Portuguese science diplomacy and the networks of Portuguese professionals, researchers and graduate students abroad: from the escape to the circulation of brains

Abstract

Science diplomacy is a field born of the interaction between science and diplomacy. It arises in a context of extension of multilateralism to new actors, including scientists, higher education institutions, laboratories, companies, and cities. The Resolution of the Councils of Ministers No. 78/2016 is the legal matrix of Portuguese science diplomacy, presenting it as one of several pillars for the internationalization of science and technology in the country. Among various actors identified by this resolution, the "Networks constituted by Portuguese Professionals, Researchers and Graduate Students working abroad" have a high potential, especially considering the synergies they can create with embassies, through science advisors, higher education institutions and Portuguese cities. After a contextualization of science diplomacy as a discipline and European and national practice, this paper contributes to this debate through an exploratory reflection on the role of those networks in the operationalization of Portuguese science diplomacy.