Kaushita Banerjee

Participation at Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum and Young Leader’s Program (20th Annual Meeting) in Kyoto, Japan

September 30-October 3, 2023

The Science and Technology in Society forum (STS forum) was founded in 2004 by Koji Omi, a prominent figure in Japanese politics and science policy and plays a significant role in bringing together diverse leaders, including scientists, policymakers, business executives, and academics, to discuss the impact of scientific and technological advancements on society. In essence, the STS forum serves as a platform where global leaders can exchange ideas, share knowledge, and collaborate to harness the full potential of science and technology for the benefit of society. This year’s 20th anniversary meeting was attended by nearly 1,500 leaders from over 80 countries, regions, and international organizations.

Sept 30^th: This day marked the official interaction between young leaders with diverse disciplines from all over the world with the eminent Nobel laureates. I got a chance to personally interact with two laureates, Dr. Ada E. Yonath (Chemistry 2009) and Dr. Guido W. Imbens (Economics 2021). A free-thinking open discussion with these eminent scientist and passionate researchers offered us the inspiration and the zeal to carry forward with our curiosity to pursue science and not worry about the “fruit of it." Especially motivating were Dr. Yonath’s words, to whom I asked how is like to be a woman who shuffles between work and home and is the struggle of a women scientist more than the fellow male scientists?” To this she smilingly replied” women have proven to be better leaders and nothing is impossible for them. She also said that do not compare yourself with anyone, just pursue your dream passionately and the other things will follow.”

Oct 1^st to 3^rd: The first day of the 20th Annual Meeting of STS forum begun with the opening remarks by Prof. Hiroshi Komiyama, Chairman, STS forum). He stated his belief that, if all participants of STS forum take action to transform society, humanity will move in the right direction. This was followed by Mr. Fumio Kishida, the honourable Prime Minister, Japan who highlighted the importance of collaboration globally.

Other concurrent sessions included and partially prompted by the recent emergence of generative Artificial intelligence (AI) as a focus of global attention, challenges and prospects related to developments in AI. The inclusion of sessions on generative AI and its related challenges and prospects in the meeting reflected the forum's adaptability and responsiveness to emerging technologies and their impact on society. Generative AI, a field within artificial intelligence, indicated on creating models and algorithms that can generate content, such as images, videos, and text, with human-like qualities. The specific sessions on AI, including the plenary session on the "Lights and Shadows of AI" and concurrent sessions on "AI in Health," "AI in Education," and "Data in AI," indicate a deep exploration of AI's potential applications and associated ethical and societal concerns and are briefed here below:

Plenary Sessions (total of 10 sessions):
Lights and Shadows of AI: Exploring the positive and negative aspects of artificial intelligence.
Human’s Activity in Space: Likely discussing space exploration, colonization, and the challenges and opportunities for human activities beyond Earth.
Global Health – Preparing for Pandemics: Addressing the lessons learned from past pandemics and strategies for global preparedness for future health crises.
Koji Omi Memorial Lecture: Featuring a lecture by Prof. Svante Pääbo, the 2022 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, likely discussing groundbreaking research in the field of physiology or medicine.

Concurrent Sessions (24 sessions across various themes):
Generative AI: Likely focusing on the recent advancements, applications, and ethical implications of generative artificial intelligence.
AI in Health: Exploring AI applications in healthcare, medical research, and healthcare management.
AI in Education: Discussing the integration of AI in educational practices and technologies.
Data in AI: Addressing issues related to data quality, bias, privacy, and responsible data usage in AI.
Human Activities in Space: Likely covering space exploration, space technology, and the impact of human activities on space environments.
Global Health and Pandemics: Continuing discussions on global health challenges, pandemic preparedness, and response strategies.
Science, Technology, and Society: Delving into broader societal implications of scientific and technological advancements.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Exploring innovative solutions, startups, and entrepreneurship in the context of emerging technologies.

Nevertheless, the session on Science and Technology for Business, chaired by Mr. Terry Brady, President and CEO of UL Research Institutes, highlighted the pivotal role of businesses in the realm of science and technology. The discussions emphasized on the key points such as accelerating change and increasing risks, crucial role of the business sector, social responsibility of businesses and challenges with to the point solutions. It also emphasized the importance of businesses embracing their social responsibilities and actively participating in addressing pressing global challenges.

The forum also addressed the issue of "silos," which are metaphorical barriers between different disciplines or sectors that can hinder the progress of science and technology. By encouraging collaboration and dialogue among scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders, STS forum aims to break down these silos, fostering an environment where ideas and innovations can flow freely. All the lively and crucial discussions in the sessions fostered a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the complex challenges and opportunities at the intersection of science, technology, and society. The diversity of topics and themes underscores the forum's commitment to exploring a wide range of issues critical to the global community. I believe that participation in such forums will enable our explorations of science and technology further towards a more tech friendly and sustainable future.