Global and local: Science for policy and the role of networks Professor Cheryl de la Rey Vice-Chancellor and Principal: University of Pretoria 27 August 2018

2018 Edelman Trust Barometer Research: Key findings: Trust deficit in the world A world without common facts and objective truth, weakening trust A loss in confidence in information channels Media has become the least-trusted global institution for the first time, with trust scores of over 50 percent in only six markets, five of which are in the developing world.

2018 Edelman Trust Barometer Research: Key findings “Silence is now deeply dangerous—a tax on truth” Every institution must play its part by educating its constituents and joining the public debate, going direct to the end-users of information. That means taking the informed risk to join the battle for truth so that facts triumph over fears. Sources: http://cms.edelman.com/sites/default/files/2018-02/2018_Edelman_TrustBarometer_Executive_Summary_Jan.pdf

An Opportunity for Science In these uncertain economic and geopolitical conditions, there never has been a better time to promote the benefits of science. Scientists using knowledge and skills to find ways to translate scientific issues into good public policy.

Science and Public Policy Carol Finn, President, American Geophysical Union (2013), says, “as scientists, we have a responsibility to make sure that policymakers understand the value of our science and have access to the best scientific knowledge available. Policy decisions that are informed by science are critically important in building a foundation for a sustainable future.”

Science policy? An area of public policy which is concerned with the policies that affect the conduct of the science and research enterprise…often in pursuance of other national policy goals such as technological innovation, weapons development, health care and environmental monitoring. Science policy also refers to the act of applying scientific knowledge and consensus to the development of public policies. Science policy workers consider the ethical and political dimensions and how science and technology can best serve the public. Source: https://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/science_policy_careers_.pdf

Science, Public Policy and the SDGs Human societies currently face major/complex crises: equitable development, peace, food, water and energy security, climate change, environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation and human security The need for sustainable solutions more urgent.  Important role of scientific research and development in solving these challenges. But the opportunity to find these solutions may be missed if scientific knowledge is not shared broadly

The Challenge for Science The SDGs identify complex global problems that no one country and no one discipline can address on its own. AAUN founded on the belief in the power of international scientific collaboration and networks that harness scientific perspectives and expertise from all parts of the world. integration of knowledge through enhanced inter-disciplinary collaboration, involving the joint framing of issues and the collaborative design, execution and application of research across different fields of science

The AAUN network Focus on building equal higher education and research partnership between member universities in Australia and Africa. Eleven Australian and ten Africa member universities, co-chaired by the University of Sydney and the University of Pretoria 6 years, 43 research programmes have been supported with seed funding – some of them have developed into long-term, large research initiatives working across disciplinary and international boundaries

Science, Public Policy and the SDGs Frequently, the solutions proposed by scientists are hindered by poor communication –acronyms and jargon – as well as being confronted by vested interests, both perceived and real.

Science Diplomacy Humanity's greatest challenges – and some of its most promising opportunities – are regional and global. Increasingly, the world requires effective partnerships between scientists, policymakers and diplomats. (TWAS)

Forms of Science Diplomacy When nations come together to negotiate cooperative agreements on fisheries management or infectious disease monitoring, they need scientific expertise. When scientists come together for complex multi-national projects in astronomy or physics, their nations devise diplomatic agreements on management and financing. And when political relations between two nations are strained or broken, joint research efforts can give them a way to keep talking – and to build trust. (TWAS)

Universities and Networks of Universities uniquely positioned A neutral but influential role in the knowledge triangle: government, industry, universities Have the capacity to generate, translate and disseminate knowledge relevant to achieving the SDGs. They can engage in collaborative knowledge generation alongside other stakeholders leading to knowledge co-production or co-creation, which has the potential to increase societal impact ( El-Jardali et al, 2018)

AAUN Africa Forum brings experts together in Cape Town - 3 December 2017