Distingusished Scientists Say These Are The Grand Challenges For Science

From harnessing artificial intelligence to understanding our origins, a panel of distinguished scientists outlined the grand challenges for science in the 21st century. Held at Nanyang Technological University and moderated by independent writer and lecturer Tor Norretranders, the panel session comprised Sydney Brenner, Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine; W. Brian Arthur, external professor at the Santa Fe Institute; Astronomer Royal Martin Rees; Terrence Sejnowski, Francis Crick Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies; and Eörs Szathmáry, director of the Parmenides Center for the Conceptual Foundations of Science. The scientific industry has seen a marked shift towards industrial science--or science that directly benefits the economy--and away from basic research, said Sydney Brenner, a senior fellow at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore. He lamented that scientists today lack a crucial truth-seeking mentality, by accepting the results of published research without challenging assumptions. In science, where research is built upon research--which potentially leads to an accumulation of mistakes--the practice of critical evaluation is all the more pertinent, Brenner said.