Decolonizing Botany: Indonesia, UNESCO, and the Making of a Global Science.

Decolonization created new opportunities for international scientific research collaboration. In Indonesia this began in the late 1940s, as Indonesian scientists and officials sought to remake the formerly colonial botanical gardens in the city of Bogor into an international research center. Indonesia sponsored the Flora Malesiana project, a flora of all of island Southeast Asia. This project was formally centered in Bogor, Indonesia, with participation from tropical botanists from around the world. The international orientation of Indonesian science led to the establishment of one of UNESCO's Field Science Co-operation Offices in Jakarta, and to a period of close collaboration between Indonesian botanists and UNESCO. This paper examines the importance of UNESCO's Humid Tropics research program, which initially provided further opportunities for Indonesian botanists to participate in international scientific networks. The paper concludes by showing that the Humid Tropics program led to the slow erosion of Indonesian agency and authority over tropical botany, and the assertion of Western control and management over tropical botany research.

Partnerships with Member States: enhancing cooperation for EU food safety risk assessment.

This editorial summarises a longer note (95th Meeting of the EFSA Management Board, item 7. Available online: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/event/mb95/item-07-doc1-partnership-with-mss-230622-d2.pdf) submitted to Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for consideration prior to a discussion held in its 95th meeting, in June 2023. It presents the context and the framework of EFSA's current scientific cooperation activities and the vision of transitioning towards long-term partnerships as the necessary evolution for the sustainability of food safety risk assessment in the EU. This new approach needs strategic alignment and political will to ensure the involvement of risk assessment organisations in the Member States. For that purpose, Management Board members can act as key advocates towards national risk managers and policy makers.

Mapping the field of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS): scientific cooperation and co-citation analyses.

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), as the most scalable negative emission technology, can limit global warming to 1.5 ℃ under climate change scenarios. With increasing research on BECCS, concerns have been raised about its deployment and impacts. In view of the limited research on the possible structure and collaboration in the field of BECCS, this study sought to determine the scientific cooperation and knowledge structure using bibliometric approaches based on a science mapping analysis. Co-authorship and co-citation networks were developed from CiteSpace to explore the individual, institutional, and national collaborations, and detect the knowledge structure in the field of BECCS. Six key research groups with connections were found with the research group centered on NIALL MAC DOWELL and PETE SMITH being more focused on BECCS. Cluster analysis results show that the knowledge structure of BECCS has gradually formed. The research field has been continuously developed and relatively independent. The findings provide researchers with an in-depth understanding of the current state of BECCS research and its knowledge structure.

Brokering science, blaming culture: The US-South Korea ecological survey in the Demilitarized Zone, 1963-8.

This paper examines the planning, execution, and closure of the US-Korea Cooperative Ecological Survey project in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in the 1960s. In this period, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) initiated bilateral scientific cooperation between the NAS and similar organizations in developing countries along the line of the developmental turn of U.S. foreign assistance. Working closely with the NAS, U.S. conservationists used this scheme to introduce nature conservation practices and the discipline of ecosystem ecology to developing countries. In this context, by way of the NAS's Pacific Science Board, two countries' biologists initiated the preliminary cooperative project in the DMZ in 1966. Korean and U.S. scientists soon began to realize that their collaboration was marked by dissonance. The U.S. side attributed the cooperation failure to Korean culture while the Korean side criticized the unequal structure of their cooperation. Joining the global historiography of Cold War scientific collaboration, this paper pays particular attention to the intermediaries of the collaborative project and their rivalry. It argues that political struggles revolving around the position of go-betweens - as what I call knowledge brokers - on the recipient side provoked contestation between American and Korean scientists. The contention between the two sides played out in the collaboration coming to an end, albeit partially. Throughout this analysis, this study suggests paying more serious attention to the politics of scientific exchange among actors on the recipient side as an outset from which to analyze the heterogeneity of the Korean side without losing sight of their active role in the building process of American hegemony.

