Scientists say its true potential remains untapped

In a paper published in PLOS Sustainability and Transformation, an international team of researchers looked at how science could play a more active role in crisis management. The paper is based on the results of the international conference “What role for science in times of crisis? Perspectives in the interconnected areas of health, environment and agriculture”, held in Montpellier in 2022.

To increase the contribution of science to crisis management, the document emphasizes the need for interdisciplinarity, where science is integrated across disciplines, and transdisciplinarity, which includes different actors and social actors. By co-producing and co-producing solutions with scientists, policy makers and affected populations, transdisciplinary science can contribute to integrated and collaborative decision-making.

“We now live in a multi-crisis world, where science must play a more engaged and active role,” says Paul Shrivastava, Co-President of the Club of Rome, Professor of Management and Organizations, Pennsylvania State University and lead author. of paper. “It needs to be more fluid, timely and integrated with social and political decision-making.”

The paper summarizes key actions to harness science to address crises, which include implementing interventions at global and local scales, engaging the public, democratizing science, adopting new governance frameworks, and integrating community engagement. It also highlights the importance of aligning science-based interventions with cultural norms and increasing engagement with countries that suffer from unequal access to science.

The authors emphasize that the effort must come from both directions—policy leaders must proactively engage with scientists and rely on evidence-based solutions, while scientists must seek access points to connect with crisis responders and populations. affected.

The latter can be encouraged by rewarding scientists for their real-world contributions within the academic system and by increasing funding for research with a direct impact on the crisis.

“Science has identified the existential threats we face, but this knowledge is often ignored, contested or acted upon slowly. It is time to reverse the scientific model and mobilize important resources for the benefit of people and the planet,” says Carlos Alvarez Pereira. general secretary of the Club of Rome and co-author of the study.

“That’s why the Club of Rome and partners created the Earth-Humanity Coalition—a global network that encourages transformative research and action at all levels.”

This paper highlights the vital role of science in navigating times of crisis and urges decision-makers to see scientific input as crucial to fostering resilience and transformation.

By harnessing the transformative power of science, overcoming traditional boundaries, and cultivating collaborative solutions, we can chart a course toward a sustainable future in an equitable and healthy world for all.