Science Bridging Cultures and Nations

Scientific research addresses not only key questions in science but also provides successful modes for peaceful cooperation. Large international research projects show what mankind is able to achieve when working together coherently towards a common goal. Science and the free dissemination of scientific knowledge facilitate the dialogue among cultures and are instrumental for our well-being and in fostering peaceful relations between nations. The talk will address the role of research infrastructures in science diplomacy through specific examples, in particular CERN and SESAME (Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East). What can we learn from such global science endeavours in research and in areas beyond research? What can be achieved, what should be achieved? Physics and arts are closely related, what role can arts, in particular music, play in that context? The talk will address such questions and will describe the fascinating mixture of science, arts and diplomacy.