Advancing Scientific Discovery for Global Sustainable Development

Abstract

The world's grand challenges, from pandemics to climate change to sustainable development, will require scientists coming together globally to drive significant scientific breakthroughs. Scientists around the world are working on exciting areas such as development of new materials and processes to capture CO2, replicate nature's ability to convert nitrogen in the soil into nitrate-rich fertilizer, discovery of new materials for environmentally friendly batteries capable of supporting a renewable-based energy grids, and analysis of real-world medical evidence to suggest new candidates for drug repurposing and speed clinical trials. An important dimension is also the partnership between scientists across the global north and south, and a well thought out skills development that enables young scientists to work on global challenges. These research and development efforts will benefit from the acceleration of scientific discovery, which is becoming feasible thanks to the convergence of technologies such as cloud, AI, and quantum. This talk will explore how these technologies hold the promise to further advance scientific discoveries, thereby enabling scientists to collaborate on global sustainable development.