OVERVIEW

In this episode of The Global Lens, host Daniella Sussman speaks with Professor Ugo Amaldi about science diplomacy and international scientific collaboration through the lens of CERN and global research cooperation. Drawing on decades of leadership in large-scale experiments, Amaldi reflects on how sustained partnerships shape the future of research, from quantum technologies to medical innovation. The conversation highlights how collaborative science advances discovery while building trust across geopolitical boundaries.

EPISODE SUMMARY

From Cold War collaborations with Soviet scientists to pioneering CERN experiments and advancing cancer therapy with hadron beams, this episode traces the evolution of global scientific cooperation. Amaldi shares lessons learned from managing large international teams, translating fundamental physics into life-saving treatments, and establishing durable networks across nations. The conversation also examines disparities in research investment within Europe and advocates for sustained, long-term commitment to science as a foundation for diplomacy and progress. Throughout, collaboration is presented not just as an ideal, but as a practical necessity for advancing knowledge and fostering peace.

In this episode, we discuss:

01:41 – Introduction to the importance of international scientific collaboration

03:30 – Cold War era science and cross-cultural cooperation with Soviet physicists

04:10 – Building large-scale international collaborations at CERN

05:54 – Balancing innovation and stability in complex experiments

09:08 – Transition from work in particle physics to pioneering cancer therapy

18:20 – European disparities in research funding and investment

21:35 – Advice to future scientists: curiosity, optimism, and collaboration

ABOUT THE GUEST

Ugo Amaldi is a particle physicist and pioneer in hadron therapy. A CERN Scientist Emeritus, he co-discovered the rising proton-proton cross section in 1973, founded and led the 500-member DELPHI collaboration at LEP, and proposed the cyc-linac accelerator for cancer treatment. In 1992 he created the TERA Foundation, leading to Italy’s CNAO center and influencing facilities worldwide. As Scientific Director of the Tera-Care Foundation, he now advances clinical helium facilities with CERN. Author of more than 600 papers (h-index 83), accelerator physics textbooks, and popular science books including Particle Accelerators: From Big Bang Physics to Hadron Therapy (Springer). Co-author of ~40 physics textbooks used by millions of students globally.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

⚉ (Reference) European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) - https://home.cern/

⚉ (Studies or Research) DELPHI experiment - https://home.cern/science/experiments/delphi

⚉ (Reference) National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO) - https://fondazionecnao.it/en/

⚉ (Reference) European Network for Hadron Therapy (ENLIGHT) - https://enlight.web.cern.ch/

CONNECT WITH UGO AMALDI:

⚉ Inspire HEP: https://inspirehep.net/

CONNECT WITH DANIELLA:

⚉ Podcast Website: https://glsd.ai/

⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellasussman/

⚉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellasussmanglobal/

OVERVIEW

This episode of The Global Lens explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and science diplomacy, and how these forces are transforming national security and global cooperation. Daniella Sussman and Dr. José-Marie Griffiths explore Dakota State University’s role in turning applied AI research into real-world impact. Education emerges as a strategic force and soft power in the evolving AI landscape.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Dr. Griffiths reflects on transforming Dakota State University into a cyber and AI powerhouse by aligning research, policy, and workforce development. She outlines how applied labs, global partnerships, and inclusive education models help translate innovation into real-world impact. The episode also explores how higher education can function as science diplomacy by building trust, shared standards, and ethical AI frameworks across borders. Throughout, Dr. Griffiths stresses the responsibility educators and policymakers share in shaping AI to benefit society rather than control it.

In this episode, we discuss:

01:39 - Building Dakota State’s strong and advanced cyber-AI foundation

04:08 - AI's transformative and evolving impact on higher education

07:16 - Empowering accessible and ethical global AI innovation through inclusion

09:32 - Higher education driving real-world global impact and discovery

15:00 - Shaping ethical global AI standards and open data sharing

17:37 - Policymakers learning from DSU's integrated AI education approach

24:31 - Ensuring responsible AI design, development, and collaboration

ABOUT THE GUEST

Dr. José-Marie Griffiths is President of Dakota State University, where she has led transformational growth since 2015. Her leadership and contributions have earned her more than 20 major awards, including recognition as a USA Today Woman of the Year and one of InspiredMinds!’ 50 Influential Women in AI.