¿Cosmopolitismo o subordinación? La participación de científicos latinoamericanos en programas europeos: motivaciones y dinámicas analizadas desde el punto de vista de los líderes europeos / Cosmopolitanism or subordination? Latin American scientists' participation in European programs: motivations and dynamics analyzed from the European scientific leaders' point of view

Resumen Partiendo de un enfoque cualitativo, pretendemos dar cuenta de las motivaciones de grupos científicos y sus dinámicas de cooperación internacional. Consideramos la participación de científicos latinoamericanos en consorcios europeos y analizamos el punto de vista de los líderes europeos. Dentro de la cooperación científica "Norte-Sur", planteamos tres niveles de análisis: a nivel institucional, comprender el interés de Europa en cooperar con Latinoamérica; en relación con las estrategias cognitivas, averiguar las motivaciones de líderes europeos para enrolar latinoamericanos en sus investigaciones; a nivel de las prácticas, conocer la organización del trabajo en el interior de esos consorcios. Hacia el final, proponemos una tipología de algunas configuraciones de cooperación científica de grupos latinoamericanos.

Abstract Using a qualitative approach, we explore the motivations of scientific groups and their dynamics in international cooperation. We consider the participation of Latin American scientists in European consortia and analyze the European hosts' point of view. Within the framework of "North-South" scientific cooperation, we propose three levels of analysis: on the institutional level, understanding Europe's interest in cooperating with Latin America; in terms of cognitive strategies, tracing what motivates European group leaders to include Latin Americans in their research projects; and in terms of practices, figuring out how work within these consortia is allotted. Towards the end, we propose a typology of some of the modalities of scientific cooperation by Latin American groups.

Asbestos Ban in Italy: A Major Milestone, Not the Final Cut.

Background and history: Italy was the main asbestos producer and one of the greatest consumers in 20th century Europe until the asbestos ban was introduced in 1992. Asbestos exposure affected the population in a wide range of working environments, namely mining and marketing of asbestos, asbestos cement production, shipyards and textile industries. This also determined a widespread environmental asbestos exposure affecting the surrounding communities. Methods: To investigate the drivers and difficulties of the process leading to the asbestos ban and its subsequent implementation, we focused on stakeholder involvement, environmental health policies, capacity building and communication. Results: In the past three decades, stakeholder involvement has been instrumental in advancing the industrial asbestos replacement process, prevention and remediation interventions. Furthermore, involvement also contributed to the integration of environmental and health policies at national, regional and local levels, including capacity building and communication. In a global public health perspective, international scientific cooperation has been established with countries using and producing asbestos. Discussion and Conclusions: Key factors and lessons learnt in Italy from both successful and ineffective asbestos policies are described to support the relevant stakeholders in countries still using asbestos contributing to the termination of its use.

Determination and risk assessment of naturally occurring genotoxic and carcinogenic alkenylbenzenes in basil-containing sauce of pesto.

A risk assessment of basil-based pesto sauces containing methyleugenol and related alkenylbenzenes was performed based on their levels detected in a series of pesto sauces available on the Dutch market. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of alkenylbenzenes as a result of consumption of the different pesto sauces amounted to 1.2-44.3 µg/kg bw for individual alkenylbenzenes, 14.3-43.5 µg/kg bw when adding up the alkenylbenzene levels assuming equal potency, and 17.3-62.9 µg/kg bw when expressed in methyleugenol equivalents using alkenylbenzenes defined toxic equivalency factors (TEF). The margin of exposure approach (MOE), used to evaluate the potential risks, resulted in MOE values that were generally lower than 10000 indicating a priority for risk management when assuming daily consumption. The levels of methyleugenol detected in the pesto sauces would allow consumption of 1.1-29.8, 7.5-208, 15.1-416.5, and 32.4-892.5 g of pesto sauce on a daily basis, once a week, once every two weeks, and once a month, respectively, to achieve MOE values above the 10000 limit indicating low priority for risk management. It is concluded that consumption of pesto sauces would only be of concern if consumed on a daily basis over longer periods of time.

