Call for Papers: 1st SIDNET Training School, Application Deadline: May 3, 2026
Monday, June 15 – Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Theme: Frontiers of Science Diplomacy: from Technological Sovereignty to Space Geopolitics, in the era of AI, data governance, hybrid warfare, and neurotechnologies.
Location: Como, Italy
The SiDnet COST Action is pleased to announce its first Training School. This three-day program is specifically designed to address the objectives of Working Group 1 (WG1), focusing on how science diplomacy can foster globally accepted standards and governance for new technologies while balancing national sovereignty, dual-usage of technologies, and alignment.
The curriculum is designed to create a “knowledge baseline” and to equip researchers, stakeholders, and practitioners with the skills to navigate the complex intersection of science, technology, international relations, legal studies, and diplomacy.
Key Topics Include:
- The European Science Diplomacy Framework and the EU’s strategic positioning in domains like artificial intelligence, space, and cybersecurity.
- Introduction to WG1’s focus: technology governance, ethics, and multi-stakeholder approaches.
- Outer Space Governance: Exploring the intersection of private sector control, dual-use technology, and outdated legal regimes.
- Neurotech & Cognitive Warfare: Evaluating the impact of brain-computer interfaces and neurotechnology on security and human rights.
- Multilateral Rule-Making: Addressing the lack of international capacity to agree and the risk of fragmented bilateral agreements.
Target Audience
This program is primarily targeted at Early to Mid-Career Researchers (EMCR), though applications from other career stages (Senior Researchers) in diverse fields (public, private, nonprofit, etc) and sectors (research, industry, institutional bodies) are highly encouraged.
Eligibility:
- Affiliation: To receive financial support, applicants must, at the time of application, be affiliated with a legal entity in a COST Full or Cooperating Member country, or a COST Near Neighbour Country.
- Fields: open to all STEM, Humanities, Social Science, and interdisciplinary fields.
- Attendance Commitment: Applicants must confirm their full availability to participate in the onsite training school hosted in Como, Italy, for its entire duration from June 15 to June 17.
- Mandatory Prerequisite: Completion of the S4D4C European Science Diplomacy Online Course (freely available at https://www.s4d4c.eu/courses/s4d4c-european-science-diplomacy-online-course/) is mandatory in order to be eligible for the financial support. Selected participants must complete the course before the training and provide proof of completion prior to travel.
Financial Support & Grants
To facilitate participation, SIDNET will award a limited number of financial grants to selected trainees.
- Grant Amount: The grant is fixed at €440 (€ 110 per day for 3 training days + 1 extra day for travel) to help cover travel, accommodation, and daily expenses.
- Self-Funded Participation: It is completely possible to apply and participate in the Training School without competing for the financial grant (e.g., if your travel is already covered by your home institution). Please indicate your preferred grant type in your application.
Application Requirements
To apply, candidates must submit the following documents:
- Motivation Letter (Max 500 words): Detailing your interest in science diplomacy and how this training benefits your career and institution.
- Curriculum Vitae (Max 3 pages): Including your current affiliation and a list of relevant publications or projects.
- S4D4C Registration Proof: A screenshot or confirmation of your registration for the S4D4C online course (the certificate of completion will be required only after selection and prior to travel).
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated by the SIDNET Core Group based on the following criteria:
- Motivation & Impact: Clarity of interest and personal impact/knowledge advancement, with potential for applying SIDNET outcomes in the applicant’s home country/field.
- Academic/Professional Record: Relevance of the applicant’s background to the thematic areas of the Training School.
- Inclusiveness: The selection committee will balance geographical provenience, gender participation and professional stage to ensure a fair and distributed research capacity.
- Diversity: Consideration of representation of various disciplines (STEM vs. SSH) and sectors to ensure fully interdisciplinary profiles of the participants.
Important Dates & Submission
- Application Deadline: May 3, 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: May 10, 2026
- Submission Method: Please submit your complete application package following the provided instructions by clicking the “Submit application” button.
