Κos Σcience Φorum

Hippocratic Dialogues: From Ancient Wisdom to Future Resilience

Advancing Knowledge with Integrity: Science in Service of Society

The Greek Scientists Society, in collaboration with the Institute of International Relations (IDIS) - Panteion University of Athens and International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos is launching a global annual Science Diplomacy Forum: the Κos Σcience Φorum (ΚΣΦ). The Founding Forum, titled "Hippocratic Dialogues – From Ancient Wisdom to Future Resilience", is planned during 2026, subject to final confirmation of dates, on the historic island of Kos, Greece — the birthplace of Hippocrates and a cradle of ethical inquiry. The inaugural edition of the Κos Σcience Φorum is scheduled for June 2027, establishing a permanent platform where science, diplomacy, and innovation converge to address global challenges.

Κos Σcience Φorum convenes scientists, diplomats, policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society representatives to collaboratively address urgent global challenges through evidence-based solutions and innovative partnerships.

The Forum provides a space where interdisciplinary expertise, ethical frameworks, and diplomatic engagement converge, fostering knowledge exchange, actionable strategies, innovative partnerships, and networks that advance science-informed policy and responsible technological innovation worldwide.

Κos Σcience Φorum is a unique platform designed to translate scientific knowledge into actionable policy. The Forum connects research outputs with policymakers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders, creating opportunities for evidence-based solutions to inform decision-making on critical global challenges.

from Discovery to Decision: Translating Science into Global Policy

Κos Σcience Φorum unites two key constituencies: the international landscape of science diplomacy and policymaking—including EU and international decision-makers, ministries, international organizations, think tanks, and foundations—and Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem, spanning COST Actions, Horizon consortia, RTOs, research infrastructures, Universities, and innovation centers, forming a common space where scientific knowledge meets policy, industry, and societal impact.

A. International Science Diplomacy & Policy Community

This community benefits from direct access to leading researchers, real-time scientific developments, and collaborative networks that bridge the gap between academic discovery and governmental implementation—ensuring responses are grounded in evidence and aligned with ethical responsibility.

Β. European & Global Research Networks

ΚΣΦ acts as a vital interface where cutting-edge European research meets international stakeholders, creating pathways for EU-ready pilots, cross-border collaborations, and strategic partnerships that elevate the visibility and societal impact of scientific innovation. Through this interaction, research communities access a pan-European ecosystem where scientific excellence, ethical frameworks, and diplomatic channels converge—allowing them to position their discoveries at the forefront of global policy discussions and international innovation agendas.

Interactive Formats & Signature Experiences

Κos Σcience Φorum offers a spectrum of ways for participants to engage, showcase work, build partnerships, and contribute to science diplomacy in action. From hands-on innovation formats to symbolic ceremonial moments, these experiences create a dynamic environment where ideas move toward real-world impact.

Thematic Sessions (Micro-Training Capsules)

• Designed for research communities, innovation teams, and emerging leaders:
  • Regulatory Science
  • Innovation Pathways
  • Research Impact Assessment
  • Intellectual Property Rights
  • Cross-Sectoral Collaboration
  • Open Science & Data Management

Signature Ceremonies

• Iconic moments that shape the identity and values of the Forum:
  • Tree of Dialogue Ceremony
  • Walk-and-Talk Agora of Ideas
  • Kos Declaration on Science Diplomacy
  • KΣΦ Ambassador Program
  • Contemporary Hippocratic Oath for Science & Technology

Ready-Made ΚΣΦ Formats to Join

• Hands-on activities that connect science, society, industry, and policy:
  • Showcase of Innovators
  • Speed Dating for Science
  • Policy Sandbox Sessions
  • Young Researcher Lightning Talks
  • Citizen Science Fair
  • Technology Transfer Clinics
  • Digital Twin Demonstrations

ΚΣΦ Global Meta-Themes

A. Global Governance of Emerging Technologies

AI, data, cyber, biotech, and quantum — addressed through ethics, safety, transparency, and societal impact.
Docked elements:

• European values-based regulatory approach (AI governance, data stewardship, standards)
• Anticipatory governance & foresight
• Ethics, responsibility, and scientific integrity
• Innovation diplomacy for secure and trustworthy tech ecosystems
• COST methods for rapid evidence & negotiation support

