Science Needs a New Social Pact

In 1945, as the world emerged from a global war that had demonstrated the strategic importance of scientific discoveries and technological innovation, Vannevar Bush, head of the U.S. Office of Scientific Research and Development during wartime, published a historic text. In 'Science, the Endless Frontier,' Bush outlined a vision in which the government would fund fundamental scientific research, while universities and industry would handle its practical application. This approach laid the foundation for post-war scientific progress and fueled unprecedented technological and economic growth. Today, in the age of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and a changing climate, we stand at another crossroads. Science and technology hold immense potential for solving global challenges, but this requires a new social contract. This contract must ensure that scientific advancements serve the public good, are accessible to all, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future. Scientists, policymakers, and society as a whole must collaboratively define the goals, ethical frameworks, and priorities for scientific research to ensure that technology is used for the benefit of humanity.