Office of Science & Technology - The Soft Power of Science Cooperation

The Soft Power of Science Cooperation

bridges vol. 18, July 2008 / OpEds & Commentaries

by Norman Neureiter

Norman P. Neureiter

International scientific and technical cooperation have the potential to be one of America's most powerful and effective soft-power instruments for a constructive foreign policy. A recent public opinion poll in Muslim countries found that although US foreign policy and cultural values were not highly regarded, US achievements in science and technology earned the highest respect and admiration. Dialogue among scientists can often contribute to the resolution of issues that elude politicians.

Therefore support for international scientific and technical cooperation must be a vital element in the formulation and execution of foreign policy. It is essential to keep repeating that message and reminding policy makers of this critical link between science and international relations. In the cacophonous world of policy making, without a constant reminder, that capricious razor in the foreign affairs area - called "responsible budgeting" - can so easily fall on science as it often has in the past.

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Ernst Mach grant worldwide for 2011/12 – Apply by March 1, 2012!

The 1- to 9-month grant targets postgraduates and PhD holders (under 35 years) from all countries except Austria for the purposes of research and/or study carried out in Austria. Monthly grants range between EUR 940 and EUR 1,040. Further information on areas of study/research, on prerequisites, and on application procedures is available at the OEADs Web Site and the OEADs official announcement .

Call for applications: Franz Werfel Grant for young university teachers of German language and Austrian literature

Apply by March 1, 2012 for the research grant targeted at researchers, postgraduates, PhD holders (under 35 years) from all countries except Austria. Franz Werfel grant-recipients will work as visiting researchers at Austrian university departments and carry out specialist studies in libraries, archives or at research institutions. Monthly grant of EUR 1,040 excludes book allowance. Further information is available at the OEADs Web Site and the OEADs official announcement .

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Roundtable Discussion: "Austrians at American Academic Institutions: Challenges and Opportunities""
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