Science Summit at United Nations General Assembly 77 (UNGA77)

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 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85678475552?pwd=NDN4eW9ZM2NOSUNra1VORitrcEF1QT09

Scientific discovery is critical for enabling current and future applications to solve the world’s pressing problems, including global climate change, food and clean water shortages, and pandemics. Increased international collaboration among researchers, science funders, policymakers, and other stakeholders will be key to accelerating these discoveries, as the inclusion of more talent and diverse perspectives creates more opportunities for breakthroughs. Science philanthropy is an increasingly important sector of the research enterprise and can play a pivotal role in advancing science globally by supporting international scientific collaborations. A few examples will be given, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s global health funding, the Bertarelli Foundation’s marine science funding, and the Rockefeller Foundation’s agricultural and food science funding. Recommendations for funders will be shared from a recent philanthropy roundtable on international scientific partnerships co-hosted by the Science Philanthropy Alliance and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

Basic science is a critical ingredient of our sustainable future. Advancing understanding of the fundamental workings of nature not only enriches our lives but also creates the basis for solutions that enable human society to thrive and co-exist with nature. A diverse group of science funders will discuss how their individual and joint efforts can best drive basic science forward. The panel will explore issues such as: the tension between support for science with long time horizon and the urgent need for science-based solutions to global problems, challenges and opportunities for improved cooperation among funders, support for open and inclusive science, and opportunities for facilitating knowledge-to-action transitions. Ongoing investment in basic science is just one of the strategies that will increase opportunities for discoveries that may help the world meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.