‘Systemic reform of science needed for a sustainable future’

International Science Council calls for multimillion-dollar missions to shake up the research world

Existing structures for science around the world are woefully unprepared to deal with humanity’s greatest challenges and must change substantially to meet global sustainability goals, a report from the International Science Council has said.

Research is central to understanding and dealing with problems including climate change, poverty and disease. But the ISC—which brings together national and international academies, research councils and other bodies—is warning that the research establishment needs major reform.