The Science Diplomat is an independent, nonpartisan editorial platform of Arete News that reports on science as a diplomatic force.

Drawing on the journalism tradition of Arete News, which began publishing in 2018, and founder John Heilprin's decades of reporting on science and diplomacy, The Science Diplomat launched in 2026 as a dedicated publication covering the intersection of science, technology, and global governance.

The Science Diplomat Podcast features conversations with leaders and experts in the field. The platform's founding team includes Amna Habiba, founding podcast director, host and audio production lead, and Bupe Chikumbi, founding science director and co-host.

It is not affiliated with any external organizations, initiatives, or individuals.

Science diplomacy, though more recently defined as a field, reflects practices developed over centuries through the interaction of scientific knowledge and governance. Institutions such as CERN and the International Telecommunication Union, and individuals such as Benjamin Franklin and Alexander von Humboldt, illustrate a long history of science as a means of governance and engagement in national, regional, and international settings, often without formal designation. 

This publication takes the long view, examining how these dynamics evolve over time.

The Science Diplomat

Org chart

Teams

Offices