B. Climate, Oceans, Environment & Planetary Resilience
Climate adaptation, biodiversity, oceans governance, desertification, environmental security.
Docked elements:

• SDGs implementation through science
• Climate resilience & blue economy leadership
• Science diplomacy tools for environmental negotiations
• Open environmental data and digital twins
• COST Actions on climate, oceans, environment

C. Open Science & Equitable Knowledge Systems
FAIR data, federated/open models, transparency, trust, and globally interoperable research ecosystems.
Docked elements:

• Open science as a diplomatic tool
• European approach to openness (FAIR, EOSC culture, data governance)
• Governance of intellectual property in an open-science environment
• Citizen participation, community science, inclusive knowledge
• Federated computational & data sharing models
• COST’s structure as a model for equitable knowledge participation

D. Science for Peace, Humanitarian Diplomacy & Crisis Response
Science as an instrument for stability, conflict mitigation, and emergency response.
Docked elements:

• Multilateral negotiations supported by scientific evidence
• Humanitarian diplomacy (health, food security, pandemics, migration)
• Mediterranean and MENA science-diplomacy bridges
• Ethics, co-creation, interdisciplinarity
• Policy Labs & rapid-response knowledge mechanisms (SDN-POLYMNIA)
• COST networks as trusted channels in crisis contexts

E. Innovation Ecosystems & Global Competitiveness
Innovation diplomacy, global R&I corridors, and science-driven economic cooperation.
Docked elements:

• Innovation ecosystems & global partnerships
• EU innovation missions and values-driven competitiveness
• Emerging innovation corridors, maritime connectivity, and energy routes
• Venture science, scientific entrepreneurship, impact pathways
• COST Actions as accelerators of cross-border innovation

F. Capacity Building & Professionalisation of Science Diplomacy (SD)
The skills, methods, and governance models needed for a global SD workforce.
Docked elements:

• Competence frameworks for SD practitioners
• Training Academies, micro-credentials, and experiential learning (ΚΣΦ as a European and global hub for cultivating Science Attachés, Envoys, counsellors, and next-generation science-policy professionals)
• Methods for policy design, negotiation support, and evidence synthesis
• Community-building across 50,000+ European scientists in regulatory science and policy translation, evolving into Europe’s future cohort of Science Attachés, Envoys, and science-policy leaders.

G. Institutional, Economic, Cultural & Strategic Diplomacies
How states, societies, economies, and strategic domains interact with science to shape global cooperation, resilience, and governance across political, economic, cultural, technological, and security spheres.
Docked elements:

• Political, economic and institutional diplomacy (foreign policy, EU/UN/OECD systems, trade, geoeconomics, parliamentary diplomacy).
• Cultural, public, education, heritage, knowledge and citizen diplomacies (values, heritage, universities, mobility, societal trust, diaspora, cities).
• Technology, innovation, cyber, space and research-security diplomacies (AI/biotech/quantum standards, cyber norms, space cooperation, dual-use and export-control frameworks).
• Sectoral diplomacies including energy, health, water and WEF-nexus diplomacy, linking science to global resilience and policy design.

The Κos Σcience Φorum will unfold on the island of Kos, a place where the legacy of Hippocrates and the origins of ethical science continue to inspire global dialogue. Surrounded by ancient sites, Mediterranean landscape, and a long tradition of knowledge exchange, Kos offers an ideal backdrop for a forum dedicated to responsible innovation and science diplomacy.
The official venue, the Kos International Conference Center (KICC), is Greece’s largest and most advanced convention facility, equipped with modern auditoriums, breakout rooms, and exhibition space. Combining history with state-of-the-art infrastructure, Kos and KICC provide a setting where meaningful conversations, scientific collaboration, and high-level engagement can flourish.

Kos Island combines rich cultural heritage with modern accessibility, making it an ideal host for a global forum. Known as the birthplace of Hippocrates and a center of ancient medical learning, the island offers historic sites such as the Asclepieion, Roman agora, medieval fortifications, and vibrant local culture.

Kos is also easily reachable: Kos International Airport (KGS) serves over 3 million passengers annually, connecting the island directly with major European capitals and global transit hubs. With modern hospitality infrastructure, seaside conference facilities, and a welcoming environment for international visitors, Kos provides the perfect setting where history, science, and global collaboration come together.