Cooperation in Latin America: the scientific psychology network / Cooperación en Latinoamérica: red científica de psicología

Abstract This study investigated some aspects of a cooperative network aimed at Latin American Psychology. The study was based on documental data available to the public. The network included 262 researchers from Latin America and 38 from other countries, since the network supports researchers from other continents interested in cooperation. The data investigated were the country of origin, educational level and the professional occupation, general interests in cooperation and modalities of cooperation sought. Altogether, members came from 23 countries, including 12 Latin American and 11 countries from other continents. The countries with the largest number of participants were Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru. Regarding educational level, were identified from undergraduates to PhDs. The majority (n = 199) had a doctorate or master degree and the majority (n = 203) served as professor/researcher at the college level. The general interests of cooperation were divided into four groups and health and mental health and Social Psychology were the most cited topics. The form of cooperation cited more frequently was participation in Latin American research group. The data are compared with the literature and possibilities for advancing cooperation are discussed.

Resumen Este estudio investigó algunos aspectos de una red cooperativa dirigida a la Psicología Latinoamericana. El estudio se basó en datos documentales disponibles para el público. La red incluyó 262 investigadores latinoamericanos y 38 de otros países, puesto que la red apoya investigadores de otros continentes interesados en cooperar. Los datos investigados fueron el país de origen, el nivel educativo, la ocupación profesional, los intereses generales en cooperar y las modalidades de cooperación buscadas. En total, los miembros procedían de 23 países, incluyendo 12 de Latinoamérica y 11 de otros continentes. Los países con el mayor número de participantes fueron Colombia, Brasil, Argentina, Chile y Perú. En términos del nivel educativo se identificaron miembros desde pregrado hasta PhD. La mayoría (n = 199) reportó tener nivel de doctorado o maestría y la mayoría (n = 203) son profesores o investigadores en el nivel universitarios. Los intereses generales de cooperación se dividieron en cuatro grupos, de los cuales los temas más citados fueron salud, salud mental y psicología social. La forma de cooperación más frecuentemente señalada fue la participación en grupos de investigación latinoamericanos. Los datos se compararon con la literatura y se discutieron las posibilidades para avanzar en la cooperación.

Galen Wagner, M.D., Ph.D. (1939-2016) as international mentor of young investigators in electrocardiology.

This paper describes a substantial part of the international mentoring network of students and young investigators in electrocardiology that developed around Dr. Galen Wagner (1939-2016), including many experiences of his mentees and co-mentors. The paper is meant to stimulate thinking about international mentoring as a means to achieve important learning experiences and personal development of young investigators, to intensify international scientific cooperation, and to stimulate scientific production.

Cooperation in the Latin American behavioral sciences: Motivation, evaluation and difficulties / Cooperación en las ciencias del comportamiento latinoamericanas: Motivación, evaluación y dificultades

This study investigated the motivation for establishing partnerships, how these partnerships are evaluated, and the difficulties encountered in the partnerships among Latin-Americanresearchersin behavioral sciences. A hundred Latin-American researchers who had published scientific work indexed in Psycinfo in which another author from the continent participated. The participants answer0ed a questionnaire on theabove-mentioned topics. The results indicated that the main reasons for establishing partnerships with other Latin-Americans were to seek broader and more significant results and increased productivity or the visibility and recognition of production. As regards the evaluation of the results of the partnership, most participants indicated that the partnership has resulted in an increase in publications and publications of higher scientific level and greater visibility. Several difficulties were recognized, whichin general, were access and communicationin order to maintain the partnership. The main difficulties in conduct in gresearch were related to the final writing of the paper, as an article, chapter or other, as well as data collection. In terms of work infrastructure, the main barriers were financial constraints and lack of time to devote to the partnership. It can be concluded that the main reasons to cooperate are qualitative and quantitative advances, and that the difficulties in the partnerships are secondary.

