The Spanish National Research Council (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas - CSIC) has signed an agreement with the Diplomatic School of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, for cooperation in the field of education and personnel training for both organisations, as well as specialists in foreign policy, international relations, scientific diplomacy, international law and international economic relations. The protocol will be in force until 2026 and will be automatically extended for successive three-year periods.
Both institutions will exchange information on their activities and jointly organise courses, congresses, conferences and symposia. They will also cooperate in personnel training, both in terms of professional training (initial training) and lifelong learning. This agreement also sees the two institutions commit to working together in their formal academic activities within the framework of CSIC training programmes and the Inter-University Master's Degree in Diplomacy and International Relations organised by the Diplomatic School.
To broaden the professional prospects of CSIC personnel, and those of the Diplomatic School graduates, exchanges between the two organisations will be promoted, particularly encouraging employees from both institutions to attend training and education programmes offered by the other institution.
“This agreement aligns the CSIC's interest in strengthening its role in Spain's scientific diplomacy with the growing role played by Spanish diplomacy in the promotion abroad of the scientific knowledge that our nation produces. The result of this partnership will enhance the performance of Spanish companies in other countries, going hand in hand with the transfer of scientific knowledge led by CSIC research groups. The intersection of these activities is a clear example of a virtuous circle, which sees the ‘Spain brand’ benefit in all areas”, said Eloísa del Pino, CSIC President, during the partnership agreement signing ceremony.
Luis Manuel Cuesta, Under-Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, added that “this agreement sees an institution of great prestige and with excellent capacity for scientific and academic output, where leading specialists in different subjects work, join the universities and think tanks that collaborate with the Diplomatic School. We are confident that through this relationship, personnel from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation will be able to receive even better training in areas beneficial to the performance of their duties, helping us to better understand the factors underlying international relations. Better trained diplomatic staff means more effective and productive diplomacy and, ultimately, benefits society as a whole, which is the ultimate goal of both the CSIC and this Ministry”.