Programme: Global Knowledge Dialogue for Latin America and the Caribbean

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09:20 – 09:40 | Ministerial and Official Addresses

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09:40 – 10:00 | Presentation of the International Science Council

A welcome message from the ISC, including an update for ISC Members on the most recent developments for enhancing the global voice of science in the multilateral space. Followed by a Q&A.

This pivotal session of the First Diplomatic Forum of Latin American and Caribbean Embassies to Chile (DFLAC) will be a cornerstone event under the Global Knowledge Dialogue to the Latin American and Caribbean. Set against the backdrop of the Pro-Tempore Honduras Presidency of The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), DFLAC champions the theme “Sustainable Knowledge as a Development Tool,” aiming to redefine and reignite the conversation of sustainable development in the LAC region. This forum is meticulously crafted to spark in-depth discussions and exchange cutting-edge insights on leveraging knowledge as a catalyst for transformative development across Latin America and the Caribbean. By bringing together a diverse assembly of diplomats, experts, political leaders, and stakeholders, DFLAC seeks to unearth innovative solutions and collaborative strategies that promise to accelerate socio-economic advancement in the region. This is an activity co-organized by the Embassy of Honduras to Chile and ISC RFP-LAC.

14:00 – 14:15 | Presentation of the Regional Focal Point for Latin America and the Caribbean

14:15 – 15:30 | The question of Autonomy: The critical relationships between academies, disciplinary bodies, unions and international scientific organizations, and the state

In an era where science plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges, the balance between freedom and responsibility within the scientific community has never been more crucial. This panel discussion aims to shed light on the indispensable role that academies, disciplinary bodies, unions, and international scientific organizations play in nurturing this balance. By fostering an environment where scientific freedom is protected and ethical standards are upheld, these institutions contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of society.

Our distinguished panelists will explore the multifaceted dimensions of freedom and responsibility in science, examining how these concepts influence research integrity, innovation, and public trust. The discussion will delve into the mechanisms and policies that these bodies have established to promote ethical research practices, encourage open dialogue, and support scientists in their quest to explore uncharted territories of knowledge. community in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region, where governmental support for scientific efforts is often lacking.

The panel will discuss the implications of this shortfall in support, exploring how it affects not only the advancement of science in the region but also its ability to contribute to global scientific endeavours. Strategies for overcoming these challenges, including fostering stronger international partnerships and leveraging the power of collective advocacy through scientific unions and organizations, will be a key part of the conversation.

Resources

📃 ISC-IAP statement on “Protecting the Autonomy of National Academies of Science”
🖋 ISC blog “Support for the integrity of Argentina’s science system”

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15:30 – 16:15 | Urban Health and Wellbeing: Systems thinking for the future

The session addresses the complex relationship between urban environments and human health, with a focus on the context of Latin America and the Caribbean. It explores the dynamics of city living, considering various factors such as infrastructure, socioeconomic disparities, environmental quality, community engagement, and social interaction. The session will call for integrated strategies to tackle urban health and well-being challenges by highlighting the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, urban planners, healthcare providers, and residents. It will advocate for collective efforts to develop healthier, more resilient cities by leveraging scientific knowledge, technology, policy-making, and participatory approaches. The panelists will propose innovative solutions to enhance urban health outcomes and promote well-being for all inhabitants. Based on a systems approach, they will also spotlight urban life’s unique challenges and opportunities in the Latin American and Caribbean regions.

Moderator: Ana Rada, co-chair of RFP LAC Committee, with German Gutiérrez, RFP LAC committee member and President of the International Union of Psychological Science

16:45 – 18:00 | The Future of Evaluation and Publishing in Open Science Contexts

Peer review of research results is the primary mechanism for evaluating science, a fundamental component of scholarly communications and research evaluation. It therefore makes a fundamental contribution to the record of science. Peer review processes have long been developed to ensure, as far as possible, the robustness and rigor of scholarly publications, but recently the shortcomings of the pre-publication peer review process have been well documented. Increasingly diverse modes of publication are making the conduct of peer review more problematic, such as preprints on platforms that use post-publication peer review, and also in repository collections other than article journals.

Various options are being experimented with for peer review of content in “version records” stages, rather than the pre-publication peer review process in the traditional “version of record” of conventional journals. In such changes, it is also necessary to examine the extent to which incentives may be necessary to sustain the review effort, giving credit for review work in research evaluation practices, and whether parts of the task could be automated.

Thus, in an international context in which 193 countries adopted the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science in 2021, which recommends opening the processes of creation, evaluation and communication of scientific knowledge to social actors beyond the traditional scientific community, it is necessary to review research and career evaluation systems to align them with the principles of open science. In this framework, the aim off the session is to understand in depth and from different perspectives, the complexities arising from the peer review process in academic journals, focusing observation and analysis on the Latin American and Caribbean region (LAC), and on the potential of scientific content in other Open Access publishing spaces (repositories, preprints, data repositories, books), in order to support a more inclusive and bibliodiverse global ecosystem of scholarly communications.

Resources

📙 The Future of Research Evaluation
📘 The Key Principles for Scientific Publishing
📘 The Case for Reform of Scientific Publishing
📗 All related ISC publications

09:00 – 09:30 | Frontiers Planet Prize Session

We will hear from two remarkable sustainability scientists whose research has been nominated for the Frontiers Planet Prize, a global science competition celebrating breakthroughs in sustainability science and rewarding solutions that show measurable potential to help humanity remain within the boundaries of the Earth’s ecosystem.

9:30 – 10:30 | Opportunities and Challenges for the 2030 Agenda through empowering regional networks in the multilateral space

This panel delves into the intricate dynamics of leveraging regional networks to bolster the ambitious goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As we navigate the complexities of the multilateral space, the session aims to uncover how strengthened regional collaborations can serve as a pivotal force in addressing global challenges, from climate change to inequality, and beyond.

Experts from diverse backgrounds will explore the multifaceted opportunities that regional networks present in accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They will discuss innovative strategies for enhancing regional cooperation, sharing knowledge and resources, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective action.

Conversely, the panel will not shy away from the challenges that lie ahead. It will critically examine the barriers to effective collaboration, including political, economic, and social hurdles that may impede the empowerment of these networks. The discussion will also highlight case studies and lessons learned from various regions, offering insights into successful integration of local initiatives with global objectives.

11:45 – 12:15 | Report back from the AI workshop (pre-event on 9 April)

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12:15 – 12:35 | Moderated dialogue from the breakout session: What are the key strategic goals for the RFP-LAC?

What are our opportunities and challenges and what is the role of the ISC and the ISC RFP-LAC in progressing and addressing these? The dialogue will be guided by input from the round tables earlier in the day.

12:35 – 13:20 | Dialogue on the Latin American and Caribbean voice for global science and the pressing issues for funding science

This engaging panel discussion aims to spotlight the vital contributions and unique perspectives of Latin American and Caribbean countries in the global scientific community, with a particular focus on sustainability. As the world grapples with unprecedented environmental challenges, the need for inclusive, diverse, and well-funded scientific research has never been more critical. This session will explore how the LAC region can amplify its voice and influence in global science dialogues, particularly in areas crucial for sustainable development.

Panelists will delve into the current landscape of science funding in the LAC region, identifying both the opportunities and obstacles that researchers face in securing the support necessary to advance their work. The discussion will extend to the role of international cooperation and partnerships in bolstering the region’s scientific endeavors, ensuring that LAC countries are not only participants but also leaders in the global quest for sustainability.

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13:20 – 13:45 | Closing Remarks

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13:45 | Closing Lunch – Rooftop, level 23