BRI Collaboration: Key to Solving Challenges

In an era where geopolitical tensions often dominate global headlines, science remains one of the most powerful tools for international cooperation. Recently, two world-renowned scientists shared their insights into mega-science projects' international significance, China's pivotal role in promoting global exchanges, and how science can transcend borders.

Open science knows no boundaries

As a founding member and major contributor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, China has played a critical role in advancing the observatory's development. Dr. Philip Diamond, director general of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), highlighted China's strong background in radio astronomy and its robust ecosystem of research institutions and high-tech companies.

Diamond told Science and Technology Daily that one of the core principles guiding the SKAO is open science. The observatory ensures that data collected by its telescopes will be made freely available to the global scientific community after an initial proprietary period of 12–18 months. He praised this policy as aligning with the tradition of "open skies" in radio astronomy — a metaphor for unrestricted scientific collaboration.

While the SKAO is not officially part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Diamond acknowledged the value of BRI's emphasis on international science and technology cooperation. "We very much value the international collaborative model promoted through the BRI, especially its focus on open science," he said. "This kind of cooperation reinforces our belief that science should be accessible to all."

When asked about China's participation in the SKAO, Diamond responded with a phrase often used within the SKA community: "The SKAO was born global." He explained that the idea for the SKA originated nearly 35 years ago through informal conversations among scientists from different countries, united by a shared vision of exploring the universe in unprecedented detail.

"The SKA would not exist without the free exchange of ideas across borders," he said. "International collaboration has been central to our success."

Toward the end of the interview, Diamond said that China's growing influence in science and technology is not a threat but an opportunity. "Having worked closely with Chinese universities and institutions over many years, I believe in China's commitment to open and transparent global science," he said.

Big science project for food security

Just as Diamond sees science as a unifying force in astronomy, Professor Felix Dapare Dakora, a Member of the African Academy of Sciences, echoes this sentiment in agriculture. Recently, he discussed his views on mega-science projects initiated by China and China's role in enhancing global sci-tech exchanges.

Dakora describes the Genome to Phenome (G2P) program as a "mega-science" project, emphasizing its scale, scope, and potential to address some of humanity's most pressing issues. The initiative brings together scientists from around the world to study how genetic information translates into observable traits in crops and livestock under diverse environmental conditions.

"This is not just about studying genes," Dakora explained. "It's about understanding how plants and animals respond to real-world stressors like drought, salinity, temperature changes, and nutrient availability."

"Food security affects every continent," Dakora noted. "But it disproportionately impacts regions like Africa, where smallholder farmers are often hit hardest by climate variability."

Dakora emphasized inclusivity, shared resources, and collective problem-solving in such mega-science projects. "The beauty of the G2P program is that it allows participation from all kinds of countries, institutions, and scientific backgrounds," he said. "This kind of open, collaborative model is key to solving global challenges."

He compared this new paradigm to older models dominated by institutions in the Global North. Now, thanks to initiatives supported by China through platforms like the BRI, scientists from developing countries have unprecedented opportunities to contribute and lead.

"China's involvement has laid the foundation for greater inclusivity in science," Dakora said. "It's visionary leadership that can fast-track global development and empower the Global South."

Beyond technological innovation, Dakora highlighted human capital development as one of the most transformative aspects of big science projects. "These big projects create environments where young researchers from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America can collaborate, learn from each other, and build lasting professional networks," he said.

Connecting world through science

Such collaborations also foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding among future scientific leaders and bring benefits to local communities. Dakora cited examples from astronomy projects in South Africa that led to improved education in rural areas. "Science doesn't just advance knowledge; it drives social development too."

Dakora applauded the BRI's role in promoting international sci-tech exchanges and supporting international mega-science. "I would describe it as fantastic, deep-thinking, and a smart move," he said. "This may be one of the best cooperative models of the 21st century."

"China's leadership in promoting global scientific partnerships through the BRI has allowed the Global South to realize that unity is strength. Together, we can solve problems faster, innovate more effectively, and ensure no country is left behind," Dakora concluded.

Source: Science and Technology Daily