Canada’s place in the world depends on effective, unified science diplomacy, one that secures its full access to scientific knowledge, keeps its economy at the cutting edge of technology, upholds scientific freedom globally and puts science in the service of peace.

These are the conclusions I reached in a speech I gave at the Canada-GESDA Summit on Science Diplomacy, recently held in Montréal. Organized jointly by the University of Montréal, McGill University and the University of Calgary — in partnership with GESDA (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator) — this major event brought together scientists, diplomats and policymakers to lay the groundwork for a future Canadian diplomatic strategy.

Invited as a diplomat-in-residence at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the University of Montréal, I outlined the objectives of science diplomacy, the ideals it pursues, the interests at stake and its vital importance for Canada in the current technological and geo-strategic context.

The four pillars of science diplomacy

Science diplomacy rests on at least four fundamental objectives:

Giving Canadian scientists cross-border access to the best minds, laboratories, teams and research partners, those that are most complementary, most effective and best funded.

Giving Canadian scientists cross-border access to the best minds, laboratories, teams and research partners, those that are most complementary, most effective and best funded.

Generating maximum economic benefits for Canada and its businesses — through international scientific engagement — in the form of innovations, cutting-edge technologies, contracts, investments, market share and promising partnerships.

Generating maximum economic benefits for Canada and its businesses — through international scientific engagement — in the form of innovations, cutting-edge technologies, contracts, investments, market share and promising partnerships.

Promoting Canadian standards and values internationally: academic freedom, the protection of researchers, their independence and credibility, fraud detection, intellectual property and cultural diversity (including research in French). In short, science in the service of humanity, not the other way........

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