Join us for the global launch of the Aspen Institute’s report In Favour of Pure Science.

In 2021, the Aspen Institute New Zealand convened a group of NZ scientists to discuss the status of pure science in NZ. The key qualitative points from the discussion, along with similar discussions by the 13 Aspen Partners, contributed to the final report by Aspen Institute’s Science & Society Programme.

In Favour of Pure Science – Symposium will dissect the current state of basic science around the world, create a public forum for discussion among scientific leaders, and provide guidance on how basic science can be supported and advanced internationally. This symposium accompanies publication of the global report, In Favour of Pure Science, written in collaboration among the 14 countries where the Aspen Institute has partnering organisations and supported by the Kavli Foundation.

The purpose of the report is to highlight, on a global scale, the importance of pure science, glaring gaps in funding, and ideas to lift engagement and democratise science as a guiding force for public good.

Professor Richard Blaikie, Deputy VC of the University of Otago (Research and Enterprise), will discuss the report’s findings and initiatives, along with featured expert speakers representing the Institute’s global partners, who contributed to their country’s chapter in this report.

This event will be held virtually.

Background on the Project 

Pure science is the only guarantee of a better future for humanity. The technology we will have tomorrow for solving the problems we face, such as pandemics, climate change, shortage of clean energy, and degenerative illnesses, depends on how much we invest in pure science today.

Unfortunately, public opinion does not always praise pure science and often does not understand its importance. There is also much diffidence for pure science in a relevant part of the population, even in developed countries.

The result is that investment in pure science in most countries is declining, not increasing.

The Aspen Institute, since its origins, has given great attention to the issue of science. Science is making material and moral progress possible. It unifies different countries and creates a dialogue between cultures that, for many other aspects, are deeply separated.

There are now 14 Aspen Institutes in the world. Together they represent a formidable network based on shared values, with a great capacity to influence the public opinions of many countries. Together, they decided to carry forward a joint program in favour of pure science.

Each of the global Aspen Institute partners organised events to answer issues such as:

               • How is the state of pure science in our country?

               • How the public opinion considers pure science?

               • How can we promote the growth of pure science in our country?

               • How can we make pure science in our county more inclusive of differences?

Results of these individual events were exchanged amongst the Aspen Institutes to learn ideas and proposals from each other, culminating in a formal global report produced by the Aspen Institute, which is being launched worldwide on Wednesday, 26 October 2022.

Visit the Institute Science & Society Program website here.