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Science Diplomacy Affinity Group
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The Science Diplomacy Affinity Group has completed many projects, and the Academy's work in this area was recognized by the US Department of State in 2008. Members of this Affinity Group are drawn from all disciplines and all sectors, and they are united by their interest in using science and S&T collaboration as a mechanism for advancing peace and diplomacy.
Members of this group has been collaborating since 2006, and several past projects are described below.
Digital Archives and Virtual Science Libraries - 2007 Workshop in Rabat & 2011 Workshop in Washington, DC - In 2007, FAST co-organized a 3-day workshop in Rabat, Morocco on access to digital information - focusing on impacts to science, education and culture - with major support from the US National Science Foundation, UNESCO and the Moroccan Government. Institutional and individual members of FAST took the lead on follow-up activities. For example, the CRDF Global (formerly the US Civilian Research & Development Foundation) was awarded $1.5 million to develop a digital library for North Africa (Press Release)
- In January 2011, the Fulbright Academy facilitated a second workshop on this topic with 60 participants. The program brought 20 Fulbright scholars and 40 other experts to Washington, DC for three days of discussion, and the Academy is now playing a leadership role in organizing the Second International African Conference on Digital Archives, to be held in Johannesburg in November 2011. The Washington meeting was funded by a $41,000 award from the US National Science Foundation and $4,000 from the US Institute for Museum & Library Services.
Young Professionals Study Tour to Libya - August 2010 - Our program in Libya was done in conjunction with the opening of 2010 United Nations International Year of Youth, with travel and accommodations funded by the Libyan National Youth Council. Members of our delegation visited research labs, archeological sites and participated in the Libyan National Youth Celebration. Note: In the international community, "youth" means people who are 22-40 years old. We also had meetings with senior staff at the US Embassy and with alumni of the Fulbright program who live in Tripoli.
- We had over 200 self-nominations to be on our delegation. The final list of participants included young professionals affiliated with the US Department of State, the University of Texas, The New York Times, Regis University and Georgetown University.
FAST Study Tour to Egypt - May 2010 - Our Exec Director spent one week in Cairo and Alexandria meeting with staff from the Fulbright Commission, the Egyptian Science & Technology Development Fund, and government officials from Egypt and USA, including the US Ambassador to Egypt.
- One-on-one meetings with alumni were also arranged, as FAST was seeking alumni to serve on FAST's International Advisory Council.
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Sponsors and Partners to Date
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Why have we been active in North Africa?
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The Fulbright Academy is particularly active in this region because several Fulbrighters with an interest in this region became active in the Academy in 2006 - our first year of full-time operation. They included alumni based in the USA and those living in North Africa, and one became a member of our Board of Directors. In 2009, two additional Academy members interested in the region joined the board. Academy activities are also influenced by the political process. In June 2009, President Obama made a major speech to the Muslim World during a visit to Cairo University. One year later, the State Department issued a Fact Sheet on U.S. Government Science and Technology Engagement With the Muslim World - Progress in Realizing the President’s Vision of Enhanced Science and Technology (S&T) Partnership in the Muslim World. (PDF File) As a grass-roots organization, the Fulbright Academy is seeking additional opportunities to support scientific, technical and business collaboration among Fulbright scholars and other interested parties. Please contact us if you have suggestions. Past projects include: - A three-day workshop in Doha, Qatar on Nursing Education in the Middle East, with 75 experts, including deans from 12+ schools of nursing. This 2008 meeting was funded by the Qatar Foundation.
- A contract from the US Department of State to repair the telescope at the Rabat Observatory in Morocco. The work was done by staff from NASA.
- A grant to bring 18 Libyan US-based graduate students to our 2008 Annual Conference, held in Boston, with the goal of building ties between scientists in Libya and the USA.
- A three-day workshop/conference in Rabat, Morocco on establishing a Maghreb Digital LIbrary, with 100+ experts from eight countries. The seed funding for this event came from the US National Science Foundation, and our local partner was a Fulbrighter working at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
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