In 2019, S4D4C organised two training workshops on Science Diplomacy – one in October in Trieste and one in November in Vienna. Since then, we have been working on preparing the training materials used during these workshops for sharing online and tailored them so that they are easily accessible and downloadable. Small parts of the material come from S4D4C’s networking events in Madrid and Berlin.

The results of these efforts can be now checked on the newly constructed page for the training materials. https://www.s4d4c.eu/training-material/

The page is meant as a real service to the science diplomacy community out there. Not only it provides you with the mentioned material, it also includes a filter to ease and refine your search. 

Moreover, you are free to share and adapt the materials for any purposes: The open source documents are available under a creative commons licence. Build your own science diplomacy trainings with the help of the materials or simply use them for personal learning purposes.

Generally the training material is categorised along four learning objectives:

1. Knowledge transfer: You could use the training materials from this session to provide basic information and theoretical background (e.g. definition of Science Diplomacy) for your trainees.
2. Knowledge exchange: In this session we offer you different instruments (e.g. description of round tables on Science Diplomacy) how to provide your participants/trainees the possibility to present personal opinions and allow for more in-depth knowledge-sharing
3. Knowledge application: When the basic knowledge and main questions have been conveyed, it is important to apply it – interactively at best: We present you here respective exercises which have been designed to enhance the participants’ interest in Science Diplomacy like “simulation games”.
4. Knowledge consolidation: Repetition is crucial! We have combined the revision with a reward component and we have tried to boost the fun factor. Here you will find our tools.

Which format do the training materials have?

In the first session “Knowledge transfer” you will find presentations only. Each presentation includes a ppt-file with the content as well as pdf-file with a short description how to use the presentation within your training. The further sessions include pdf-files with descriptions how to prepare panel discussions, round tables, study trips and the like. Instructions are also given how to do a mapping of stakeholders, small group discussions, exercises, quizzes and interactive play games using a bingo. Each training material is structured in the same way: It explains the learning objectives and topics, the suitable target groups/ recommended group size, the duration of the training as well as gives recommendations how to prepare yourself as a trainer.

How to use the filter function?

If you need a special training element, it is not necessary to check each of the four categories. You can filter them along the five following criteria:

1. Material Type (e.g. simulation exercise)
2. Group size (e.g. small group)
3. Audience type (diplomats, scientists or mixed)
4. Audience level (advanced or beginner)
5. Learning objectives (see the four sessions above)