Past Events 2007
3rd World Science Forum Held in Budapest
Representing the United States at the 3rd Biennial World Science Forum (WSF) were Ambassador April H. Foley, the Director of the National Science Foundation, Dr. Arden Bement and the CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Dr. Alan Leshner.
The WSF convened in Budapest November 8-10, 2007 with the overarching theme "Investing in Knowledge: Investing in the Future." Attracting more than 400 scientists from over 60 countries, as well as government officials and NGOs, the WSF is a joint event of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, UNESCO and the International Council for Science. Its goal is to promote dialogue and the exchange of ideas on key issues relevant to scientists and policymakers alike. The three-day program included sessions on "Science and Innovation as a Global Enterprise" (chaired by Dr. Leshner in which both he and Dr. Bement outlined the U.S. approaches to research funding in an increasingly interconnected global scientific environment), "The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals," and "The Best Science-Based Governance Initiatives."
At the closing session, held in the main chamber of the historic Parliament building, Hungary announced it would host the 4th WSF in 2009, which would also mark the 10 year anniversary since the 1999 UNESCO World Conference on Science.