit all actors.

From the meeting, the network of Spanish scientists abroad concludes that science diplomacy should aim to provide solutions to the problems affecting society. This requires the participation of scientists and other actors. Scientists and researchers do not identify themselves as diplomats. However, their work in science and their interactions with various institutions create links between countries, so they become essential elements in science diplomacy. They also propose that science diplomacy should always be open, multidirectional and based on respect and transparency. Although there is still work to be done to improve, the associations conclude that the meeting has been constructive and they value it very positively.

List of the associations belonging to the network of scientific associations abroad

• ACE Japón (Asociación de Científicos Españoles en Japón)
• ACES (Asociación de Científicos Españoles en Suecia)
• ASIERI (Asociación de Investigadores Españoles en la República Italiana)
• CEBE (Científicos Españoles en Bélgica)
• CED (Científicos Españoles en Dinamarca)
• CERFA (Científicos Españoles en la República Federal de Alemania)
• CERU (Científicos Españoles en Reino Unido)
• ECUSA (Españoles Científicos en USA)
• RECEMX (Red de Científicos Españoles en México)
• RICE (Red de Investigadores China-España)
• SRAP (Investigadores Españoles en Australia Pacífico)
• SRSI (Sociedad de Investigadores Españoles en Irlanda)