Introduction to Science Diplomacy: Career Insights from DWIH New York

Hosted by the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University – School of Graduate Studies in conjunction with the German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) New York.

This event brings together biomedical PhD students, MD-PhD students, and Postdocs from cell biology and neuroscience. They will learn about science diplomacy and how their PhD training prepares them for a career in science diplomacy.

Dr. Jan Lüdert (DWIH, Head of Programs) will lead a career-focused session, offering participants insights into alternative career pathways in science diplomacy and the work of DWIH New York in fostering international science collaboration. By bringing together students in the health field, this event aligns with DWIH’s annual theme, ‘Global Health,’ highlighting the pivotal role of science diplomacy in fostering international collaboration.

Key Discussion Topics:

  • Transferable Skills from Biomedical PhD Training that Apply to Careers in Science Diplomacy
  • Exploring Careers at the Intersection of Science, Policy, and Innovation
  • DWIH New York’s Role in Science Diplomacy & Transatlantic Collaboration
  • Public vs. Private Sector Roles in Science Diplomacy
  • Academic Entrepreneurship & Startups: How Scientists Can Shape Policy & Industry
  • Engaging in Science Diplomacy Through International Organizations

Event Information

October 21, 2025

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY
Organizer(s): SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University – School of Graduate Studies, German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) New York

Dr. Jan Lüdert is Head of Programs at the German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) New York. Jan earned a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of British Columbia (UBC). He holds Harvard Kennedy’s School Public Leadership Credential; a First-Class Honors MA in International Relations from the Australian National University; and a BA in Public Policy from Hamburg University for Economics and Politics. He previously served as Associate Professor at City University of Seattle where he was the inaugural Director of Curriculum and Instruction. He held positions as Visiting Research Scholar at the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies at City University of New York's Graduate Center as well as Research Associate with the DFG 'Dynamics of Security' project at Philipps Marburg University. He is an alumnus of Seattle's World Affairs Council Fellows and UBC Liu Institute for Global Issues Scholar programs.
Dr. Jan Lüdert, German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) New York