IMSO4DIPLO

The key aim of this project is to examine the role of evidence-informed science diplomacy as a strategic instrument to strengthen democracy, governance, and trust (DGT). The project will utilize qualitative and quantitative methods to (1) understand the relationship between science diplomacy and DGT; (2) conceptualize and operationalize metascience observatories and investigate the extent to which they can be leveraged to improve science diplomacy; and (3) explore how threats to DGT could be mitigated and opportunities seized through inclusive metascience observatories. We propose three work packages (WP) and several sub-packages to be conducted collaboratively across international partners based in seven countries (Brazil, Canada, France, Poland, South Africa, the UK, and the US). The diverse methodological expertise of the teams will allow for a broad variety of data gathering and analysis techniques, strengthening the results through triangulation. The outputs will include both academic-oriented products, as well as communications to policymakers and the wider public, honoring the practices of open science. In addition to these products, outcomes will include communities of practice for science diplomats and training opportunities for early-career researchers. Incorporation of DEI includes empirical questions focused on equity, ensuring diversity of the research team, and building sustainable models of inclusive metascience observatories that will have wide-ranging impact on science measurement. Sustainability will be a focal point of the project, to ensure that the network of inclusive metascience observatories leads to long-term benefits to society, transforming the relationship between science and society and ensuring equity in who produces and is able to access knowledge.