Introduction

Imagine a Summit week in Copenhagen, connecting with young science diplomats, and getting your travel and living expenses fully covered. Sounds too good to skip? The ASEF Training & Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2025 does just that! It’s a fully funded opportunity for early-career professionals to sharpen their skills, build networks, and contribute to policy dialogues. Here’s everything you need to know—from eligibility to application to impact.

About ASEF & Its Mission

Asia–Europe Foundation (ASEF) is a Singapore-based nonprofit created under ASEM to promote intercontinental cooperation and youth engagement in thematic areas including education, culture, governance, and science diplomacy Reddit+15Wikipedia+15Opportunities Circle+15Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)+1Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)+1Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)+1scholarshipscorner.website+1swiftscholarships+1Opportunities Corners+1Opportunities Circle+1Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)+1Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)scholarshipscorner.website+6Opportunities Corners+6swiftscholarships+6. Their 2025 initiative focuses on Science & Technology Diplomacy for Young Leaders, blending policy and innovation exchange between the two regions.

What Is the Training & Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy?

ASEF’s Science Diplomacy Initiative offers a two-part structure:

1. A 7-week online training phase (23 Oct – 4 Dec 2025) delivered live and asynchronously.

2. A 3-day in-person Youth Summit in Copenhagen (15–18 Dec 2025) hosted alongside Denmark’s EU presidency and the European Science Diplomacy Conference scholarshipscorner.website+2Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)+2Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)+2Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).

Programme Structure and Dates

• Training phase: 13 interactive sessions online—averaging 3 hours/week—and peer collaboration workshops Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).

• Youth Summit: Selected candidates present ideas, join policy dialogues, network with European and Asian leaders, and visit Copenhagen.

• Important dates: Applications close 9 Sept 2025; summit held mid-December Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)+14Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)+14Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)+14.

Who Should Apply?

Brands itself as ideal for early-career science managers or diplomacy officials, working in government or civil society roles focused on international science collaboration. Applicants must be citizens of eligible Asian or European countries, aged up to 35, fluent in English, and committed to science diplomacy Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)+1Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)+1.

Financial Benefits & What’s Covered

This summit is completely free, with no application or participation fees. ASEF covers:

• Round-trip airfare and visa support

• Meals, accommodation, and local transport in Denmark

• Certificate and access to post-summit youth networks Opportunities Circle+1scholarshipscorner.website+1Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)

Eligibility Criteria & Application Requirements

To apply, you should meet:

• Citizenship in an eligible Asian or European country

• Age 18–35

• Experience in science or diplomatic sectors (e.g. researcher, diplomat, policy officer)

• Solid English communication skills

• Motivation aligned with Asia–Europe collaboration and science diplomacy Opportunity 4U+12Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)+12swiftscholarships+12

How to Apply – Step-by-Step

1. Visit the ASEF program page and locate the online application form.

2. Fill in personal and professional details; upload CV and motivation letter.

3. Explain your interest in diplomatic science and your current engagement.

4. Save as draft if needed; finalize submission before the 9 Sept 2025 deadline Opportunity 4U+9Opportunities Circle+9scholarshipscorner.website+9.

Selection Process & Notification Timeline

ASEF reviews applications based on relevance, impact potential, and clarity. Roughly 100 online participants are selected, then a subset invited to the Copenhagen summit. Shortlisted candidates are notified and provided logistic support Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)Opportunities Circle.

What to Expect at the Training Phase

This phase combines expert webinars, peer-to-peer learning, and applied diplomacy projects across Asia–Europe collaborations. You’ll engage with real-world case studies and contribute to policy briefs on global science diplomacy challenges.

What Happens at the Copenhagen Youth Summit

In Copenhagen, participants join high-level dialogues alongside the European Science Diplomacy Conference. You’ll present your collaborative initiatives, refine policy recommendations, and expand your professional network in a global setting.

Career & Networking Opportunities After

Selected participants receive a certificate, network access, and visibility for future opportunities—such as policy internships, research partnerships, or roles in ministries and international institutes focusing on science diplomacy.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Provide concrete examples of your work in science or diplomacy

• Clearly connect your goals to Asia–Europe cooperation

• Show experience in cross-cultural or inter-institutional projects

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

• Missing deadlines—set calendar reminders

• Generic answers—tailor to the summit’s diplomacy theme

• Ineligible job roles—ensure you fall within civil society or diplomatic fields

Conclusion

You have the opportunity to develop, network, and make a global policy contribution at the ASEF Training & Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2025. It’s a unique chance for those interested in scientific diplomacy, with online instruction and a free summit in Copenhagen. Be the change-maker connecting Asia and Europe by applying early and concentrating on your narrative.

FAQs

1. What fields or sectors qualify for participation?
Roles in science/innovation management, diplomacy, RI organizations, or policy advocacy in eligible Asian or European countries.

2. Is prior experience in science diplomacy required?
Not necessarily—ASEF values motivation and potential equally, even if you’re early in your career.

3. Are travel costs fully covered?
Yes—flights, visa support, accommodation, meals, and local transport are all provided.

4. Can students apply or only professionals?
ASEF generally seeks young professionals or civil society actors. Students with relevant experience may apply but peptides are less competitive.

5. How selective is the process?
Highly competitive—only about 100 online spaces and 60 in-person summit seats are awarded globally.