Scientists develop new network to break down science barriers

Washington, Feb 9 : Scientists at the New York Academy of Sciences would soon be launching a network that would break down the geographical barriers and bring together scientific organisations and researchers working in developing countries.

'Scientists Without Borders' programme hopes to combine the efforts in various fields in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals.

According to Evelyn Strauss, executive director of Scientists Without Borders said that the programme would eradicate geographical borders.

"The 'Without Borders' idea perfectly captures what we - and others in different fields - are trying to do: break down the geographical (and other) borders that can hinder progress, and engender the sense of belonging to a global community," Environmental News Network quoted Strauss, as telling SciDev.Net.

The scientists are creating a website that will have the database of programme members ordered by fields of research.

It also contains forums for members to make comments and a news section.

The website aims to line up initiatives and researchers with similar objectives and give organisations and individuals a method of registering their resource needs ensuring continuity in projects and avoid overlap.

The Academy has chosen Africa, as the starting continent with Ghana as the pilot country.

"We power it and it belongs to all of the institutions partnering with us to help Africa and ultimately the rest of the developing world," said Ellis Rubinstein, president of the New York Academy of Sciences.

The programme would be officially launched on 12 May in New York.

ANI