The End We Start From: The Alliance For New Science

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DR SHEILA OBIM

This year also marks a significant transformation for the Alliance for Science. We are embarking on an exciting journey of growth and redefinition, evolving into the Alliance for Science Global Consortium. This initiative is made possible through a collaborative partnership with Michigan State University (MSU), Farming Future Bangladesh (FFB), and support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Together, we are committed to fostering impactful change and embracing the opportunities that come with this new chapter.

MANAGING RESISTANCE

It’s easier said than done. The year 2024 was particularly challenging. Our primary grant ended in June, with no guarantee of renewed funding. We also faced the need to transition from our institutional home at Cornell University to the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), which had been our fiscal host since 2021.

The challenges were immense, but so were the opportunities. We took the bold step of registering as a fully independent legal entity in Africa, where much of our team is based. This move carried risks, as many organizations struggled to localize their programs in the Global South while maintaining funding. However, an extraordinary opportunity arose when Michigan State University embraced our vision. Together, we established the Alliance for Science Global Consortium, a model transcending the binary distinctions between the Global North and South. Science, after all, is—or should be—a universal endeavor, driven by the best minds from every corner of the world.

3 Cs OF SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

As we embark on this new chapter, we are guided by the 3 Cs of Science Communication: Crisis, Climate, and Culture. These pillars shape the projects and activities of the Alliance for Science Global Consortium as we amplify pro-science voices worldwide.

1. Crisis: Restoring Trust in Science
A global trust crisis impedes communication on virtually every issue. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, 76% of people fear false information being weaponized. In the digital age, misinformation undermines trust in scientific advancements, particularly in critical areas like food systems, climate action, and health.

To address this, we are launching our flagship program, the Mis/Disinformation Response Alliance (MiDRA), during the Future of Science Communication Forum on February 25–26, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya. MiDRA will build a robust global network to combat misinformation and promote science-based solutions.

2. Climate: Addressing the Global Challenge
The climate crisis threatens lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems, with developing nations bearing the brunt. These nations face greater challenges in adapting to shocks and extreme events, which affect food systems and health outcomes.

In partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), we are launching The Climate Action Zone, a platform for addressing climate-related challenges through science and innovation.

3. Culture: Empowering the Global South
The cultural dynamism of the Global South, home to over 80% of the world’s population, is reshaping geopolitics and global perspectives. Africa, the world’s youngest continent, will soon host at least six megacities with populations exceeding 15 million. This cultural and demographic diversity is poised to drive global growth.

To harness this potential, we are spearheading the Indigenous Science and Technology Initiatives (ISTI). This program will convene community partners to address knowledge and innovation gaps across Africa, ensuring localized solutions for global challenges. Additionally, as AI continues to mediate our activities, it is essential to localize data, languages, and skills to meet the needs of billions who don’t speak English or Mandarin.

SCIENCE FOR YOUR SURVIVAL

We call this “New Science”—a transformative lens aggregating emerging knowledge from precision genomics, synthetic biology, and AI-driven technologies. Humanity is now generating knowledge faster than ever, surpassing our ability to process it using conventional means. Adapting to this new paradigm is not optional—it is essential for our survival on Earth and beyond.

Alliances matter now more than ever. The Alliance for Science Global Consortium is an Alliance for New Science, an alliance for your survival.