“My vision for the PSPDG Science Diplomacy Branch is for it to serve as a true bridge between scientific training and global engagement. I want it to be a space where students do not just learn about science diplomacy in theory, but develop the skills, networks, and confidence to apply scientific expertise to international dialogue, collaboration, and problem-solving.” - Dimitris Boufidis, Science Diplomacy Chair 2024-2026
The PSPDG Science Diplomacy Branch creates hands-on opportunities for Penn trainees to engage with the intersection of science and international affairs through workshops, reading groups, speaker events, diplomacy simulations, and experiential programs.
Through our educational programming and external partnerships, we are leading science diplomacy capacity building for early-career researchers, equipping trainees with the knowledge, networks, and practical experience to understand how scientific expertise can inform international cooperation and real-world decision-making.
In recent years, we have hosted embassy officials on campus, organized trips to Washington, DC, and developed real-world science diplomacy projects in collaboration with international partners.
Recent Events
2025 Washington, DC Trip
Invited Research Presentation at the Greek Embassy in Washington, D.C.
In October 2024, our Science Diplomacy Chair Dimitris Boufidis was invited to share his research at the Greek Embassy.
Past Highlights
PSPDG members formed a team collaborating with the Philippine Embassy to produce briefings on expanding the use of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices in rural areas of the Philippines. The team met regularly with representatives of the Philippine government throughout the process, refining goals and presenting research findings. A final report summarizing their work was provided to the Philippine Embassy and was used by government officials to inform national policy.
Consulting for the Philippine Embassy
Consulting for the Swedish Embassy
PSPDG members visiting the Swedish Embassy in Washington, D.C. to commemorate our collaboration. From left, Henric Johnson, Stephen Mell, Tori Lovins, Alex Maldonado-Lopez, and a Swedish Embassy staffer.
PSPDG members partnered with the Swedish Embassy, through its Office of Science and Innovation, to prepare multiple reports on the state of science and innovation in the United States. These reports were used to advise decisionmakers within the Swedish government on opportunities to better collaborate with American research institutions, companies, and non-profits. The collaboration involved PSPDG Diplomacy Chair Tori Lovins, Treasurer Alex Maldonado-Lopez, and member Stephen Mell. Our members worked with Henric Johnson, Swedish Science and Innovation Counselor to the United States.
Speaking at the UN Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum
PSPDG members at the UN 2019 STI Forum at UN Headquarters. From left to right, Anne Fosnocht, Ambika Natesan, Shannon Wolfman, Matt Malencia, Tori Lovins, and Hong-Mei Li.
PSPDG members, led by PSPDG Diplomacy Deputy Tori Lovins, attended the United Nation’s 2019 Science, Technology, and Innovation Forum as part of our ongoing collaboration with the UN Major Group for Children and Youth. Members were able to attend plenary sessions, as well as side events where they participated in discussions about the role of science in achieving equity for developing nations and other stakeholders. PSPDG member Matt Malencia was able to give an intervention on the floor of the UN, resulting in PSPDG-generated language being included in the official summary document for the Forum. This document will be used during the UN’s next High Level Political Forum, at which time representatives from member-state countries will come together to examine the progress made by the UN as a whole in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals. Other attendees included Ambika Natesan, PSPDG Communications Chair, Anne Fosnocht, PSPDG Blog Director, and members Shannon Wolfman and Hong-Mei Li.
Collaboration with Costa Rican Embassy
Enrique Lin Shiao, with Marga Gual Soler and Roman Macaya Hayes, at the 2017 Penn Science Policy and Diplomacy Symposium at the University of Pennsylvania
Led by PSPDG co-president Enrique Lin Shiao, members of PSPDG visited the Costa Rican Embassy. Subsequently, Roman Macaya Hayes, Costa Rican Ambassador to the US, spoke at a number of PSPDG events, including as the keynote speaker of the 2017 Penn Science Policy and Diplomacy Symposium. The partnership has resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between Penn’s Center for Global Health, the international arm of Penn Medicine, and the Costa Rican Ministry of Health to promote mutual cooperation in health research and education.
Scientific Exchange with North Korea
Korean-American and North Korean scientists discussing medical research at the 2017 Pyongyang Medical Conference, hosted in Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
PSPDG member Sharon Kim worked with Kee B. Park and the Korean-American Medical Association to participate in their initiative “Friends in Health: DPRK”. Through this collaboration, Sharon traveled to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to engage in bilateral medical and scientific exchange with DPRK scientists and physicians at the Pyongyang Medical Conference in 2017 and 2018.
Consulting for Lithuanian Embassy
Povilas Kučinskas and Aaron Tatad at the Lithuania Parliamant
Our collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania took place in 2016, taking the form of pro-bono scientific consulting in coordination with Krista Bard, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Lithuania to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, placed at the Lithuanian General Consulate in Philadelphia. PSPDG members Aaron Tatad and Povilas Kučinskas conducted interviews of Lithuanian-Americans living in Philadelphia and performed a literature review. The results were written up in a report, and Aaron and Povilas were able to travel to Lithuania to present the results, in person, to Parliament.