The Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue and the 3rd ISC General Assembly: IUPAC’s Role in Shaping Global Science Policy
The International Science Council (ISC) convened its 3rd General Assembly from January 26–30, 2025, in Muscat, Oman. This event was held alongside the Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue fostering discussions on global science policy and collaboration. This significant gathering brought together global leaders in science, policy, and innovation to discuss critical issues shaping the future of science and its role in addressing global challenges.
The Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue provided a unique forum for scientists, policymakers, and international organizations to engage in discussions on advancing science as a global public good. Sessions covered a wide array of topics, including open science, sustainability, science diplomacy, and the role of artificial intelligence in research. The event also emphasized regional perspectives, particularly those of the Middle East and North Africa, fostering greater inclusivity in global scientific discourse. For instance, discussions highlighted regional challenges in water sustainability and climate adaptation, integrating insights from local experts and institutions.
As a key participant in both the Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue and the ISC General Assembly, IUPAC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the role of chemistry in global sustainability efforts. IUPAC representatives included Prof. Ehud Keinan, IUPAC President, Prof. Javier Garcia Martinez, IUPAC Past-President and ISC Fellow, Prof. Richard Hartshorn, IUPAC Executive Board member and CODATA vice-president, Prof. Frances Separovic, IUPAC Science Board member and Foreign Secretary of the Australian Academy of Science. We all actively contributed to discussions on open science and the impact of chemical sciences on climate action. Notably, IUPAC’s presence underscored the importance of international collaboration in chemical research, particularly in addressing challenges such as green chemistry innovations, digital standards, and gender equity.
In particular, during the session “From barriers to breakthroughs: Shaping the future of gender equality in science” (YouTube live), Prof. Javier Garcia Martinez, IUPAC Past-President, presented the various activities our Union is undertaking in this regard. This includes IUPAC’s participation in the project “A Global Approach to the Gender Gap in Mathematical, Computing, and Natural Sciences: How to Measure It, How to Reduce It?“, which is a great example of collaboration between different Unions under the leadership and funding of the ISC. Another IUPAC project that has had a great impact around the world is the Global Women’s Breakfast. This session was held a few weeks before GWB2025, so all participants were invited to attend. Finally, there was a lively panel discussion on how to use the broad membership of the ISC to promote gender equality, support existing efforts in this direction and create new ones.
The Unions, which in the ISC are known Category 1 members, had a dedicated session to discuss their priorities and concerns. This session was co-chaired by IUPAC President, Prof. Ehud Keinan. As part of our discussions, we agreed to support ongoing efforts to assist scientists with visa applications and increase collaboration about the Unions. One specific example as how the Unions can have a greater impact through collaboration is the International Decade on Sciences for Sustainable Development. It was also decided to have frequent online meetings to coordinate efforts and exchange information.
During the Assembly, IUPAC delegates engaged with leaders of other scientific Unions to explore interdisciplinary collaborations, highlighting the role of chemistry in cross-sectoral research. In addition, IUPAC’s advocacy for scientific capacity building in developing regions resonated with the overarching goals of the ISC.
The outcomes of the Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue and ISC General Assembly have far-reaching implications for the scientific community. IUPAC’s participation reinforced its position as a leading voice in global science policy, advocating for an integrated approach to chemistry that aligns with sustainable development goals. Moving forward, IUPAC will continue working with ISC and other international bodies to enhance scientific cooperation, support young scientists, and advance chemistry’s role in solving global challenges.
One of the specific outcomes of this meeting was the Muscat Declaration on Global Science, which can be found here: https://council.science/news/muscat-declaration/. This important document, approved by all member organizations, emphasizes science as a global public good and calls for equitable access to knowledge. It advocates for the collaborative and transformative role of science to address global challenges. The declaration highlights the need for stronger global cooperation, scientific transparency, and responsible innovation. It also underscores the importance of ensuring that scientific advances benefit everyone, with particular focus on overcoming inequalities and addressing pressing issues like climate change, global health, and sustainability. Moreover, it stresses the need for policies that encourage openness, equity, and accountability in science, especially regarding emerging technologies.
The Declaration marks a collective effort from global scientific leaders to ensure that science serves the global community, pushing for systems that foster shared knowledge and collaboration for the benefit of all people. The Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue and ISC General Assembly underscored the power of international scientific collaboration in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future and IUPAC remains committed to contributing its expertise to these global efforts, ensuring that chemistry remains at the forefront of transformative scientific progress.
report by Javier Garcia Martinez