SELECTION NOTICE
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SCIENCE DIPLOMACY
Ettore Majorana Foundation, Erice (Trapani, Italy), 4th–10th October 2026
Preamble
The second edition of the International School of Science Diplomacy entitled “The Arctic: Challenges for Science Diplomacy”, will take place in Erice (Trapani), at the Ettore Majorana Foundation and the Center for Scientific Culture, from 4th to 10th October 2026. The School is co-organized by CASD, CNR, Sorbonne Universitè, the University of Padua, and Venice International University (for further information: https://www.sciencediplomacy.it/en/about-us-scuola/).
The goal is to foster dialogue between different stakeholders and expertise, highlighting the role of science in developing diplomatic relations and strengthening international cooperation.
The central theme of this edition is the Arctic, explored in its various aspects: Science Diplomacy: History, Visions, and Perspectives; Arctic: Science, Geopolitics, and Cooperation; Polar Region and Strategic Routes; and Global Science Diplomacy and Future Challenges.
Throughout the week, experts from institutional, academic, and professional fields will contribute with complementary and up-to-date perspectives.
Students will engage in wargaming exercises. There will also be opportunities for dialogue and discussion during the day dedicated to an excursion to an archaeological site and the course will conclude with a ceremony for attendances’ certificate and a group photo.
This Course is designed for diplomatic staff, officials of international organizations and NGOs, academics, researchers, and students.
Art. 1 – Participation modalities
For the purposes of admission to the International School of Science and Diplomacy (hereinafter referred to as the School), which will be held at the Ettore Majorana Foundation and Centre for Scientific Culture ETS in Erice, from 4th to 10th October 2026, applications must be received by 10th July 2026 at 24.00 (CET) exclusively by sending the required documents to ericesegreteria@sciencediplomacy.it.
The available positions are 40. Participation is intended to be from the evening of Sunday 4 October to the morning of Saturday 10 October, therefore for the entire duration of the School.
For admission to the School, candidates must have obtained a master’s degree or equivalent qualification (or equivalent titles).
Art. 2 – Practical Information
The enrolment in the School includes access to the planned activities (in person and in English), full accommodation (food and lodging) for the duration of the School at the facilities in Erice (TP) and transportation from/to Trapani/Palermo airports, submitted to the payment of a contribution to the Majorana Foundation, quantified at 175,00 €/per day (Total amount: Euro 1.050,00). Only a receipt will be issued with the words: ‘Contribution for school SSD2026 participation’ (including revenue stamp, stamp, signature and legal references).
The stay is scheduled from October 4, 2026 (4:00 PM) to October 10, 2026 (9:30 AM).
The entrance ticket to the archaeological site is not included in the fee (including transportation and guide).
Art. 3 – Application for admission
Application for admission must be received by 10th July 2026 at 24.00 (CET) exclusively by sending the required documents to ericesegreteria@sciencediplomacy.it.
The following documents must be sent for the application (in PDF format):
- Updated and signed European-format CV
- Motivational letter
- A valid identity document’s photocopy
Art. 4 – Exclusion from the selection
Shall be ground for automatic exclusion, the submission of the application after the period and/or with methods other than that indicated in the article 3.
Art. 5 – Evaluation, Ranking and Formal Acceptance
The commission composed by School’s Co-directors will evaluate the applications in order to determine eligibility for admission. The Commission will assess:
- Educational background — 40%
- Professional activities / degree grade — 30%
- Motivational letter — 20%
- CV relevance to the thematic area — 10%
The Commission’s evaluation will conclude by 20th July 2026.
At the conclusion of the Commission’s activities, an individual communication will be sent to all candidates with instructions for the actions required for participation, including the payment of a contribution to the Majorana Foundation.
Formal acceptance of participation must be made through payment of the first deposit of €350.00, which must be received by August 10, 2026, with a copy of the bank transfer sent to: ericesegreteria@sciencediplomacy.it.
The remaining €700.00 must be received by August 31, 2026, with a copy of the bank transfer sent to: ericesegreteria@sciencediplomacy.it.
In case of withdrawal or failure to pay by the due dates, admission to the School will follow the order of the ranking list.
Art. 6 – Information on the processing of personal data
- The data controller of personal data is the PI of sciencediplomacy.it, web site stored at Dipartimento di Scienze politiche studi internazionali (SPGI) Università di Padova, Padova, via del Santo 28 35123 PADOVA ITALIA, represented in the person of Prof. David Burigana — david.burigana@pec.it.
- Submission of the application to participate in the selection process entails the processing of personal data for the purpose of managing the procedure itself, in compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27th April 2016 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free flow of such data and repealing Directive 95/46/EC and Legislative Decree no. 196 of 30th June 2003, as amended by Legislative Decree no. 101 of 10th August 2018.
- The personal data subject to processing will be used exclusively for the pursuit of institutional purposes; in particular, the data will be processed for purposes connected with and instrumental to the conduct of the procedure and for the formation of any further acts connected with the same, including with the use of computerised procedures, in the manner and within the limits necessary to pursue such purposes.
- The legal basis for the processing is to be found in Article 6(1)(c) and (e), Article 9(2)(b) of the Regulation and Articles 2-sexties(2)(dd) and 2-octies(3)(a) of Legislative Decree No 196 of 30th June 2003.
- The provision of such data is also compulsory for the purposes of ascertaining whether the candidates meet the requirements for participation in the School, under penalty of exclusion from the procedure.
- The data provided are collected by ericesegreteria@sciencediplomacy.it and in sciencediplomacy.it and in the offices where the admission procedures will be carried out for the purposes of managing the procedure and are processed by the persons authorised and responsible for the selection procedure.
- Applicants are acknowledged the rights set forth in Art. 15 et seq. of the above-mentioned Regulation (EU) 2016/679, in particular, the right to access their personal data, to ask for their rectification and restriction of processing, by addressing their requests to Prof. David Burigana, via del Santo 77, 35123 Padova.
- The Data Protection Officer (DPO) is the PI of sciencediplomacy.it, Prof. David Burigana — david.burigana@unipd.it.
Art. 7 – Publicity
Notification of this call for applications shall be published on the websites of the following organizations: CNR, Sorbonne University, CASD, University of Padua, International University of Venice and on www.sciencediplomacy.it.
School Directors: David Burigana (University of Padua) · Virginia Coda Nunziante (Head of International Relations of the CNR) · Pascal Griset (Université Paris Sorbonne) · Stefano Mannino (President of the Center for Advanced Defense Studies) · Umberto Vattani (President of the Venice International University).
Home Page: International School of Science & Diplomacy
For any information: ericesegreteria@sciencediplomacy.it
