GYA and 30 Young Academies and Associations release statement suggesting actionable steps to connect fundamental science with sustainable development

Statement during closing ceremony of IYBSSD underscores the pivotal role of fundamental science in achieving UN SDGs

Reports and Proceedings

GLOBAL YOUNG ACADEMY

 

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THE GYA AND 30 YOUNG ACADEMIES AND ASSOCIATIONS AROUND THE WORLD UNVEILED A STATEMENT DURING THE IYBSSD CLOSING CEREMONY SUGGESTING ACTIONABLE STEPS TO CONNECT FUNDAMENTAL SCIENCE WITH SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

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GYA and 30 Young Academies and Associations release statement suggesting actionable steps to connect fundamental science with sustainable development during Closing Ceremony of IYBSSD meeting

 In a collective statement endorsed by 30 Young Academies and Associations, the Global Young Academy (GYA) underscored the pivotal role of fundamental science in achieving the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The statement (link here) was delivered during the closing ceremony of the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development (IYBSSD) at CERN in Switzerland on 15 December 2023.

The joint statement acknowledges the historical impact of fundamental science, citing examples such as the development of the life-saving COVID-19 vaccine and the roots of digital technology in fundamental research. Highlighting persistent challenges, the statement also sheds light on inequities within the research sector. Early- and mid-career researchers, particularly in low- to middle-income nations, face disadvantages, contributing to a global research density imbalance.

“We recognize that fundamental science is the bedrock of societal progress, and this statement reflects the unified voice of young scientists committed to shaping a sustainable future," stated GYA member Hiba Baroud (Vanderbilt University, United States), who was a member of the GYA team that drafted the statement. Hiba adds, "The widespread support from our peers underscores the significance of this call to action and reaffirms our collective commitment to driving meaningful change through research and innovation."

Despite these contributions, the appreciation and investment in fundamental science are on the decline worldwide, with a recent GYA report (Back to basics) revealing a shift towards applied research and demonstrating that researchers worldwide perceive a decline in support for fundamental science.

In response to these trends, the statement proposes actionable steps to connect fundamental science with sustainable development. Suggestions include supporting interdisciplinary research aligned with sustainable development goals, enhancing transitions from research to innovation, and addressing global inequities in research opportunities. The statement calls for global collaboration and urges stakeholders to recognize the profound significance of fundamental science in building a sustainable and equitable future.

What’s next?
As the IYBSSD draws to an end, the UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution proclaiming the period 2024-2033 as the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development.
Link here: https://www.iybssd2022.org/en/un-general-assembly-proclaims-international-decade-of-science-for-sustainable-development/

 

Frontiers for Young Minds and CERN ‘SPARK’ big questions in health technology

The scientific articles are written by researchers who attended the 2022 SPARKS! Serendipity Forum at CERN

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FRONTIERS

 

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FRONTIERS FOR YOUNG MINDS AND CERN COLLECTION

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Frontiers for Young Minds, the award-winning, open-access scientific journal for kids, has published the first articles in a new collection in collaboration with CERN, one of the world’s largest centers for scientific research. The collection, entitled SPARK-ing big questions: what is the future of health technology?, addresses key questions on how ground-breaking health technologies and science can improve human health for future generations.  

The articles are written by researchers who attended the SPARKS! Serendipity Forum at CERN in 2022, an event for scientific and other experts to come together to collaborate, learn from each other, and address some of the complex problems facing society. As one of the largest laboratories hosting collaborative research in the world, and a leader in fields that increase our knowledge of the universe and impact our lives, including health, CERN offers a platform to host such multidisciplinary discussions and curate the serendipity that may bring about benefits to society. The collaboration between Frontiers for Young Minds and CERN enables the sharing of this information with young audiences in a way that is accessible for them. 

As part of the unique Frontiers for Young Minds process, the articles have been reviewed by kids aged 8-15 to make sure the concepts are understandable for their peers. All articles are freely available on the journal website.  

The first three articles in the collection are: 

• New Scientific Technologies: Navigating the Path of Right and Wrong, Juan Enriquez, Excel Venture Management, USA 
  This article explores the ethics of new technologies and how to ensure developing technologies are used to help, not harm, humans.  

• Doctors and Artificial Intelligence: Working Together for a Healthier Future, Jane Metcalfe, proto.life, USA 
  This article examines how artificial intelligence can analyze data to find patterns that humans can’t and optimize patient care using personalized medicine.   

• Medicine Gets Proactive: Prevention Is Better Than Cure, Michael Snyder and Ariel Ganz, Stanford University, USA 
  This article looks at how technology such as smartwatches and health-tracking apps can catch illnesses before humans get sick, an approach that could help humans live longer.  

New articles will be added to the collection in January 2024 to help young minds engage with the topics of health literacy, open science, and bioinformatics. Together, the collection of articles will help the next generation of scientists and engaged citizens to understand and grapple with the big questions which they will have to face in their own healthcare as people continue to live longer.  

To read the articles, visit the Frontiers for Young Minds website.  

Frontiers for Young Minds SPARK-ing the big questions

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Frontiers