The Alliance for Science has just concluded hosting the Future of Science Communication Forum, a two-day conference which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 25 to 26, 2025.
This significant event celebrates a decade of achievements in advancing science communication and advocacy worldwide.
The forum also marks the launch of an exciting new chapter for the organisation, expanding its mission to tackle pressing global challenges such as food systems transformation, climate action and improved health communication.
Over the past 10 years, the Alliance for Science has led efforts to promote understanding and acceptance of agricultural biotechnologies. Building on this expertise, the organisation is now broadening its focus to address misinformation and foster informed decision-making in critical areas of science and technology.
In his keynote speech, former Energy Minister of Ghana, Dr. Mathew Prempeh emphasised, “Environmental sustainability starts with education. Prioritising mainstream science from an early age equips future generations to champion sustainable development.”
Executive director at Alliance for Science and a leading voice at the forum, Dr. Sheila Obim highlighted the urgent need to combat misinformation: “We live in an era where misinformation and disinformation represent 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 The sheer volume of misleading content can drown out common sense and push people back into outdated, inefficient ways of thinking.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.”
Director of international programmes at Michigan State University, Prof. Karim Maredia outlined the forum’s ambitious goal: “We aim to cultivate a network of over 100,000 science communication champions worldwide who will serve as ambassadors for science, technology and innovation, helping to eliminate misinformation.”
Special Envoy for Technology in the Republic of Kenya, Amb. Phillip Thigo 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 a single tool alone.”
The forum will focus on the role of science and technology in enhancing food security, health security, nutrition security, energy security and constructing climate-resilient food systems.
The key objectives of the forum include; Celebration of achievements: Reflect on a decade of milestones in building global science communication capacity; Strengthen collaborations: Highlight opportunities for partnerships in flagship programs addressing 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 bringing together thought leaders, stakeholders and advocates from around the world to drive meaningful change.
