The present-day ease with which people can communicate is unprecedented. It’s now simpler than ever to share information about preparing for typhoons, preventing the spread of disease, and warning of impending earthquakes. But the proliferation of “fake news” has the potential to undermine all these benefits, so long as members of society--including the general public, policymakers, educators and entertainers--don’t have an appreciation for and understanding of basic science. Scientists can no longer take for granted that they will be called upon as experts during times of crisis, or that they will receive sustained funding during times of tranquility.

Now more than ever, scientists need to descend from their ivory towers and strengthen their relationships with other members of our shared society. The success and sustainability of our research depend crucially on building closer and more effective connections across our society. Modern scientists need to learn why society invests in our work, and how we may best deliver a return on this investment. We need to learn how to communicate our expertise to the public and policymakers in a manner that is most effective. Scientists need to adapt to changing demographic and economic pressures and respond effectively in order to recruit and cultivate the next generation of scientists.

Additionally, the pressure is mounting for scientists to focus on projects whose results are beneficial to society, and to increase financial investments from the private sector to support research costs. This is reflected by the recent announcement of the launch of a “Moonshot R&D” initiative by the Japanese government, aiming "to solve issues facing future society.” This explicitly recognizes the fact that scientific research is now desperately needed to solve the most fundamental issues of modern society, particularly those concerning our sustainable existence on planet Earth. As a research institution that was established to reveal how life emerges and evolves on planets, and that has received generous support from society, ELSI feels compelled to contribute its expertise to this vital mission.

With the above motivations, ELSI is organizing its 9th Annual Symposium around the theme “Science in/for Society.” The purpose is to recognize the many levels at which scientists can and should contribute to society. This will involve collaborations between ELSI’s research network and other experts who specialize in maintaining the vital bridge between science and society.