Trust In Science Essential For Advancing Scientific Knowledge At Global Research Leaders Summit In Japan

Dr. Munir bin Mahmoud Eldesouki, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), recently attended the 14th Global Summit of Research Institute Leaders in Kyoto, Japan. This event, part of the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum, gathered global research leaders to discuss scientific and technological challenges. Dr. Eldesouki stressed the importance of trust in science for its acceptance and application amid rapid technological changes.

Saudi Arabia sees science as a tool for discovery and a bridge connecting cultures. KACST, as the Kingdom's national laboratory, is dedicated to tackling issues related to research security and equitable access to scientific resources. Dr. Eldesouki highlighted Saudi Arabia's commitment to ethical governance frameworks that protect data and research infrastructure.

Efforts to build trust in science include significant investments in advanced research facilities and open-access platforms. These initiatives promote global collaboration, data verification, and transparent sharing of results. Dr. Eldesouki also mentioned initiatives like the Saudi Research and Innovation Network (Maeen) that expand equitable access to scientific resources.

The Kingdom actively participates in initiatives such as Saudi Green, the Saudi-GCC Initiative, and COP16 on combating desertification. These efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. Dr. Eldesouki emphasized AI's role as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s national transformation, positioning the Kingdom as a global hub through responsible AI use strategies.

Key national initiatives include the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), which leads AI integration across sectors. NEOM serves as a living model for AI applications in urban planning, mobility, and sustainability. These efforts enhance transparency and predictive insights in scientific research.

Dr. Eldesouki called for clear international standards to ensure fair AI technology use. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's readiness to collaborate with the international scientific community to maintain science as a unifying force for humanity.

Global Collaboration for Scientific Advancement

He urged global alignment on standards for research security and integrity, advocating for greater investment in infrastructure supporting reproducibility through AI. Inclusive participation in knowledge production is essential for a reliable, equitable scientific future.

The summit underscored the need for international cooperation to address emerging challenges effectively. By fostering collaboration among nations, science can continue serving humanity's best interests.

With inputs from SPA