What Grand Challenges is Modern Science Facing in the 21st Century?

"What are fundamental challenges that might shape the nature of science in the coming 25 - 35 plus years or even change the whole notion of science?" was the fundamental question that the conference discussed, along with its other aspects, such as the role of universities, what needs to be changed, and so on.

Called Grand Challenges for Science in the 21^st Century, the meeting touched on topics such as artificial intelligence and evolution, and Asian Scientist compiled some of the key points that were deemed important in modern science.

"Universities are increasingly being enslaved by administration all over the world," Eörs Szathmáry, director of the Parmenides Center for the Conceptual Foundations of Science, was quoted as saying.

He said that there ought to be a reorganization in science, and that more time should be spent on research rather than trying to come out with publications in shorter periods. He suggested that the scientific community go back to the conventional ethical standards when it comes to publishing studies, which includes encouraging rather than stifling debate as well as putting emphasis on a research's value of being reproduced.

Sydney Brenner, a senior fellow at Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research, noted that there has been a shift in the scientific industry, from basic research to industrial science or one that is focused on its benefits to economy. This, he said, means that scientists are basically accepting the results of other researches without challenging them; thus, mistakes tend to accumulate. Critical evaluation and a mentally that seeks the truth is important.

"[We must] carefully go over, over and over again what everybody says, and ask: How much of this do we believe?" he said.

Another key point is using technology to explore new horizons, as suggested by W. Brian Arthur, external professor at the Santa Fe Institute, in the same way that the telescope led to disproving that Earth is the center of universe.

"More than anything else, science proceeds by its technologies," he said.

Some of the other points discussed include developing and making use of artificial intelligence as well as understanding evolution, which, according to Sydney Brenner, Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine, will always be the fundamental question.

The Grand Challenges for Science in the 21st Century conference was held at the Nanyang Technological University from June 13 to 16. Apart from the above, other panelists included: astronomer Royal Martin Rees; Helga Nowotny, professor emerita of Social Studies of Science at ETH Zurich; and Terrence Sejnowski, professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.