Este estudio investigó la motivación para el establecimiento de asociaciones para cooperación, cómo se evalúan estas asociaciones y las dificultades encontradas entre los investigadores latinoamericanos en ciencias de la conducta. Participaron un centenar de investigadores latinoamericanos que habían publicado trabajos científicos indexados en Psycinfo con otro autor del continente. Los participantes respondieron a un cuestionario sobre los temas antes mencionados. Los Resultados indicaron que las principales razones para el establecimiento de asociaciones para cooperar con otros latinoamericanos fueron: buscar resultados más amplios y significativos y aumento de la productividad o de la visibilidad y el reconocimiento de la producción. En cuanto a la evaluación de los resultados de la asociación, la mayoría indicó que la asociación se ha traducido en aumento de las publicaciones, en publicaciones de mayor nivel científico y en una mayor visibilidad. Se reconocieron varias dificultades. En general, las principales dificultades fueron el acceso y la comunicación para mantener la asociación. Las principales dificultades para llevar a cabo la investigación se relacionan con la redacción final del documento, como un artículo, capítulo u otro, y la recopilación de datos. En cuanto a la infraestructura de trabajo, las principales barreras fueron las limitaciones financieras y la falta de tiempo para dedicar a la asociación. Se puede concluir que las principales razones para cooperar son los avances cualitativos y cuantitativos, y que las dificultades en las asociaciones son secundarias.

The need for a holistic approach in mangrove-related fisheries research: a specific review of the German and Brazilian research project MADAM.

The main objective of the bilateral German-Brazilian mangrove development and management (MADAM) programme (mangrove dynamics and management) was to generate the scientific basis to enable the sustainable stewardship of the resources of the Caeté mangrove estuary in north-east Brazil in the sense of integrated coastal (zone) management. Main emphasis was given to fishes and crabs captured by artisanal fishermen. This paper describes the project strategy as developed and modified in the context of research results obtained over a period of 10 years. It is argued that a continuous discussion process is essential to assess the validity of the strategies formulated at the beginning of a medium-term project, particularly if the project is of an interdisciplinary nature. To achieve this, it was necessary to acquire in-depth knowledge of natural processes as well as of the relevant institutional, cultural, economic, social and political dynamics.

The brazilian psychology postgraduate system and the internationalization process: critical aspects, evaluation indicators and challenges for consolidation / A pós-graduação em psicologia no Brasil e o processo de internacionalização: aspectos críticos, indicadores de avaliação e desafios para consolidação

AbstractThe paper discusses aspects of internationalization policies pertaining to research and postgraduate training programs in Brazilian psychology. Indicators from eight areas of knowledge, used by CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education) to assess the level of internationalization of the postgraduate programs, are presented to support the arguments. The authors contend that: a) internationalization is not a theme limited to the strict framework of science and technology, requiring knowledge of cultural, educational, economic and political aspects; b) different axioms and rules apply to different areas of knowledge; c) collaboration with researchers from different centers can be more beneficial than focusing only on publishing in foreign periodicals; d) coordination and collaboration between researchers does not require alignment of national research agenda to the standards of foreign research centers. Indeed, internationalization is recognized and is rapidly developing in academic institutions and support agencies. In this process, challenges are presented to postgraduate programs: a) to ensure that communication extrapolates the limit of the Portuguese language and is in the language appropriate to the context of the student/researcher; b) to reduce bureaucratic obstacles that hinder cooperation in Brazilian universities; c) to support arrangements and policies that facilitate joint funding proposals with other countries that benefit Brazilian science and technology. (AU)

