As we live in a divided, polarized, and politically charged world, where science itself is often contested and conflicts remain unresolved, research diplomacy is at the heart of IIASA's mission.

The IIASA organization was founded in the 1970s, among other things, with an emphasis on using science to bridge political and cultural gaps between the West and the East, and the issue of research diplomacy assumed great importance in its early years, during the Cold War. The organization intends to once again illustrate how science can rebuild trust, bridge gaps, and, through dialogue and cooperation, help deal with challenges that a country cannot solve alone.

IIASA is working to develop a new and updated center on research diplomacy and is collaborating closely with the Israeli team on the subject, led by former Ambassador David Nusbaum. Its goal is to connect researchers, policymakers, diplomats, and organizations to address shared global challenges, from climate change and energy security to population dynamics, water resources, and sustainable development. The State of Israel has a broad interest in this field, from an academic, economic, and political perspective.