STeP Conferences

This conference is only open to current IAI STeP Fellows.  For more information on the IAI STeP Fellowship Program, please visit https://www.iai.int/en/step

In collaboration with the Chilean Ministry of Science Technology Knowledge and Innovation, the IAI is pleased to co-host STeP Fellows (Generation 3 & 4) in Santiago, Chile, from March 26-28, 2025. The STeP Leadership Conference is a unique opportunity for our Inter-American network of emerging leaders from diverse disciplines to deepen knowledge and skills in science diplomacy, transdisciplinary leadership, and science/policy communication.    

What to expect at the 2025 Conference:

Science Diplomacy Group Work: What global environmental change problems exist today that science diplomacy could and should help solve?  Following a TD approach and problem-based learning process, the IAI has provided various topics based on actual problems and needs, including 1) Energy Transition, 2) Biodiversity and Health, 3) Language Inclusion in Science, 4) Integrated Sargassum Management, 5) Ocean, Climate, Biodiversity Nexus, 6) IAI Regional Assessment Recommendations. 

Fellows will have the time and opportunity to meet and work on group projects.  IAI Science Diplomacy Center Advisory Board members will also be present for consultation and networking.  

Belmont Forum Advancing Leadership Program (ALP) Training:  To tackle the complex and urgent challenges of global environmental and societal change, we need visionary leaders equipped with diverse perspectives and knowledge frameworks. This conference, facilitated by Inclusive Innovation,  will train fellows to be more adept in transdisciplinary research methodologies and capable of integrating insights from various disciplines to foster holistic solutions. To appreciate the transformative power of collaboration, fellows will learn and practice skills to facilitate meaningful dialogues and engagements. Rather than shying away from conflict, fellows will learn to recognize it as fertile ground for innovation and have the mindset and the skill set to leverage divergent viewpoints to drive progress and positive change from whatever sector, country, or discipline fellows are working in.

ALP World Tour Workshop: LAC Edition: Fellows will meet and work alongside representatives from Chile’s diverse science, technology, and innovation ecosystem to share experiences working in the science policy/science diplomacy interphase on various topics of global environmental change. This productive networking will help identify the critical needs of Latin America and the Caribbean to support a global leadership program to be launched in June 2025.  

 

Past Conferences