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Researchers seek ‘safe haven’ for scientific collaboration as geopolitical tensions rise

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A new article highlights the need for a ‘safe haven’ for researchers amid rising geopolitical tensions. A prime example of this is the history of IIASA, which was established as a neutral site during the Cold War.

In a commentary published in the journal Nature, U.S. and Chinese researchers discuss the fraying of political relations between the two countries, which is weakening their scientific ties and making them increasingly fragile. It is said that there are. The authors call this a “dangerous trend.”

They highlighted IIASA as a showcase of a “safe haven” and noted that IIASA’s foundation fostered scientific cooperation between divided nations during the Cold War as political leaders clashed.

“IIASA’s mission to foster cross-border scientific collaboration for the greater good is more important than ever. Amid challenges, we must not retreat from ‘soft’ diplomacy, which is important, but instead strengthen and expand it,” said IIASA Director-General Hans-Joachim (John) Schelln. Hoover says.

The article argues that the scientific communities in both countries have the potential to develop breakthrough technologies and ideas that could benefit the world, including clean energy innovation and advanced medicine. But if these communities become more fragmented, the pace of discovery will slow and scientists will be less able to collectively respond to global challenges.

To overcome this chasm, scientists must raise their political awareness and take an active role in defining the terms of engagement. The authors urge U.S. and Chinese researchers to work together to identify and advocate for so-called “safe havens,” or areas of research that are less affected by geopolitical tensions and offer significant collaborative value. I’m calling out.

The article also takes a closer look at the history of cooperation between the United States and China, highlighting the lack of student exchanges among scientists and engineers due to recent political tensions.

Further information: Valerie J. Karplus et al., How to maintain scientific cooperation amid worsening US-China relations, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-025-00033-2

Source: As geopolitical tensions rise, researchers seek a ‘safe haven’ for scientific collaboration (January 16, 2025) https://phys.org/news/2025-01- Retrieved January 16, 2025 from geopolitical-tensions-safe-zones-scientific.html

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