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STM Dinner & Conference 2025 | Frankfurt
The Invisible Bridge
The role of publishers in science diplomacy
Science diplomacy often makes headlines through summits and treaties. But beneath formal diplomacy lies a stable, long-standing force for international collaboration: the global research publishing system.
Publishing does more than disseminate findings. It builds common ground. It enables scientists to co-author, critique, and iterate—even when political ties are strained. It maintains shared standards of rigor and trust.
As stewards of this knowledge infrastructure, publishers play a quiet but critical diplomatic role. They keep science moving, uphold truth, and foster cooperation in uncertain times.
In an age of disruption and disinformation, this invisible bridge is more essential than ever. Join us at the STM Annual Conference in Frankfurt, 13–14 October, to explore how publishing can further strengthen science diplomacy and shape a more resilient future for research.
What’s this?
Every year, the STM Community convenes in Frankfurt for STM’s Annual Conference — held conveniently right before the Frankfurt Bookfair. It summons academic publishers, innovators, societies, funders and universities connected by a common goal: to advance trusted research.
What to expect? First, a welcoming dinner on the evening of Monday 13 October affords us a chance to connect in person and network. Tuesday 14 October will offer a potent line-up of speakers, sessions, and ample opportunities for collaboration and connections.
Full programme is forthcoming — and the lineup is looking strong. This event sells out — so secure your seat!
Course of events
Monday 13th October 2025 | Evening Dinner to be held at the Westin Grand Frankfurt
Individual spaces are available for purchase with your conference registration or separately if you’re unable to attend the conference. Arrival drinks will be served from 7:00 p.m., and we will be seated for dinner by 8:00 p.m.
For details of corporate sponsorship tables (full tables of 8) contact events@stm-assoc.org or see here for sponsorship opportunities.
Tuesday 14th October 2025 | STM Frankfurt Conference
Developing programme
| 08:30 | Registration & networking breakfast |
| 09:15 | Opening & Welcome – STM Board Chair |
| 09:20 | Pre-recorded message – Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, WHO |
| 09:25
|
Introduction of the keynote speaker: STM Board Chair
What is science diplomacy? |
| 10.10 | Refreshment break & networking, sponsored by CCC |
| 10:40
|
What is the role of publishers in science diplomacy, and why is it important Moderated by Roger C. Schonfeld, Managing Director, ITHAKA |
| 11:30
|
How do we work with the community on science diplomacy? Moderated by Caroline Sutton, CEO, STM Josep M. Garrell, President, EUA Paweł Rowiński, President, ALLEA Lara Campbell,Founder, Petrichor Scientific Consulting Vivi Stavrou, Executive Secretary of the ISC Committee for Freedom and Responsibility in Science (CFRS) and ISC Senior Science Officer. |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| 13:45 | Menti Quiz – Awareness of Science Diplomacy |
| 14:00
|
Science communication in a time of disruption Erica Kimmerling, Senior Director of ASTC’s Future of Science Strategies Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) |
| 15:00 | Strengthening Global Ties: Science Diplomacy Between China and STM Moderated by Steven Heffner, Managing Director, Publications, and Chief Publishing Officer for IEEE Publications |
| 16:00 | Networking & refreshment break |
| 16:45
|
Strengthening the Research Community: Science Diplomacy and the Renewal of Trust Moderated by Mandy Hill, Managing Director of Academic Publishing, Cambridge University Press Building diplomacy within the research and scholarly communication ecosystem begins with strengthening relationships among our own stakeholders. Diplomacy in this context means creating open channels of communication and mutual understanding among publishers, libraries, researchers, funders, and technology providers—groups whose priorities often diverge.In July, the leadership of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), Association of University Presses (AUPresses), Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP), Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and STM jointly issued Trust & Integrity: A Research Imperative, a statement affirming public investment in basic science and the humanities, broad access to validated information, the centrality of research integrity, and the protection of freedom of speech, academic freedom, and nondiscrimination in the marketplace of ideas.In this session, the leaders of four of these organisations will openly discuss how they found common ground, how they are working to build trust between organisations and their members as a precursor to building trust in science, overcoming the challenges arising from our five different profiles, how dialogue led to a focus on trust and research integrity, and how they are currently working to arrive at a decision on what tangible support they will bring to the wider community. Peter Berkery, Executive Director, Association of University Presses (AUPresses) Melanie Dolechek, Executive Director, Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) Andrew Pace, Executive Director, Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Caroline Sutton, CEO, STM |
| 17:30 | Closing remarks – STM Board Chair |
| 17:45 | Drinks Reception, sponsored by Silverchair |
Programme Committee:
- Sam Green, Director of Product Marketing, Silverchair
- Julia Kostova, Director of Publishing and head of the US division, Frontiers
- Eric Merkel-Sobotta, VP, Marketing & Communications, Paradigm Publishing Services, De Gruyter Brill
- David Sampson, Vice President, NEJM Group
- Amanda Sulicz, Associate Program Manager, Publishing Ethics, IEEE
- Kathleen Too, SVP, Thieme Chemistry, Managing Director, Thieme China, Thieme Group
- Susie Winter, Vice President Communications, Springer Nature
Event Terms & Conditions
Cancellation
Where an event has registration fees, cancellations made in writing up to 30 days before an event are eligible for a 50% refund. No refunds can be made for cancellations received on or after 30 days prior to the event date, however, substitutions may be made free of charge at any time.
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Registration fees do not include insurance. Participants are advised to take out adequate personal insurance to cover travel, accommodation, cancellation and personal effects.
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