News

News in May 2007

- The G8 + 5 national science academies issue statements on energy and climate change ... and innovation and investment...

Leading scientists from around the world have demanded that governments unite in action on energy policy, to help reduce the damage of climate change, combining investment to harness the power of science with regulation to curb greenhouse gas emissions. In a statement presented to Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, ahead of the G8 summit to be held in Germany in June this year, scientists highlight the weight of scientific evidence that points to the role of man made greenhouse gas emissions in recent global warming. The statement is signed by the national science academies of the G8 nations and China, Brazil, India, Mexico and South Africa. 

Statement on growth and responsibility: sustainability, energy efficiency and climate protection.

The same national science academies also issued a statement on innovation and the need to balance promotion and protection.  The statement calls for investment and international cooperation alongside a need to balance protection of intellectual property rights with free access to knowledge and information.

Statement on growth and responsibility: the promotion and protection of innovation.

- NASAC (the Network of African Science Academies) releases statement making the following recommendations to the leaders of the G8 countries ....  Increase national investment in science and technology; Establish research-intensive universities; Improve the ability of the African scientific community through the national academies of science; Develop a close consultation with the African Union to advance the goals in the "Science and Innovation for Africa" year 2007; Deal with challenges of infectious diseases through prevention and treatment; Provide financial, scientific and technical support for the African scientific community.

Dowload the joint statement by NASAC members to the G8 on sustainability, energy efficiency and climate change

- The 2007 Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize for Mental Health is an international award to recognize achievements in mental health.  The Institute of Medicine (IOM), Washington D.C., is accepting nominations for the Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat Award in Mental Health. The international award recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations for outstanding achievement in improving mental health and is accompanied by a medal and $20,000 US. Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat established the award in 1991 out of a commitment to improving the science base and delivery of mental health services. Deadline for submissions is May 31, 2007. For more information see: www.iom.edu/Sarnat.