Co-organized by the Education Department in the frame of the Amgen Scholars program*, in collaboration with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department and the International Affairs Department, this conference will take place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 11.30am to 12:30pm at the Ágnes Ullmann amphitheatre (Monod building)

This conference it is specifically dedicated to young scientists*, PhD students and postdocs and open to all Pasteurians.

Led by Marco Borra, Scientific Attaché at the Embassy of Italy in Paris and the Embassy of Italy to the Principality of Monaco this conference aims to giving you the opportunity to explore how science and international relations intersect to address some of the world's most pressing challenges. In a context marked by global crises, geopolitical tensions, climate change, and emerging health threats, scientific collaboration across borders has never been more important. Science diplomacy plays a key role in fostering dialogue, informing policy, and building international partnerships that contribute to peaceful and evidence-based solutions. In an era of increasing misinformation and polarization, strengthening public trust in scientific institutions is essential for enabling science to contribute effectively to public policy and global decision-making.

During this event, two main themes will be adressed:

• Science Diplomacy, What It Is and Why It Matters Today: How scientific expertise contributes to addressing global challenges and strengthening international cooperation.

• Different roles in science diplomacy: What does a science diplomat do? How scientists interested in working at the interface of science, policy, and international affairs can be involved? What skills are required?

This conference will provide valuable insights and an opportunity to engage with experts in the field about the broader impact of science beyond the laboratory or considering alternative career paths for young scientists.
 

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Marco Borra is the Scientific Attaché at the Embassy of Italy in Paris and the Embassy of Italy to the Principality of Monaco. He previously served as Head of the Italian Node of the European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC-ERIC) and is Senior Technologist at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN) in Naples, where he was responsible for international cooperation and strategic partnerships. Born in 1972, he holds an M.Sc. in Biological Sciences, a Ph.D. in Animal Biology, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Department of Medical Biophysics, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto. He worked for several years in a core facility, developing molecular biology techniques and research support services. He previously directed the SZN Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, acquiring extensive expertise in the design, development, implementation, and management of large-scale research infrastructures. He has served as a member of the G7 Science Working Group "Promote Increased G7 Political Cooperation by Identifying Additional Action Needed to Enhance Future Routine Ocean Observation" under the "The Future of the Seas and Oceans" initiative, and of the OECD Working Group "Fostering Innovation in the Ocean Economy". He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Italian National Technology Cluster Blue Italian Growth (BIG), the Italian representative, and vice Chais, in the General Assembly of the European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC-ERIC), member of the General Assembly of the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, member of the Italian Technical Coordination Committee for ERICs at the Ministry of University and Research (MUR).

* Members of the Scientific Attaché Community of the Foreign Embassies in Paris are invited to attend the conference by Marco Borra and the Institut Pasteur organizers. Those representing the nationalities of the current Amgen Scholars will also attend the poster presentation of the IP Amgen interns before they leave to the Amgen Scholars metting in Cambridge, where the 5 European Amgen Scholars’ 2026 classes will meet together for three days to exchange about their respective internships in one of the 5 hosting sites in Europe.