The Alliance for Science is hosting the Future of Science Communication Forum, a two-day conference taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 25 to 26, 2025. The landmark event celebrates 10 years of groundbreaking achievements in advancing science communication and advocacy worldwide.
It also marks the launch of an exciting new chapter in the organisation’s growth, expanding its mandate to address pressing global challenges such as food systems transformation, climate action, and improved health communication.
Over the past decade, the Alliance for Science has been at the forefront of promoting understanding and acceptance of agricultural biotechnologies. Building on this expertise, the organisation is now broadening its scope to tackle misinformation and foster informed decision-making across critical areas of science and technology.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Mathew Prempeh, former Energy Minister of Ghana, emphasissed, “Environmental sustainability starts with education. Prioritizing mainstream science from an early age equips future generations to champion sustainable development.”
Dr. Sheila Obim, the Executive Director at Alliance for Science and a leading voice at the forum, highlighted the urgency of combating misinformation: “We live in an era where misinformation and disinformation are among the most significant threats to science and progress. The sheer volume of misleading content can drown out common sense and push people back into outdated, inefficient ways of thinking. To combat this, we must build a strong network of allies dedicated to fighting misinformation.”
Prof. Karim Maredia, the director of international programmes at Michigan State University, outlined the forum’s ambitious goal: “Our aim is to build a cadre of over 100,000 science communication champions worldwide to serve as ambassadors for science, technology, and innovation, helping to eliminate misinformation.”
Amb. Phillip Thigo, Special Envoy Technology for the Republic of Kenya, added, “Technology is a cultural abstract. It doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and many AI tools are not neutral. Misinformation cannot be eliminated using one tool alone.”
The forum will emphasise the role of science and technology in improving food security, health security, nutrition security, energy security, and building climate-resilient food systems.
Key Objectives of the Forum
Celebrate Achievements: Reflect on a decade of milestones in building global science communication capacity.
Strengthen Collaborations: Highlight opportunities for partnerships in flagship programs targeting misinformation in food security, health, and climate change.
Explore Emerging Technologies: Examine the transformative potential of Quantum AI and its implications for science communication, diplomacy, and global systems.
The forum will feature expert discussions on critical topics, including:
Amplifying science voices in the Global South.
Challenging misinformation in the age of AI.
Energy, environment, and the future of science communication: Trends, drivers, and signals from the global south.
This conference represents a transformative step toward addressing global challenges through the power of science communication. The Alliance for Science looks forward to convening thought leaders, stakeholders, and advocates from across the globe to drive meaningful change.