"The intersection of science, innovation, and policy is at a pivotal moment now, driven by rapid advances in basic science, technology, and engineering. Key issues include how basic science and mission-driven research can coexist and interact, the evolving roles of government, philanthropy, and industry in funding basic research, and the effectiveness of international collaboration amidst new geopolitical and security challenges. Additionally, higher education institutions need to enhance their support for scientific talent while balancing their roles in entrepreneurship and societal impact and ensure career support for emerging scientists." — Statement on Basic Science by Hiroshi Komiyama, STS Forum 2024 Chairman
These reflections on Basic Science summarize the tone of the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum 2024, held in October in Kyoto, Japan, where global leaders, policymakers, and researchers gathered to discuss critical topics shaping the future of science and technology.
A highlight of the forum was the plenary session titled "Basic Science, Innovation, and Policy," chaired by Pavel Kabat, Secretary-General of the International Human Frontier Science Program Organization (HFSPO). This thought-provoking discussion brought together distinguished leaders in science, policy, and philanthropy to explore how these domains intersect and shape the future of scientific discovery and societal progress.
The session featured insights from prominent speakers, including Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Toshiko Abe; Nobel Laureate Tim Hunt; Cynthia Friend, President of the Kavli Foundation; Katja Becker, President of the German Research Foundation (DFG); and Teruo Fujii, President of the University of Tokyo. Pavel Kabat guided discussions exploring how to advance bottom-up discovery science amidst evolving funding landscapes and international cooperation challenges.
Key insights included:
- The need for balanced research funding models, combining competitive short-term support and stable long-term investments.
- The pivotal role of philanthropic organizations and industry partnerships in addressing funding gaps for transformative research.
- The challenges and opportunities in fostering international collaboration amidst geopolitical uncertainties.
- Strategies for nurturing the next generation of scientists, with a focus on curiosity-driven research and diverse career paths.
HFSP’s contributions to advancing basic science were highlighted throughout the session, reinforcing its mission to foster interdisciplinary and international collaboration among early-career researchers.
For a deeper dive into the session’s discussions, watch the full video.
Read the complete STS Forum 2024 summary.