Protecting science in times of crisis 

A new report underscores the necessity of a unified strategy that not only reacts to crises but anticipates and prepares for them to protect scientists, academics, and educational institutions increasingly targeted in various global crises

Image: pikisuperstar | Freepik 

In an era marked by escalating geopolitical conflicts, the sanctity and resilience of the global scientific community have never been more crucial. A new report, ‘Protecting Science in Times of Crisis: How do we stop being reactive and become more proactive?’ emerges at a critical juncture, addressing the urgent need to protect scientists, academics, and educational institutions increasingly targeted in various global crises.

The discussion paper by the International Science Council’s (ISC) think tank, the Centre for Science Futures, which has been informed by the Council’s Committee for Freedom and Responsibility in Science, takes stock of the lessons learned from past efforts, shedding light on the successes and shortcomings of our collective endeavours.

“With this new publication, the Centre for Science Futures ambitions to fill an important gap in the discussions on the protection of scientists and science during crises. The study details options for a more effective multilateral policy agenda as well as action frameworks that science institutions can start collaborating on immediately,” said Mathieu Denis, head of the Centre for Science Futures of the ISC.

The paper underscores the necessity of a unified strategy that not only reacts to crises but anticipates and prepares for them. By examining various case studies, the aim is to forge a comprehensive framework that fortifies the science sector against the multi-faceted challenges of modern crises.

“Critically, the report comes at a time when schools, universities, research centres, and hospitals – all places that promote the advancement of education and scientific research – have been places of conflict and destroyed or damaged during Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, and other crises. We in the scientific community must reflect on creating the enabling conditions for science to survive and thrive,” shared Sir Peter Gluckman, president of the ISC.

One of the key themes to emerge from the new report is that the science sector as a whole has done little reflection on its resilience in the face of crises, from scientists becoming refugees to civilian infrastructure being destroyed and knowledge and research being lost.

Gluckman added, "Our goal is clear: To establish a resilient, global scientific community capable of withstanding and recovering from the adversities of our time. This paper is a call to action, urging a collaborative, strategic approach to safeguarding the invaluable contributions of scientists and researchers worldwide at a time when science and scientific endeavour are most needed."

The ISC’s vice president for Freedom and Responsibility in Science, professor Anne Husebekk, shared: “This new report serves as a clarion call for the global scientific community to transition from a reactive to a proactive stance in the face of adversity, ensuring the continuity and protection of scientific endeavours. Our committee that oversees freedom and responsibility in science is seeing a growing number of adverse situations for scientists and the right to practice science at a time when our communities are seeking solutions to major global challenges.”

Husebekk also said: "There is much we can do to strengthen the scope of science in striving for peace. For example, we can foster and nurture collaborative relationships between scientists amongst nations, and by improving our relationships with the news media, we can engender trust in and understanding of science while promoting unity in the face of shared global challenges. At the same time, we can advocate for a more robust scientific voice in the multilateral system, a goal ISC continues to work on."

In the immediate aftermath of a crisis, there are lessons to be learned, such as how to respond to immediate needs, the importance of collaboration across borders, and other consequences such as addressing misinformation. Professor Sayaka Oki from the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Education contributed to the report with learnings from the Fukushima earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

“In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, it is difficult to have inclusive, comprehensive, and reasoned discussions, so we had a real dilemma. A democratic society should have free discussion but in reality, especially for several days after an incident, it can be really difficult to have considered and consistent messaging. So that is when a single voice is needed, but at the same time, it needs to be transparent and clear,” Oki explained.

The ISC is urging international scientific institutions, governments, academics, foundations, and the broader scientific community to embrace the recommendations outlined in the paper. By doing so, it will contribute to a more resilient, responsive, and prepared scientific ecosystem capable of withstanding the challenges of the 21st-century.

The publication offers a strategic framework for the global scientific community. It emphasises the importance of prevention, protection, and rebuilding phases in the humanitarian cycle, advocating for systematic, efficient, and coordinated approaches to crisis management within the science sector. 

Key recommendations include enhancing resilience by developing systemic responses that leverage the expertise of the global scientific community to minimise the consequences of crises on scientific research and infrastructure. Strengthening the capacity of scientists and leaders in crisis and risk management and fostering a trusting relationship between science and society.

The strategic framework also emphasises improving mechanisms for coordination and information sharing among science actors to protect researchers and scientific assets during crises and ensure that science, higher education, and technological innovation are prioritised in post-crisis recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The complete discussion paper is available to read at the International Science Council website.