Science for Global Development: The Role of Networks of Science Academies Michael Clegg Co-Chair Inter American Network of Academies of Science
Why Is The Voice Of Science Crucial In Addressing Global Issues? Science is the world s most successful means of knowledge creation Deals exclusively with arguments based on evidence Results subject to independent confirmation by others
Science: Basic Values Openness, Respect for Others Respect for Evidence Global Community Common Language
Major 21st Century Challenges Population growth - 9 billion by 2050 Climate change Food production Water supply and quality Energy supply Land degradation Ecosystem and species preservation Emergent diseases Quality of life
Why should every nation want to promote science? To promote rational solutions to national and international problems To create a workforce able to compete in the global economy To produce citizens who can make wise decisions in a democracy To help create a scientific temper for the nation, increasing tolerance and rationality
Poor nations are falling further behind high income countries Traditional approaches to aid have not reversed a trend of relative decline Investments in R & D are less than 0.5% of GDP in low income countries compared to more than 2% in high income countries S & T capacity is viewed as a luxury by some governments High income countries average 3,281 scientists & engineers per million of population compared to 788 per million in middle income countries High income countries average 346 patents per million of population compared to 10 in middle income countries
Why are Academies Important? Academies are merit based and represent the scientific leadership within a country Academies are self renewing institutions, free from political interference. Academies have the credibility to inform the public and policy makers about looming problems and potential solutions
What Can Science Academies Offer? Problems are global, but implementation of solutions must occur through national or local governments Most nations have academies Academies embody the independent voice of national science communities Academies can link scientific communities and policy makers
A Challenge for Science Academies: Adopting a Public Service Mission Primarily honorific organizations Underdeveloped administrative and physical infrastructure Government insensitivity to academy input Academic obstacles to a service culture Uncertain funding potential
A Global Agenda for Science Academies oa global network can work across National boundaries to present science based solutions to global problems
Global Network of Academies of Science QuickTime and a decompressor are needed to see this picture.
Regional Networks are Essential in Addressing Region Specific Problems The major regions of the world are heterogeneous in cultures, environments and levels of economic development Regional networks develop address capacity building based on regional needs
Inter American Network of Academies of Science QuickTime and a decompressor are needed to see this picture.
IANAS Executive Committee: Caracas July 2012 QuickTime and a decompressor are needed to see this picture.
A Role for IANAS Empowering and strengthening Academies and science communities in the hemisphere Development of Academies in countries lacking Academies Development of Science associations in countries that lack the science depth for an Academy Extending IAC reports and IAP programs to the region Relating to Regional Governments e.g. OAS
Science for Policy: Academies Can Identify Important S&T Elements of National Issues Synthesize What is Known Work With Private Sector, Government
Policy for Science: Academies can Contribute to Public Understanding Help in Improving Education at All Levels Provide Advice on Priorities and Modes of National Support for Research
AGENDA FOR ACADEMIES Provide S&T advice to the government Provide information on S&T issues of importance to the public Participate in national efforts to identify national science and technology goals and priorities Help the government to assess strengths and weaknesses of national capacities for achieving national S&T goals Encourage new centers of excellence that address research issues of national need Promote the upgrading of educational programs and institutions
The Bottom Line It is critically important that science, and scientists, achieve a much higher degree of influence throughout the world! Making international science organizations effective - An activist agenda
Science is Essential to a Strategy for Sustainable Global Development