ResumoO texto discute aspectos em políticas de internacionalização da pesquisa e da formação pós-graduada no atual contexto da Psicologia no Brasil. Indicadores de oito áreas de conhecimento para aferir o nível de internacionalização dos programas de pós-graduação, utilizados no processo avaliativo conduzido pela Capes, são apresentados para embasar esta análise. Os autores argumentam que: a) internacionalização não é tema limitado ao âmbito estrito da ciência e da tecnologia, exigindo considerar aspectos culturais, educacionais, econômicos e políticos; b) diferentes axiomas e regras são aplicáveis a diferentes áreas do conhecimento; c) colaboração com pesquisadores de diferentes centros pode ser mais eficiente do que privilegiar apenas submissão pontual de textos a periódicos estrangeiros; d) articulação e colaboração entre pesquisadores não obriga o alinhamento de agendas de pesquisa nacionais ao que é privilegiado em centros de pesquisa no exterior. Com efeito, a internacionalização é reconhecida e está em franco desenvolvimento nas instituições acadêmicas e nas agências de fomento. Em tal processo, desafios se apresentam aos Programas de Pós-Graduação: a) assegurar que a comunicação extrapole o limite da língua portuguesa e se componha com o idioma local pertinente ao cenário internacional com o qual o estudante / pesquisador irá se relacionar; b) reduzir entraves burocráticos que dificultam a cooperação nas universidades brasileiras; c) contribuir para que agências de fomento à pesquisa estabeleçam acordos que resultem em editais conjuntos com outros países, assegurando condições de acesso a concorrências viáveis e garantidores de benefícios à ciência e à tecnologia brasileiras. (AU)

The global spread of asbestos.

BACKGROUND: Asbestos continues to be used in large quantities around the world and to be an important commodity in global trade. OBJECTIVE: To assess and quantify current global patterns of asbestos production, export and use; to examine global patterns of asbestos-related disease; and to examine barriers to an asbestos ban. METHOD: Review of the biomedical literature describing patterns of asbestos exposure and disease; review of documents from national governments, UN agencies, and NGOs on asbestos production and use. FINDINGS: Despite widespread knowledge of the hazards of asbestos and bans on any use of asbestos in more than 50 countries, an estimated 2 million tons of asbestos continue to be used around the world each year. Although this amount is significantly less than peak annual consumption of nearly 5 million tons two decades ago, significant amounts of asbestos are still used in India, China, Russia, and some developing countries. This use of asbestos is responsible for disease today and will cause still more asbestos-related disease in the years ahead. Real and artificially manufactured controversies regarding asbestos such as arguments about the relative hazards of different asbestos fiber types and fiber sizes have impeded bans on asbestos. CONCLUSIONS: All forms of asbestos pose grave dangers to human health. All are proven human carcinogens. There is no continued justification for the use of asbestos. Its production and use should be banned worldwide.

'It's springtime for science': renewing China-UK scientific relations in the 1970s.

This paper examines how links between the People's Republic of China and the UK were rebuilt in the 1970s. It not only fills a gap in the historiography but also makes three particular arguments. The first is that there were two intersecting institutional paths along which the rebuilding of links were followed: a foreign policy path, in which the most important body was the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and an academy-level path in which relations between the Royal Society and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (also known in the early years as the Academia Sinica) were crucial. Especially under conditions in which access and travel to China were extremely restricted, the Royal Society acted as a 'gatekeeper', rationing visits to a select few researchers. The second argument is that science was a strategic pathfinder or diplomatic 'avant garde'. The maintenance of scientific links, even during the most difficult periods of this history when they were all but severed, meant that a path was kept open to 'further communication and exchange between peoples-and governments', as Kathlin Smith has found in the broadly similar case of relations between China and the USA. In particular, scientific relations formed an important bridge in the negotiation and eventual agreement of the first treaty signed between the UK and communist China in 1978. It was no coincidence that this highest-level political agreement was accompanied by a parallel accord between the scientific academies. Third, I argue that, nevertheless, even this treaty was not entirely new, and that the model for the China-UK treaty was existing agreements on technology exchanges made with Eastern European countries.