TWAS-IAP Workshop on Policy and Diplomacy for Scientists 2019 (Fully-funded)

Deadline: June 28, 2019

Applications for the TWAS-IAP Workshop on Policy and Diplomacy for Scientists 2019 are now open. The objective of the workshop is to raise awareness among young scientists on the policy and diplomacy aspects that are related to the use of chemicals in various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, and other related fields.

In particular, scientists will be updated on the Chemical Weapons Convention and other international treaties and regulatory tools governing the transfer and use of chemicals. Aspects related to sustainability, ethics, and responsibility in research practices, as well as safety and security norms and standards in science, will also be addressed. The ultimate goal of the event will be to bridge the gap between scientists and policymakers and to promote the adoption of responsible and sustainable practices by scientists in low- and middle-income Member States of the OPCW.

Programme Content

The five-day workshop will include theoretical lectures and interactive sessions on the following topics:

• The work of international organisations in the promotion and control of the science and technology (S&T) and industrial activities in chemical and biochemical sciences, and related regulations imposed by the international treaties;
• The impact of developments in S&T on international security and on the implementation of international treaties;
• Science advice and science diplomacy;
• The concept of sustainability in industrial and research activities;
• Issues related to the multiple uses of science;
• Ethics in science and responsible research practices; and
• A study tour on a selected topic.

The workshop will accommodate a maximum of 25 participants who will be selected based on their qualifications and experience.

Cost

• The cost of tuition for all participants will be covered by the Secretariat.
• Approximately 20 selected participants will receive sponsorship from the Secretariat, covering international travel, medical and travel insurance, and a daily subsistence allowance.

Eligibility

• Open to individuals who have a PhD in natural sciences (for example chemistry, biology, physics, geology) or related engineering from a recognised university or institution;
• Are citizens of low- or middle-income OPCW Member States. The list is available HERE;
• Have been working in the field of applied chemical or biochemical or related sciences (research, academia, or industry) for at least five years; and
• Are young scientists at the beginning of their scientific career, i.e . who have received their PhD within the past 10 years and who are under the age of 40 years;
• The workshop will be conducted in English. Participants must therefore have a strong command of both written and spoken English.
• Female candidates are especially encouraged to apply;
• Self-sponsored participants are encouraged to apply.

Application

Applicants are invited to complete the application through Eventus, the OPCW event management system. Applicants must first create an account and then register for the event. Applicants who, for technical reasons, are not able to submit their applications online via Eventus are requested to complete and send the endorsement and application forms via email attachment to icb@opcw.org, with the name of the event clearly indicated in the subject line of the message.