Hot off the (virtual) press https://www.sciencediplomacy.org/article/2021/science-attaches-in-post-covid-19-world-taking-stock-crisis! My new article as a science attaché @QuebecUK with @jcmauduit ( @UCLSTEaPP) and #MaximeVanCauter ( @WBI_tweet) in @SciDip is out: Science Attachés in a post-COVID-19 World: Taking Stock of the Crisis. The tl;dr version: 1/n

Our objective : start a conversation about the roles and responsibilities of science attaché networks during the crisis (short-term) and the recovery period (long-term) that follows. 2/n

As for many, science attachés experienced important logistical disruptions and had to reorient their work. In general, science attaché networks were not prepared for a crisis. 3/n

Nevertheless, attachés took many initiatives to reorganize their activities and make their work more relevant to the governments they serve in a fast changing context. 4/n

COVID-19 has not only demonstrated the need for a better universal response to global challenges, but also that national policy responses cannot be implemented in isolation. In that context, science attachés can be a cornerstone of the recovery process. 5/n

Indeed, science attachés have direct access to a large pool of expertise; are well informed of existing programs, available funding, and other ongoing initiatives; and are there for universities, research centers, and tech companies. 6/n

Nevertheless, a large part of existing governmental science diplomacy potential has so far been left untap. Here are 5 recommendations for policy-makers to consider: 7/n

1.Train science attachés in crisis management;
2.Increase collaboration between the science policy community and the science attaché networks.
3.Strategically coordinate the different services of the diplomatic missions. 8/n

4.Broaden geographic reach and functions.
5.Increase cross-country collaboration and communication across networks. 9/n

The COVID-19 crisis is providing a unique opportunity to rethink science attaché networks. We wanted to get the discussion started with this article. Please reach out if you want to contribute for the next steps! /fin