We need to share our scientific knowledge, says d'Aubert

Brussels, 16 Nov 2004

The French Minister for Research, François d'Aubert, has called for the increased dissemination of scientific advances worldwide.

Speaking at an international scientific forum in Kyoto, Japan, Mr d'Aubert stated that 'this conference proves that the role of science and technology in society has become a crucial question at global level.'

The STS (Science and Technology in Society) forum, which held its inaugural meeting from 14 to 16 November in the west of Japan and gathered almost 500 scientists, business representatives and politicians, hopes to become, according to the organisers, the equivalent of the World Economic Forum in the scientific and technological fields.

'Because the problems we face today are becoming increasingly complex against the backdrop of globalisation and international competition, they are beyond the control of any single country. These issues are also beyond the control of the scientific community alone, because many of the problems will find solutions through the revision of social systems, international collaboration, glob-al networks, and the building of common rules. The time has come for not only academicians and researchers, but also legislators, business people and journalists from all over the world to meet and discuss science and technology issues in the 21st century,' stated the founding members of the STS forum.

Pleading for a wide and concerted dissemination of technical advances across the globe, Mr d'Aubert underlined that 'more than a billion people have access neither to health services, drinking water, nor to sufficient food supply.'

On 15 November, 13 research ministers, including Mr d'Aubert, Lord Sainsbury from the UK and Thomas Östros from Sweden, got together to study possible solutions to enable developing countries to benefit from the latest technologies in energy, agriculture and health.

For further information on the STS forum, please visit:
http:///www.stsforum.org

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