Science diplomacy in medical physics - an international perspective

PurposeScience diplomacy in medical physics is a relatively young research field and translational practice that focuses on establishing international collaborations to address some of the questions biomedical professionals face globally. This paper aims to present an overview of science diplomacy in medical physics, from an international perspective, illustrating the ways collaborations within and across continents can lead to scientific and professional achievements that advance scientific growth and improve patients care.MethodsScience diplomacy actions were sought that promote collaborations in medical physics across the continents, related to professional and scientific aspects alike.ResultsSeveral science diplomacy actions have been identified to promote education and training, to facilitate research and development, to effectively communicate science to the public, to enable equitable access of patients to healthcare and to focus on gender equity within the profession as well as healthcare provision. Scientific and professional organizations in the field of medical physics across all continents have adopted a number of efforts in their aims, many of them with great success, to promote science diplomacy and to foster international collaborations.ConclusionsProfessionals in medical physics can advance through international cooperation, by building strong communication across scientific communities, addressing rising demands, exchange scientific information and knowledge.

Automated summary

This paper provides an overview of science diplomacy in medical physics, emphasizing the importance of international collaborations in addressing global challenges faced by biomedical professionals. Through various approaches such as promoting education and training, facilitating research and development, communicating science effectively, ensuring equitable access to healthcare, and focusing on gender equity, scientific and professional organizations in medical physics have successfully fostered science diplomacy and international collaborations.