Metascience Observatories as Instruments of Science Diplomacy: Global Empirical Perspectives

• Grant number: 25/26368-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: April 01, 2026
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Political Science - International Politics
• Principal Investigator: Amâncio Jorge Silva Nunes de Oliveira
• Grantee: Júlia Battistuzzi Penachioni
• Supervisor: Kieron Flanagan
• Host Institution: Instituto de Estudos Avançados (IEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Manchester, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 25/03615-3 - Science Observatories as Instruments of Science Diplomacy: Global Empirical Insights, BP.PD

Abstract

The central objective of this project is to examine the role of evidence-based science diplomacy as a strategic instrument for addressing opportunities to strengthen-and threats to sustaining-democracy, governance, and trust (DGT). To this end, the project seeks to better understand the conditions that foster international collaboration in science, particularly through information exchange. In this context, we introduce the concept of "metascience observatories"-organizations that employ advanced data and specialized methodologies to comprehensively analyse the global landscape of science and innovation. These are institutions dedicated to analysing science as a sociopolitical phenomenon, employing advanced techniques of data collection and processing, and adopting a broad, cross-cutting approach. Their role in science diplomacy is essential, as they contribute to the formation of international partnerships, facilitate scientific exchange, and provide evidence and qualified advice for science-based public policymaking.This BEPE project seeks to explore four three questions: (i) how metascience is currently produced and institutionalised; (ii) whether diplomats and advisors access this evidence in negotiation settings; and (iii) whether metascience observatories could evolve into advisory mechanisms for evidence-based diplomacy. To answer these questions, the research will combine institutional analysis of selected observatories with semi-structured interviews with diplomats, policy advisors, and experts working at the science-policy interface.By identifying how scientific evidence is translated into diplomatic language and strategy, the project aims to contribute to the development of more coherent advisory models that can strengthen evidence-based decision-making in areas such as climate, health, innovation and technology. Ultimately, the research intends to advance theoretical and empirical insights into how metascience can support diplomacy and global governance, enhancing trust, transparency, and international cooperation. (AU)