Global scientists call for open, shared science infrastructures to promote sustainable development at key forum in Beijing
updated: 2024-10-28 17:45:50

On October 23, a thematic session centered on "Open Science Infrastructures: Building a Collaborative Platform for the Sciences Decade" attracted leading scientists and technology experts from around the globe to explore how open scientific infrastructures can facilitate the achievement of sustainable development goals and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.


In August 2023, the United Nations General Assembly launched the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033) (abbreviated as the "Sciences Decade"), which presents unique opportunities for human advancement and aims to fully harness the potential of science in pursuing sustainable development and ensuring a safe and prosperous future for all.


This thematic session, as part of the 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum, fostered in-depth discussions among prominent scientists and technology professionals from UNESCO, as well as representatives from countries and international organizations including the United States, Germany, Italy, Pakistan, and China. They engaged in meaningful dialogue regarding the strategic plan for the "Sciences Decade," focusing on how open scientific infrastructures can enhance global research collaboration, tackle significant challenges, and promote sustainable development.


Yang Wei, a professor of Zhejiang University, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) presides over the session. Photo: Courtesy of the 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum


Yang Wei, a professor of Zhejiang University, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and Founding Chair of the CAST UN Consultative Committee on Open Science and Global Partnership (CCOS), presided over the session.


In his opening remarks, Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, underscored that open science serves as a crucial driving force for achieving global peace and sustainable development. He highlighted its effectiveness in enabling scientists worldwide to address global challenges through shared infrastructures, data, and knowledge. Open scientific infrastructures are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in tackling pressing issues such as climate change and food security, where open science holds distinct advantages.


During the keynote speeches, five esteemed scientists—Martin Hellman, Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering at Stanford University and Turing Award Laureate; Sheldon M. Schuster, President Emeritus and Professor at the Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences; Anna L. Ahlers, founder and head of the Lise Meitner Research Group at the MPIWG; Manzoor Hussain Soomro, Founder President of the Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation (ECOSF); and Yang Wei from Zhejiang University—addressed five pivotal issues concerning the global advancement of open science. They emphasized the critical importance of international cooperation and open science.


These scientists highlighted the necessity of integrating scientific education with business early in graduate programs to facilitate the market transformation of research outcomes and stressed the growing significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges.


Furthermore, they noted that open science is applicable to all nations and requires widespread participation, particularly from the Global South. However, challenges persist in establishing open scientific infrastructures, including enhancing research capabilities through shared data and infrastructures, as well as addressing four key challenges related to open access: academic reputation, journal pricing, open access roadmaps, and collaboration policies. Initiatives such as improving the quality of scientific journals, creating open data infrastructures, and establishing national funds will foster balanced development in open science.


Martin Hellman called on nations to reconsider national security through the lenses of safety and the scientific spirit. He advocated for open scientific collaboration to confront threats such as nuclear weapons, warfare, and environmental crises, emphasizing the passionate pursuit of truth that characterizes the scientific spirit and the vital role scientists play in exploring new modes of thinking.


During the roundtable dialogue, experts and scholars from various international organizations unanimously recognized that open scientific infrastructure is essential and urgent for fostering research innovation and global cooperation. They stressed the importance of developing inclusive strategies tailored to the diverse needs of different countries and institutions, supported by government, commercial, and philanthropic funding to ensure the long-term sustainability of this infrastructure.


The forum also launched the initiative "Fostering Open Science Infrastructure Collaboration: A Vision for the Sciences Decade," urging governments, research institutions, universities, businesses, and non-governmental organizations to collaborate in promoting the construction and development of open scientific infrastructure.


In his closing remarks, Yang highlighted that open scientific infrastructure is a vital means of advancing global scientific innovation and collaboration. Through this collaborative platform, the global scientific community can share data, resources, and technologies to collectively address global challenges such as climate change and the energy crisis. Today's meeting also yielded numerous valuable suggestions, including strategies for addressing issues related to artificial intelligence and the importance of advancing these goals judiciously to ensure broad participation from all countries and peoples.


Yang told the media after the session that the CAST has placed great emphasis on promoting open science globally. Yang also noted that China has made efforts to accelerate sustainable development by enhancing scientific collaboration and data sharing. The forum supports more people to explore how to balance intellectual property protection with open access, and how to improve data sharing and quality for global benefit.


Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, told the media that the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with UNESCO, is promoting open science to enhance accessibility and knowledge transfer, particularly to developing countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, such as Pakistan and Afghanistan. China is recognized as one of the leaders in science and technology, providing scholarships and support to students from developing nations, especially in Africa. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative not only focus on infrastructure but also emphasize knowledge transfer and capacity building. Collaborative efforts between universities and scientists facilitate educational exchanges, enhancing opportunities for young people globally, Shahbaz Khan noted.


Representatives discuss during the roundtable dialogue at the session "Open Science Infrastructures: Building a Collaborative Platform for the Sciences Decade".

Photo: Courtesy of the 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum


Source:  VOC