A physicist and information scientist by training, Dr. Griffiths has held leadership roles across research, government, and higher education, with a special focus on STEM and cyber fields. She has served on the National Science Board, the U.S. President’s Information Technology Advisory Committee, and the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. Today, she continues this work as an advisor to the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP).

Dr. Griffiths has led projects with more than 28 federal agencies, including NASA and the Department of Energy, collaborated with major corporations such as IBM and Apple, and partnered with international organizations including NATO and the United Nations.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

⚉ (Reference) Madison Cyber Labs (MAD Labs) - https://dsu.edu/research/madison-cyber-labs/

⚉ (Reference) Google Cybersecurity Clinics Fund - https://cyberclinics.withgoogle.com/

⚉ (Reference) Dakota State's Governors Cyber Academy - https://dsu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cyber-academy.html

⚉ (Reference) Dakota State Applied Research Corporation (DARC) - https://dsu-arc.org/

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This episode is brought to you by Global Signals, a curated bi-weekly paid newsletter for globally minded policymakers, international researchers, strategic industry leaders, and investors.

Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/Global-Lens

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CONNECT WITH DR. JOSÉ-MARIE GRIFFITHS:

⚉ Website: https://dsu.edu/directory/griffiths-jose-marie.html

⚉ X (Twitter): https://x.com/josegriffiths

⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-marie-griffiths-9106b7b/

CONNECT WITH DANIELLA:

⚉ Podcast Website: https://the-global-lens.captivate.fm/

⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellasussman/

⚉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellasussmanglobal/

OVERVIEW

Science Diplomacy sits at the center of International Relations and US-India cooperation in this episode of The Global Lens, where host Daniella Sussman speaks with Neetisha Besra about building durable research bridges between the two countries. The conversation examines how academic institutions, policy frameworks, and people-to-people ties are shaping a deeper and more strategic U.S.–India partnership.

EPISODE SUMMARY

This episode explores how research collaboration has become a powerful diplomatic tool between the United States and India. Neetisha Besra offers insight into how universities operate as connectors across governments, disciplines, and borders. The discussion highlights the practical work behind sustaining long-term partnerships, from navigating policy environments to aligning institutional priorities. Listeners gain a grounded view of how global challenges are increasingly addressed through collaborative research ecosystems rather than bilateral politics alone.

In this episode, we discuss:

00:46 - Setting the stage for the U.S.–India research corridor

01:48 - Why 2025–2026 marks a critical window for the U.S.–India scientific partnership

07:15 - The research corridor as a living, operational ecosystem

10:05 - Institutional programs enabling sustained bilateral collaboration

13:21 - India RISE Fellowship and supporting women scientists in STEM

18:58 - Breakthrough grants and catalytic funding for high-risk research

29:29 - Measuring diplomatic impact beyond papers and patents

ABOUT THE GUEST

Neetisha Besra is the Director for the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute in India at Johns Hopkins University. Based in New Delhi, she leads GKII’s India strategy, partnerships, and operations to strengthen U.S.–India collaborations in research, education, and policy. She holds an MPA in International Development from Harvard Kennedy School, a Master’s in Development Practice from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, and a Bachelor of Technology from IIT Kanpur.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

⚉ (Website) Gupta-Klinsky India Institute at Johns Hopkins University - https://indiainstitute.jhu.edu/

⚉ (Reference) Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum - https://iusstf.org/

⚉ (Reference) Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship Program - https://www.usief.org.in/fulbright-fellowships/fellowships-for-indian-citizen/

⚉ (Reference) The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar - https://science.nasa.gov/mission/nisar/

⚉ (Reference) India RISE Fellowship - https://indiainstitute.jhu.edu/our-initiatives/indiarise/

⚉ (Reference) TB Free Schools Initiative - https://indiainstitute.jhu.edu/our-initiatives/tb-free-schools-initiative/

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This episode is brought to you by Global Signals, a curated bi-weekly paid newsletter for globally minded policymakers, international researchers, strategic industry leaders, and investors.

Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/Global-Lens

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CONNECT WITH NEETISHA BESRA:

⚉ Website: https://indiainstitute.jhu.edu/directory/neetisha-besra/

⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neetishabesra/

⚉ X (Twitter): https://x.com/NeetishaBesra

CONNECT WITH DANIELLA:

⚉ Podcast Website: https://the-global-lens.captivate.fm/

⚉ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellasussman/

⚉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellasussmanglobal/