Centre for Science Futures

A think tank of the International Science Council (ISC)

Who we are

The ISC Centre for Science Futures explores where changes in science and its organization are leading us.

What we do

We engage in focused interventions within critical discussions on science futures, science systems, and science policy to push these discussion forward and provide options and tools for better informed decisions and targeted action for the future of science systems.

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News
“The Maniac” by Benjamin Labatut: a glimpse at the pioneers of artificial intelligence’s world and dreams
“The Maniac” by Benjamin Labatut: a glimpse at the pioneers of artificial intelligence’s world and dreams

Mathieu Denis, Head of the Centre for Science Futures, shares his enthousiastic review on Benjamin Labatut’s latest novel “The Maniac”. Equally thriller, philosophical essay, and history book, Labatut’s novel takes the reader into a fascinating journey in the history of artificial intelligence.

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Launch of a New Podcast Series on Science Fiction and the Future of Science 
Science Fiction
Launch of a New Podcast Series on Science Fiction and the Future of Science 
Science Fiction

Discover the new podcast series from the Centre for Science Futures, where we unravel the visionary minds of science fiction authors to gain insights into how science might shape our future.

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Science Fiction
AI for science: Insights from Asia-Pacific 
AI for science: Insights from Asia-Pacific 

In October, the ISC Centre for Science Futures held a vital meeting in Kuala Lumpur, gathering experts from 12 countries to explore the impact of AI on science. Discussions centered on research funding, AI's transformative role in scientific practices, and supportive policies.

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Publications

Featured
Preparing National Research Ecosystems for AI: Strategies and progress in 2024
Preparing National Research Ecosystems for AI: Strategies and progress in 2024

The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the integration of artificial intelligence in science and research across various countries. It addresses both the advancements made and the challenges faced in this field, making it a valuable read for policymakers, AI professionals, and academics.

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Protecting Science in Times of Crisis: How do we stop being reactive and become more proactive?
Protecting Science in Times of Crisis: How do we stop being reactive and become more proactive?

The paper takes stock of what the international scientific community learned over the years in supporting refugee and displaced scientists in times of crisis.

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The Contextualization Deficit: Reframing Trust in Science for Multilateral Policy
The Contextualization Deficit: Reframing Trust in Science for Multilateral Policy

When trust in science is compromised, the capacity for cohesive global policy action is further diminished. This working paper addresses this crucial problem by reviewing what research and practice in a range of fields from journalism to regulation have learned about trust in science in recent years, and the implications of that body of knowledge for policy-makers.

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The Future of Research Evaluation: A Synthesis of Current Debates and Developments
The Future of Research Evaluation: A Synthesis of Current Debates and Developments

The Future of Research Evaluation gives a review of the current state of research evaluation systems and discusses the most recent actions, response and initiatives taken by different stakeholders through several case examples from around the world.  The goal of this discussion paper is to contribute to the ongoing debates and open questions on the future of research evaluation.

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