Happy Sunday, Meridian Readers! We hope your weekend has been filled with fun, sun and relaxation. Now it’s time to fill it with diplomacy, so let’s dive on into this week’s #MeridianReads… Can ‘Science Diplomacy’ Work? Publication: Inside Higher Ed | By David Matthews Not totally sure what science diplomacy is? That’s okay – most people aren’t. The idea behind it is that working together on research projects can build trust and networks between countries, which improves their overall relations. “Working together on scientific projects would be a very sincere vote of trust in the relationship,” explained Carolin Kaltofen,...

Meridian is thrilled to announce that Michaela Chen has been named the new Vice Chair of Meridian’s Corporate Council. Michaela leads Boston Scientific’s international government affairs efforts, focusing on increasing BSC’s global market access opportunities. In that capacity, Michaela works with BSC’s government affairs teams in its largest markets in Europe and Asia on developing BSC’s international affairs strategy in order to influence international policies to ensure the best business environment for key BSC technologies. Michaela also leads BSC’s international advocacy with the U.S. administration and key associations and business groups in Washington, DC. Prior to joining Boston Scientific,...

It’s the first weekend of a new month, Meridian Readers! Happy Sunday, happy June & happy summer. We’re in a good mood over here, hope you feel the same. Let’s dive on into this weeks #MeridianReads… How China’s epic push for cleaner energy creates economic opportunity for the West Publication: Brookings Institution | By Jeffrey Ball China is determined to hold dominance over a range of low-carbon industries; ranging from more efficient coal combustion to electric vehicles (Maybe Elon Musk could help out?) China’s clean-energy institution is referred to as Green China Inc. — and it’s growing fast It’s...

This post is being published on behalf of Andrew Kovalcin, the principal of Advanced Advocacy. Advanced Advocacy is a boutique integrated advocacy & public affairs firm located in Washington, DC. The digital age has set up a paradox for many think tanks, companies and non-profits: While the barriers to sharing a message are breaking down, gaining traction in a saturated marketplace of ideas is increasingly challenging. In a world where anyone with a phone and thumbs can send their ideas to the masses, how do established institutions keep their voices relevant? The answer is simple: by competing less – and...

You know what day it is, you know what time it is. Unless you’re still feeling groggy from your weekend rest, then we’ll fill you in. It’s Sunday, and it’s time for #MeridianReads. Let’s dive in… Iran ready for any scenario, from confrontation to diplomacy Publication: Reuters | By Parisa Hafezi A senior Iranian official said Iran was ready for all scenarios involving the US, but added that the US “could not afford another war in the Middle East.” The official also said any conflict in the region will have  “unimaginable consequences.” Yikes. Washington has sent additional military forces...