At the end of May 2022, the informal meeting with representatives of the embassies of Brazil, Vietnam, Uganda and South Korea was held as part of a visit to the international research center in Dubna. The event was initiated and organized by ICISTE together with the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR).

The visit was aimed at strengthening the existing scientific and technological cooperation, exchange of experience and ideas on expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, discussion of the prospects for further interaction within the S&T ecosystem, including research on the basis of research infrastructure facilities.

On 26-27 May delegation visited JINR – not only a world-known international research centre, but also serves as a platform for science diplomacy, education and intercultural exchange. During the visit the guests got acquainted with the NICA megascience project, visited the production of superconducting magnets and  exhibition “JINR Basic Facilities”. To further discuss effective tools of science diplomacy the participants of the meeting were invited to join the informal club “Dubna Green Chamber”.

JINR Director Grigory Trubnikov,  while welcoming the guests, stressed the particular importance of development of instruments of science diplomacy and noted that the Institute will continue to adhere to its main mission – to conduct advanced research activities.

Head of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Brazilian Embassy in Russia Andre Joao Ripple noted that in the current environment science and science diplomacy acquire special importance and expressed the interest of Brazil to strengthen cooperation with JINR in a number of areas, for example, in the organization of academic exchanges.

Opportunities of facilitating and expanding cooperation with JINR were also recognized  by other participants of the meeting. Thus, Mwebase Gideon Rutazindwa, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Uganda, noted the importance of scientific cooperation in the field of nuclear physics, and An Nguyen Ngoc, First Secretary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Representative of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam expressed gratitude for the comprehensive support received by young Vietnamese scientists working at JINR.

The representatives of the Republic of Korea emphasized the unique nature of the facilities of the JINR research infrastructure and noted the interest in the development of cooperation of Korean organizations with Dubna. As a possible further step in this direction, it was proposed to strengthen the work on informing leading Korean scientific centres about the opportunities for joint work with JINR.

CISTE Executive Director Irina Kuklina at the end of the meeting appreciated the opportunity to discuss key issues of S&T agenda and expressed confidence in the further enhancement of scientific communication channels.

On 28 May 2022, participants of the informal meeting continued their communication within the cultural programme and visited Torzhok – an ancient Russian town located on the bank of the Tvertsa River in the Tver Region. Delegation was invited to take part in a rich programme including visits to historical monuments, the school of famous goldsmiths, a folk lecture-concert and dinner in a cosy atmosphere of Russian feast.