While advancements in AI have huge implications for national R&D systems, very little is known about how governments plan to accelerate the uptake of AI by science and research institutions. In “Preparing National Research Ecosystems for AI: Strategies and Progress in 2024”, the International Science Council’s Centre for Science Futures addresses this knowledge gap by presenting a review of the existing literature on this topic, as well as a series of country case studies.

The Centre for Science Futures is excited to announce the release of the extended version of the podcast series on Science Fiction and the Future of Science. Listen to delve deeper into the fascinating intersection between science and speculative fiction.

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.

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.

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.

A critical look at the Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) impact on science from different perspective and actors – from public funders to private high-tech institutions – reveals a shared concern for the lack of transparency and cooperation in creating a more human-centred approach that would deliver on the promise of science as a global public good.

The Centre for Science Futures is producing a podcast series on Science Fiction and the Future of Science in partnership with the journal Nature. This six-part series is due to be released weekly from November 3rd to December 8th, consisting of conversations with six science fiction authors from different parts of the world.

Authors of the discussion paper, ‘Looking at the Future of Transdisciplinary Research’, close the blog series on the paper in this concluding blog. The paper, comments and the blogs call for the need for a paradigm shift towards transdisciplinary research.

In his blog, Steven Hartman delves into the future of transdisciplinary research, emphasizing its role in tackling the challenges of the Anthropocene and the transition to a post-carbon world. He advocates for research institutions to break free from disciplinary boundaries, involving non-academic communities in shaping research agendas.

In the sixth blog of the Expert Blog series, Dr. Hester du Plessis uncovers the innovative strides made by the University of Pretoria in South Africa, where transdisciplinary (TD) research has become a cornerstone of their strategy. Dr. Hester explores the transformative potential of TD, the importance of open dialogue, and the development of a global community of transdisciplinarians.

Drawing on the insights of the Looking at the Future of Transdisciplinary Research, Christian Pohl shares his own perspective as a member of the vibrant 'transdisciplinarian' community. Prof. Pohl emphasizes the invaluable role of this community in tackling sustainability challenges through knowledge co-production.

In his blog, Roderick Lawrence calls for cultivating transdisciplinary endeavors, fostering inclusive collaboration, acknowledging positional influences, and repositioning science within a broader societal framework. With these considerations, transdisciplinarity has the potential to reshape research, policies, and professional practices, delivering lasting solutions in our intricate world.

Following the publication of the discussion paper ‘Looking at the Future of Transdisciplinary research’, the Centre is releasing a series of blogs from experts around the world giving us their thoughts and opinions of the paper.

The third of the series is a blog in the form of an interview between Nicolas Dotti from Science Europe and Malin Mobjörk from Formas. Nicola and Malin reflect on a survey-based study released by Science Europe in November 2022 shedding light on the experiences of Science Europe members, comprising national research funding and performing organizations across Europe on interdisciplinary research.

Following the publication of the discussion paper ‘Looking at the Future of Transdisciplinary research’, the Centre is releasing a series of blogs from experts around the world giving us their thoughts and opinions of the paper.

The second blog of the series is by Dr. Rajesh Tandon, Founder and President of Participatory Research in Asia, New Delhi and UNESCO Co-Chair on Community-based Research & Social Responsibility of Higher Education. Dr. Tandon emphasizes the value of participatory research and calls for educating academically trained researchers to recognize and respect community knowledge cultures. Building partnerships, overcoming institutional constraints, and embracing knowledge democracy are essential for effective transdisciplinarity.

Following the publication of the discussion paper ‘Looking at the Future of Transdisciplinary research’, the Centre is releasing a series of blogs from experts around the world giving us their thoughts and opinions of the paper.

The first of the series is a blog by Dr. Paul Shrivastava, Professor of Management & Organizations, Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Shrivastava present an ambitious agenda for science arguing that the challenges faced today need a new approach to science systems that goes beyond siloes. Dr. Shrivastava uses his experiences working with different organisations to reflect on impactful and actionable science. 

Open Discussion Forum - Call for contributions and comments on ISC Centre for Science Future working paper: Looking at the Future of Transdisciplinary Research

ISC Centre for Science Futures launch and strengthens partnerhsip with Sciences Po

25 May 2023 - The Global Young Academy (GYA), the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) and the International Science Council (ISC) Centre for Science Futures have released a synthesis paper which sets out the major drivers, opportunities and challenges for research evaluation reform and collates illustrative examples of change happening at global, regional, national and institutional levels.

Successful implementation of transdisciplinary research requires an adaptation of universities. The following excerpt explores the role of universities in promoting transdisciplinary research and training and it presents arguments that ask universities to move away from disciplinary silos and embrace cross-disciplinary collaboration in order to tackle complex challenges. Authors of the paper suggest that undergraduate and graduate programs need to incorporate transdisciplinary thinking and problem based teaching. Moreover, sustained mentorship and coursework is needed as well as inclusivity in fostering transdisciplinarity.  

Following its launch event at the 2023 Mid-term Meeting of ISC Members: Capitalizing on Synergies in Science, today the Centre for Science Futures was invited to a Sciences Po seminar focussing on the role of Science Diplomacy during armed conflicts.