Science for delivery at ESOF - 23 June 2014
Scientists, researchers and politicians have called for greater sharing of knowledge with society in order to bridge the divide between science and technology (S&T) and the masses.
Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor attending the opening ceremony at ESOF in Copenhagen Denmark.
This message resonated loudly at the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) 2014, which opened in Copenhagen, Denmark, yesterday on 22 June 2014. The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, is leading a delegation at the conference, which runs until 26 June 2014.
ESOF is one of the world's leading platforms to showcase global research and to promote dialogue on the role of S&T in society and public policy
Officially opened by Denmark's Queen Margrethe II yesterday and hosted by the Danish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education, the forum is an opportunity for South Africa to showcase its science, technology and innovation (STI) activities and achievements and strengthen S&T partnerships between South Africa and the European Union.
Addressing the opening event yesterday, thePresident of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, said that now, more than ever, we need "innovative solutions" to address the world's shared challenges.
Mr Barroso said that the European Union had committed about €80 billion over seven years through its Horizon 2020 programme**(**the European Union's Framework Programme for research and innovation, which is designed to build a balanced, knowledge-based economy, with education, science, research and innovation at its heart). He further said, "Our social and economic progress and many of the solutions to today's problems will come from science. I would even say that the future of Europe lies in science."
The theme for ESOF 2014 is "Building bridges", and Mr Barroso called for the building of bridges between all scientific disciplines: "Our 'Innovation Union' seeks to mainstream science and innovation across all sectors, and cross-fertilise your ideas to develop new technologies, products and services for the complex multi-disciplinary challenges in our societies." The Innovation Union aims to do three things, namely, make Europe into a world-class science performer; remove obstacles to innovation, and revolutionise the way the public and private sectors work together.
Mr Barroso also called for greater public awareness of S&T work. He said that, when "breakthrough" science was being achieved, we needed to ensure that society knew about it. "In order to ensure that the progress you make, for example on new vaccinations or nanotechnology, is properly explained and embraced by society rather than feared, we need a considerable communication effort from scientists themselves, as well as from policy makers. There is an important role for the media to play here."
ESOF presents an opportunity for South African scientists, researchers and specialist S&T media to participate in the discussions of topical international STI issues alongside world-renowned scientists. Two young South African researchers from South Africa's historically disadvantaged institutions are among the thousands of scientists attending the event, with support from the Department of Science and Technology.
