43 Young Scientists selected by IAP in collaboration with its 100 member academies from around thw world and representing 32 countries on 5 continents participated in the Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum, Tianjin, China September 2008. The IAP Young Scientists 2008 have released their own Statement "Passion for Science -Passion for a Better World".

 

Quotes from the IAP Young Scientists 2008 following their participation

WEF is committed to a better world, and the “Summer Davos” is a NEW Window open by NEW Champions. We are so lucky that the 2008 Summer Davos, which is held at the critical moment of emerging financial crisis worldwide, brought in our young scientists. Qin Song, China

The main outcome of the meeting is eye-opening and make me a more responsible scientist not only for national issues but international issues. Nguyen TK Thanh, UK

Most valuable was the interaction with the entrepreneurs. Discussions with entrepreneurs made me feel motivated to initiate business based on science. I identified 3 entrepreneurs who I am trying to work on projects with. John Muyonga, Uganda

The experience and knowledge gained through participating at such a discussion is very much higher than what I have gained from a conventional conference, where we just present our paper. There was far more interaction amongst participants when compared to conventional conferences, and such discussions were truly an efficient way of building consensus on priorities and solutions. Vinitha Thadhani, Sri Lanka

It gave me a birds’ eye view of where science stands in the world economy, and its huge potential. I realized that the global growth of cutting-edge science could significantly impact society if only we realize mechanisms to harness scientific breakthroughs. ... Science and scientists must learn lessons from the world of business on how to blend excellence with efficiency – it was interesting to see that the problems faced by young scientists world over are nearly the same. If we can address and begin to resolve these issues, it will only accelerate the growth of good science and science-based solutions to problems from health-care to energy, enabling it to take its rightful place in the world’s economy. Yamuna Krishnan, India

These are just some of the comments from the young scientists who took part in this pilot venture with the World Economic Forum at the Annual Meeting of New Champions of the World Economic Forum, September 2008 in Tianjin, China.

More quotes from the young scientists ...

I particularly gained a perspective and an enduring respect for scientists working in developing countries. These scientists work on problems that are closely linked with improving the state of society in those countries. Seeing this, as a scientist working in a wealthy, developed country, was enormously humbling. ... at the moment the gulf between the scientific and business worlds remains large. Interacting in this way is an excellent step to resolving this. Sandra McLaren, Australia

I have never had to consider the effects of political stability on my work, unlike some of my colleagues present and also for determining, at an international level, 'best practices' in the formulation of science policy, academic organization and governance. Embedded in the paradigm of one's own national science policy and institutions, one is blinded to the possibilities afforded by alternative policies and alternative institutions; the meeting was a wonderful opportunity to appreciate these possibilities. Ingrid Johnsrude, Canada

This forum offered us the opportunity as young scientists to think outside the box in regard to STI. We were able to meet, interact and share ideas with CEOs of multinational companies around the globe particularly on issues relating to new technologies and market opportunities for investors. As scientists, we are aloof at solving problems but we do not see the business opportunities therefrom. It is smart business persons who see the opportunity. Francis Wanjala, Kenya

 Follow this link for more details on the 2008 events, young scientists statement, and facebook of participants ...