Joint Reflection on the ISTIC–UNESCO Foundations of Science Diplomacy Training
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
As fellows of the Future Africa Research Leadership Fellowship (FAR-LeaF) Programme, we had the privilege of being among the 25 participants selected from more than 170 applicants for the ISTIC–UNESCO Foundations of Science Diplomacy Training, held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 21–23 June 2026.
The training, organised by the International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre (ISTIC) under UNESCO, in collaboration with the Future Earth Africa Hub and its Leadership Centre and the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa, brought together early– and mid-career researchers from across Africa to explore the growing role of science diplomacy in addressing complex societal challenges.
Coming from different but complementary research backgrounds, sustainable food systems on one hand, and water governance on the other, we found ourselves engaging with common questions: How can research influence policy? How do scientists engage effectively with governments, communities, and international organisations? What responsibilities do researchers have beyond generating knowledge?
These questions resonated strongly with our experiences as FAR-LeaF fellows. The Fellowship is built on the belief that future African research leaders must not only produce high-quality science but also generate knowledge that helps solve real societal challenges. The science diplomacy training reinforced this vision by demonstrating that impactful research requires meaningful engagement beyond the university, connecting science with policy, diplomacy, and society.
One of the strongest messages we took from the workshop was that science diplomacy is fundamentally about relationships. While scientific excellence remains essential, it is equally important to develop the ability to communicate evidence, build trust across disciplines and sectors, and foster partnerships capable of addressing challenges that transcend national boundaries. Whether addressing food insecurity, water governance, climate change, biodiversity conservation, or public health, solutions require collaboration among scientists, policymakers, civil society, industry, and international organisations.
Throughout the three-day programme, we reflected on how these principles apply directly to our own work. Our research interests differ, yet both are rooted in sustainable resource management and improving livelihoods across Africa. Dr Lefadola's research on reducing food loss and waste through circular economy approaches seeks to transform agricultural by-products into value-added products while supporting food security and environmental sustainability. Prof Maramura's work in water governance focuses on equitable and sustainable management of water resources within increasingly complex socio-ecological systems. Although these research areas are distinct, they are deeply interconnected. Sustainable food systems cannot exist without sound water governance, and effective water governance must consider agricultural production, food security, and environmental resilience.
The training encouraged us to think beyond disciplinary boundaries and to appreciate the interconnected nature of the Sustainable Development Goals. It also challenged us to recognise that producing robust scientific evidence is only one part of our responsibility. Equally important is ensuring that this evidence reaches decision-makers in forms that can inform policy, planning, and implementation.
As FAR-LeaF fellows, we have consistently been encouraged to pursue transdisciplinary research and collaborative leadership. The science diplomacy training complemented this philosophy by providing practical perspectives on stakeholder engagement, negotiation, policy communication, and international scientific collaboration. We particularly appreciated discussions illustrating how scientists can serve not only as researchers but also as advisors, facilitators, knowledge brokers, and trusted partners in policy processes.
The workshop also reinforced the importance of African-led solutions to African challenges. Many of the examples shared during the training highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among African researchers and institutions. This aligns closely with the objectives of the FAR-LeaF Programme, which seeks to build a network of emerging research leaders capable of working across disciplines, institutions, and countries to address the continent's most pressing development challenges.
Participating in the training together provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives from our respective fields while recognising the shared principles that underpin our research. Our conversations throughout the workshop demonstrated that leadership in research extends beyond technical expertise. It requires empathy, effective communication, openness to diverse perspectives, and the willingness to work across institutional, disciplinary, and national boundaries.
The experience has strengthened our commitment to integrating science diplomacy into our future work. We intend to place greater emphasis on stakeholder engagement from the early stages of research, strengthen collaborations with policymakers and practitioners, communicate research findings in more accessible formats, and contribute evidence that supports sustainable development across the African continent.
Ultimately, the ISTIC–UNESCO Foundations of Science Diplomacy training reaffirmed that the future of African research depends not only on scientific excellence but also on our collective ability to build partnerships, influence policy with evidence, and collaborate across borders. As members of the FAR-LeaF community, we leave the programme inspired and better equipped to contribute to a future in which research serves society, informs decision-making, and supports sustainable and inclusive development across Africa.
Dr Boineelo Pearl Lefadola & Prof Tafadzwa Clementine Maramura
