UK scientists to tackle problems of the developing world
05/03/2008
An innovative new scheme that will match-make UK scientists with communities in the developing world facing particular problems will launch today with support from NESTA and the Sloane Robinson Foundation.
Established as a new not-for-profit organisation, 'Science for Humanity' will bring together scientists, international development agencies like Practical Action, and local social enterprises to develop workable and sustainable science based solutions to specific problems in developing world communities.
Issues around water, energy, disease diagnosis and treatment, environmental sustainability and agriculture will all be posed to scientists from across a range of disciplines, who will be encouraged to come forward with ideas for potential solutions.
Science for Humanity will then work with scientists, NGOs and a wide range of community partners on the ground to help raise the necessary funds and provide support for those ideas to be put into practice.
Commenting on the launch, CEO Philip Rowley said:
"The challenges faced by poor people in the developing world are enormously complex. In defining problems, an understanding of the social, cultural, economic and environmental needs of communities is as important as an understanding of the science needs. An integrated approach is required."
The idea for Science for Humanity was originally conceived by Baroness Susan Greenfield while researching her book "Tomorrow's People: How 21st Century Technology Is Changing the Way We Think and Feel". Susan became aware that potentially impactful scientific research was not being taken further because of a lack of relationship with on the ground partners.
She cites the work of scientists in Australia who have developed a teabag containing naturally occurring clay particles, which can potentially remove arsenic from water. Arsenic contamination of water in Bangladesh is an enormous problem, however, without a relationship with local development agencies or government the device is unlikely to be considered for use.
She said: "I was inspired by how the innovative use of science could help people in poverty and wanted to ensure that scientists could meaningfully engage with the right people and organisations to make that happen".
NESTA CEO Jonathan Kestenbaum added:
"By working with other organisations, scientists can develop ideas that really work on the ground. This initiative promises real innovation that can save lives".
Scientists who would like to get involved or who think their research could have broader applications in the developing world are being encouraged to sign up at www.scienceforhumanity.net.
NESTA spokespeople are available for comment and interview. Please contact our press office on 020 7438 2608 or 2643.
About NESTA
NESTA is the National Endowment for Science, Technology & the Arts. Its mission is to transform the UK's capacity for innovation. We do this in three main ways: by working to build a more pervasive culture of innovation in this country; by providing innovators with access to early-stage capital; and by driving forward research into innovation, with a view to influencing policy.