Science Without Borders
The first day or so we all pointed to our countries.
The third or fourth day we were pointing to our continents.
By the fifth day, we were aware of only one Earth.
Sultan bin Salman Al-Saud, astronaut
This perspective from space offers wisdom for us here back on earth. Unity sounds simple, but when we are distracted by family issues, social concerns and our national interests, it can be hard to remember there is “only one Earth.” In fact, there may be no more important thing for us to remember than this: all of us on the planet are neighbors.
Thankfully, there have been positive moves toward that recognition. In the past two decades as the realities of a global economy have impacted us for good and for bad, hundreds of NGOs, corporate entities and individuals have been inspired to become globally involved. Most large companies have international facilities. Financial companies are making global investments. Universities are establishing overseas partnerships. Faith-based non-profit groups, NGOs and new social enterprises are reaching out to those in other countries. More and more individuals share a global consciousness.
Still, there is much to be done to address world problems. There are logistical, technological and intellectual challenges that remain. Most frustrating are instances when information and collaboration are limited. Every day:
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a pharmaceutical group provides low cost HIV/AIDS drugs to patients in Africa, but it turns out the pills are taken with contaminated water so people die from dehydration from diarrhea
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the agricultural project of an NGO is facilitated by a helpful local official, while other NGOs are stymied by corruption
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a group of university engineering students are ready to work in an undeveloped country, but there are no trained colleagues to host them
Several months ago, those types of problems were taken up as inspiration by the New York Academy of Science, and this past week, their ideas came to fruition. A vital new tool was introduced for addressing the disconnect between 21st century science and global sustainable development. On May 12, ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, the New York Academy of Science and its partners launched their new web site: Scientists Without Borders.
The name of the group echoes other initiatives, namely Doctors Without Borders, the first group of its kind founded years ago in France, and Engineers Without Borders, whose work includes engineers and college students. This new project however is as much about disseminating information as providing a globally available portal facilitating its membership. What I find most heartening is that its work will be based on the U.N. Millennium Goals addressing poverty through sustainable development by fostering global health, agricultural progress, environmental wisdom, energy innovation and resource management. These are areas that those outside the science arena, in government, faith and service groups, have long found frustrating. Specifically, Scientists Without Borders will:
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Foster communication between scientists and science-related experts around the world
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Sponsor innovative collaborations between groups with similar objectives
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Document the needs and available resources of developed as well as undeveloped countries
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Connect globally-minded scientific organizations with local institutions and projects who welcome such expertise
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Build an outward-faced network of institutions, organizations and individuals who want to get involved
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Connect funding agencies with needs, resources and grantees
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Provide a global portal so that information is readily available to needy peoples and ready problem solvers
With an undergraduate degree in chemistry, a medical extended family, sons in engineering and environmental resource management and my own continuing interest in the integration of science into contemporary thinking, I applaud this new effort to translate compassion into Science, which I consider both an intellectual and spiritual search for understanding. I have said many times, in our search for God and meaning, the more we know, the closer we are!
If you are reading this, I hope you will go the new Scientists Without Borders website. If you have science expertise, you can become a part of the network by offering your services or posting your interests. If you work with an NGO, you can solicit help with your work in developing countries or offer advice. If you are affiliated with a corporation, educational institution or corporate entity, you can partner with other progressive groups who are using science for the Greater Good. If you are a concerned global citizen, you can see and support this very rational, pragmatic and inspirational approach to solving the world’s insistent problems through a shared vision.
Congratulations, NYAS and world partners! Your efforts are the embodiment of InSpiritry’s ideas of Community, Compassion, Creativity, Collaboration, Consilience, Courage and Celebration. The world awaits your work!
When Science Has No Borders,
Our Collective Knowledge Is a Blessing!
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