By: Joint release by CIFAR and GESDA
6 May, 2024
CIFAR and GESDA sign Memorandum of Understanding to deepen collaboration on science anticipation and research foresight
May 6, 2024
The partnership aims to create synergies among existing initiatives and forge new pathways between CIFAR and the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator
The rapidly evolving landscape of science and technology is reshaping our world at an unprecedented pace, underscoring the urgency of exercising foresight to shape our future. In this context, anticipation is a crucial tool for research organizations, enabling proactive steps in the present.
Recognizing this, CIFAR and the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on May 6, to strengthen their collaboration in the realms of research foresight and scientific anticipation. Foresight is a discipline that uses specific methodologies and analytical rigour to create and explore scenarios. CIFAR’s recently released Strategy: Bold Exploration to Transform Futures includes an enhanced focus on exploring issues and opportunities “on the horizon.”
Building upon their existing collaboration, CIFAR and GESDA aim to deepen their cooperation to establish a robust nexus between scientific breakthroughs and their real-world impacts. This partnership seeks to create synergies between existing initiatives while forging new pathways, capitalizing on their respective networks of experts to drive progress towards shared goals in the fields of scientific anticipation and research foresight.
Specific mutual support activities planned include the GESDA Science and Diplomacy Anticipation Summit, serving as a forum for dialogue and exchange of best practices regarding anticipatory science diplomacy for multilateralism. Additionally, efforts will be directed towards the development of the GESDA Science Breakthrough Radar, a vital resource in scientific anticipation. Through these endeavours, CIFAR and GESDA aspire to foster a proactive approach to navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving scientific and technological landscape, thereby facilitating informed decision-making.
“As CIFAR embarks on its new strategic direction, this partnership is a testament to our exploration of new areas that are likely to be at the forefront of attention in the next few decades as serious threats to, or opportunities for, the health and prosperity of people around the world,” said Stephen Toope, President and CEO of CIFAR. “We are thrilled to partner with a leading science organization such as GESDA and look forward to how this enhanced foresight capacity will supercharge our impact.”
“The collaborative efforts between CIFAR and GESDA in shaping the GESDA Science Breakthrough Radar signify a pivotal stride towards proactive science anticipation. Together, we’re pioneering research-led methodologies rooted in science, ensuring that our collective endeavours transcend boundaries and embrace the complexities of tomorrow,” said Sandro Giuliani, CEO of GESDA.