In the current geopolitical environment, international scientific engagement is no longer primarily determined by either cooperation agreements between countries or the interests of individual researchers. It increasingly requires adequate institutional framing, different interactions between the state and academia, and conducive, complementary support from funders and intermediary organisations.
This seminar brings together experts from Sweden and Japan to examine how science policy, science diplomacy, and internationalisation in research and higher education are being reshaped by geopolitical uncertainty and accelerating change.
The seminar will introduce the latest publication by the STINT Advisory Board, International Academic Engagement in an Era of Geopolitical Uncertainty and Accelerating Change, which will serve as a starting point for discussion by a panel of experts.
The discussion will also consider the roles of higher education institutions, including universities such as GRIPS, alongside intermediary actors such as NGOs, think tanks, and foundations, including STINT.
A panel of doctoral students from GRIPS will add further perspectives on science diplomacy and policy, including practitioners’ insights from Taiwan and other global regions.
Programme (may be subject to change):
Registration
Session 1: Overview of science policy and diplomacy from Sweden and Japan
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Dr Matthew Brummer, Associate Professor; Director, Maritime Safety and Security Policy Program, and Associate Director, Global Leadership Development Program, GRIPS
Keynote 1 (Sweden’s perspective): Science Policy in a Geopolitically Contested World
Prof. Mats Benner, former Dean, School of Economics and Management, Lund University
Keynote 2 (Japan’s perspective): Japan’s Science, Technology and Innovation Policy
Prof. Koichi Sumikura, Director, Science, Technology and Innovation Program, GRIPS
Insights on Japan’s 7th STI Basic Plan and Research Security Policy
Prof. Tateo Arimoto, Adjunct Professor, GRIPS; Senior Fellow, JST; Deputy Director, SciREX Center
Ms Kana Asano, Fellow, JST
Fika & Coffee Break (Swedish style)
Session 2: STINT’s approach to science diplomacy and the latest IAB brief
Strategic Internationalisation and Science Intelligence
Dr Andreas Göthenberg, Executive Director, STINT
Introduction to the 2026 STINT Advisory Board’s brief International Academic Engagement in an Era of Geopolitical Uncertainty and Accelerating Change
Dr Laura Barbieri, Science Fellow in Japan and South Korea, STINT; Visiting Scholar, GRIPS
Lunch (Japanese style)
Session 3: Perspectives from Sweden
Academic Perspectives from Sweden
Prof. Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor, Umeå University
Regional Approaches to International Collaboration and Academia–Government–City Coordination in Sweden
Dr Andreas Larsson, CEO, STUNS
Fireside chat with speakers
Discussion on the reciprocal roles, strengths, and challenges facing Swedish and Japanese institutions as they operate domestically and engage internationally.
Moderators:
Mr Osamu Kobayashi, Director, Department of International Affairs, JST
Prof. Tora Holmberg, Vice-Chancellor, Umeå University
Panellists:
Dr Laura Barbieri, STINT Science Fellow in Japan and South Korea; Visiting Scholar, GRIPS
Prof. Mats Benner, former Dean, School of Economics and Management, Lund University
Dr Andreas Göthenberg, Executive Director, STINT
Dr Andreas Larsson, CEO, STUNS
Prof. Koichi Sumikura, Director, Science, Technology and Innovation Program, GRIPS
Fika & Coffee Break (Swedish style)
Early-Career Session: Global Perspectives on Science Diplomacy
Moderator:
Prof. Mats Benner, former Dean, School of Economics and Management, Lund University
The Interplay between Science Diplomacy and National Security: Perspectives from Taiwan
Mr Wei Chun Hong, PhD student, GRIPS
The Role of Non-Governmental Actors in Science Diplomacy: A Practitioner’s Perspective
Mr Ricardo Perez, PhD student, GRIPS
Closing remarks and future perspectives on science diplomacy
Dr Andreas Göthenberg, Executive Director, STINT
Dr Laura Barbieri, Science Fellow in Japan and South Korea, STINT; Visiting Scholar, GRIPS
Networking over light refreshments (Swedish style)
Seminar ends
Welcome!
Venue: National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Room 4A
7-22-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Date: Friday, 2 October 2026, 09:30–17:00 (registration from 09:00)
Language: English
Registration: As the number of seats is limited, please register to reserve your seat: Please register by 25 September 2026.
Contact:
Dr Laura Barbieri, Science Fellow in Japan and South Korea,
STINT; Visiting Scholar, GRIPS
laura.barbieri@stint.se
www.stint.se
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