Celebrating World Science Day for Peace and Development |09 November 2023

Building trust in science

In a concerted effort to fortify the foundation upon which scientific endeavour and public welfare rest, the 2023 theme for World Science Day for Peace and Development — ‘Building Trust in Science’ — is a clarion call for introspection and action. At the heart of this theme is the recognition of the intricate relationship between scientific progress and the public's confidence in that progress.

The day is part of the greater International Week of Science and Peace which falls on November 9.

Trust in science is not just an academic issue but a societal imperative. It is the lifeblood of innovation and the key to adopting evidence-based solutions for the planet's pressing challenges. This year's theme brings to the fore the complexity of trust; it reaches into the operational cores of research institutions and stretches out to the perceptual realms of society at large.

The crux of this year's focus is the acknowledgment that the collective future is sculpted by science. However, this future can only be actualised when trust is woven into the very fabric of scientific exploration and dissemination. Such trust is two-fold: it requires scientists to be steadfast in their commitment to integrity and society to be receptive and understanding of the scientific narrative.

Enhancing this mutual trust is pivotal for the implementation of science-based policy decisions, which are fundamental to addressing environmental, health, and technological challenges. A society's support for these policies is often predicated on its understanding and trust in the recommendations made by the scientific community.

World Science Day's agenda pushes for initiatives that amplify transparency, foster open communication, and promote science education to demystify complex concepts. It is about making science accessible, ensuring that scientific literacy is not a privilege but a common standard, paving the way for informed dialogue and consensus.

As today's events unfold across continents, they are more than a mere acknowledgment of science's role; they are active engagements aimed at reinforcing the trust between science and society. Such engagements are essential in crafting a world where science does not just dictate but collaborates, informing and enhancing every aspect of societal growth.

Seychelles NATION spoke to the vice-chairperson of National Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) committee, Donald Estico, who noted that Science, as a universal subject, has proven to be a remarkably successful way of understanding some, or if not most aspects of the world we live in.

“We have the reason to build trust in it because there is a consensus among relevant scientific community that a particular claim is true,” he stated.

Although the claim is true, it remains under scrutiny for further scientific investigations because innovation and evolution of concepts can further improve the claim. Such exercise is imperative and honest scientists build more confidence in their beliefs and findings, and increase the level of accuracy through their meticulous methodologies, analysis, reporting and interpretation of previous work done. Trust in science means “trust in scientific process” that is properly understood, meaning, not some rigid scientific method, but a rationale process of observation, measurement, evidence, logic, debate and alternative revision of concepts and theories. “In short, trust is the adhesive that holds civilisation together”.

Seychelles NATION also sought the views of Xavier Estico, former chief executive of the Seychelles National Institute for Science, Technology and Innovation (NISTI), who expressed his concern at the lack of attention that Seychelles is paying to the day.

He heavily emphasised the week should be a moment of reflection to decide where we move forward in regards to science in Seychelles.

He noted that back in 2018, although it was not officially commemorated in Seychelles, there was a joint collaboration with Unesco and there was directive from the cabinet itself that the activities prepared for the week can go ahead. Since then, every year there was a joint effort to make sure that the week was celebrated, mostly at school level, where new clubs and exhibitions where opened and students took part in quiz.

“This year, I noticed it was quiet, and it is a little disheartening, since Seychelles is a member of Unesco.”

He spoke about the vital need for institutions to be the pillar in the community in order for the children of tomorrow to be able to gain the knowledge, and knowledge is the key, to lead the country.

Mr Estico further added that it was because of peace that science can strive and evolve the way it has done today.

He stated that it was because of peace and science that humanity was able to develop vaccines faster than ever before and science needs to be in Seychelles to diversify the economy.

“Unfortunately, we have been left behind in many aspects of development. They keep saying that Seychelles is a small island developing state, and we rely on the innovation of others to keep us afloat when we have talented children left and right with the knowledge of science who can lead us and make that leap frog in development,” he stated.

It is all rooted back into the fundamental institutions which are needed in order to raise awareness for science, in order to bring the generation into the fold as they will be the ones to keep the country afloat.

Sunny Esparon