2nd Intercontinental Meeting on Science Literacy IMSL- 2024

Official Logo of the Second Annual Meeting on Science Literacy: The Science Culture Construction

Prepare to embark on a journey unlike any other as we explore the Science Culture Construction (SCC). From breakthrough innovations to cutting-edge research, this gathering promises to be a melting pot of ideas, insights, and inspiration.

Prepare to witness the symphony of visionary minds as we unveil the collective wisdom of our esteemed panel of experts. Step into the realm where innovation meets intellect, as luminaries from various corners of the scientific world converge to share their perspectives on the evolution of science.

Join us as we cultivate a fertile ground for knowledge exchange and collaboration. From renowned scientists, this event will bring together diverse voices united in their quest for scientific enlightenment.

As advocates for science literacy and Science Popularization, your participation is crucial! Share your experiences, ideas, and expertise to help shape the future of science education and awareness.

Save the Date:

Date: August 13th, 2024
Location: online
Time: 7pm – 9pm (GTM+8), 7am – 9am (GMT- 4)

The IMSL – 2024 forms a vital part of the Intercontinental Congress on Science and Technology (ICST – 2024). For more information about ICST kindly visit https://congreso-cicyt.umaunivalle.com/

This year, we are honored to bring together our featured keynote speakers from different continents to delve into the Science Culture Construction and Science Popularization. Our distinguished panelists will share their insights from the realms of practice, policies, and research. Join us on this global platform as we explore how diverse approaches can enhance science literacy and foster a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation. Let’s come together to shape the future of science education and awareness, ensuring that the wonders of discovery are accessible to all. Save the date and be a part of this transformative event!

Featured Keynote Speakers (names not listed in alphabetical order)

Dr. Lim Tit Meng (Singapore)

Dr Lim (fondly known as TM) is the Chief Executive of the Science Centre Singapore a biologist graduated with a doctorate degree from the University of Cambridge (England), after attaining a BSc (Honours) in Zoology from the National University of Singapore (NUS). He has been the Chief Executive of Science Centre Singapore since 2010, concurrently Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at NUS where he started his academic career since 1987. He is an elected Fellow of the Singapore National Academy of Science, and Honorary Fellow of the Singapore Institute of Biology. He is the President of the Singapore Association for the Advancement of Science since 2010, and the elected President for the Singapore National Academy of Science since 2019. He has been serving the role of the President of the Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres (ASPAC) since 2016. Dr Lim’s sphere of influence in science academia and industry is far reaching. A major contributor to science education, he has championed the STEM Applied Learning Programmes in schools and is continually involved with the Ministry of Education to evolve the STEM education landscape in Singapore.

Dr. Zhang Zhimin (China)

Dr. Zhang is a researcher at the China Research Institute for Science Popularization (CRISP). Director of the Division of International Cooperation, and a member of the Secretariat of World Organization for Science Literacy (Preparatory). Her research primarily focuses on science writing, popular science assessment, and international exchange and cooperation in science communication and popularization. She is the author, translator and editor of more than 10 books, including Introduction to Science Popularization Activities (co-author) and The science writers’ essay handbook, etc. She has published more than 70 research papers, reports and critical articles. In recent years, she is mainly engaged in international exchange and cooperation for CRISP and the establishment of the World Organization for Science Literacy.

Dr. Liu Zhenying (China)

Dr. Liu is the Chairman of China Chapter of BRICS Business Council Skills Development, Applied Technologies and Innovation of the BRICS Business Council. President of International Alliance of Skills Development for Belt & Road and BRICS (IASDBR). President of BRICS Academy of Skills Development and Technology Innovation (Xiamen)

Dr. Imran Hashmi (Pakistan)

Dr. Hashmi is currently serving as Tenured Professor at National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan. He has been actively involved in academic and research activities. In addition to undergraduate, postgraduate research and teaching, Dr. Hashmi contributes regularly by developing innovative educational methodologies addressing the key environmental issues and maintains a personal and professional commitment towards environment and the importance of biological science and engineering principles and its application in society. Dr. Hashmi and his group produce interesting data and findings on environmental issues, thus far, he has published several per reviewed research articles in prestigious International Journals and peer reviewed conferences along with supervision of several MS and PhD students. Dr. Hashmi has secured several research grants as PI and Co-PI, on a highly competitive ground and served as a resource person on projects with national and international organizations besides collaboration with local and international universities.

Dr. Oscar Manuel Cóbar Pinto (Guatemala)

Pharmaceutical Chemist, Ph.D. in Chemistry with “Major” in Organic Chemistry, University Professor for more than forty years. He published more than 250 scientific articles with more than 350 citations in indexed scientific journals, given more than 80 lectures at international scientific events and more than 20 courses at an international level. He has held, among others, the following positions: General Director of Scientific Research, Director of the Chemical and Biological Research Institute and Dean of the Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy School, University of San Carlos, Guatemala. Guatemalan National Secretary for Science and Technology. General Secretary of the Ibero-American Program of Science and Technology for Development -CYTED-. Member of American Chemical Society (ACS), Academy of Medical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Guatemala. Italian-Ibero-American Society of Ethnopharmacology. Association of Ibero-American Pharmacists. -OFIL-. Guatemalan Association of Laboratory Animal Science.

Mag. Gonzalo Montoya (Argentina)

Dr. Montoya is an architect from the National University of Rosario, a graduate in Landscape Architecture from the Torcuato Di Tella University of Buenos Aires, and a master’s degree in Urban Design from Harvard University. He has received national scholarships allowing him to study architecture at the Ramon Llull University of Barcelona, and international scholarships from Harvard University, the Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat Fund, the Archibald Fund, and the Fulbright Commission. In the academic field, he is a professor of the Theory and Technique of Architectural Projects at the National University of Rosario and an Instructor of the Design Discovery course at Harvard GSD. He has been invited to give lectures and seminars as a juror at the Universidad Católica de Santa Fe, Universidad Ricardo Palma de Perú, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston Architectural College and Harvard GSD. In his professional career, he has collaborated in architecture studios in Argentina, Barcelona, Ecuador and Mexico. His professional work includes projects of different scales and national and international competitions, being recognized and awarded in several of them. He is also the author of publications on topics such as informality, informal landscapes and urban climate resilience. In 2022, he was awarded the Honorary Diploma as Outstanding Citizen of Rosario, Argentina.

Dorofeeva Anastasiia (Russia)

Linguistics, Methodology, Teaching languages and culture, Welcome School.

Dr. Mario Cabral (Timor Leste)

Mario holds a Ph.D. for Project Management with specialization in Ocean Governance at Atlantic International University (Hawaii-USA), graduated his Master’s degree for Environmental Science in Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) of Gadjah Mada University (Yogyakarta-Indonesia) and a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science of Diponegoro University (Semarang-Indonesia). He has been working in ICM, ocean governance, and marine biodiversity conservation for more than 20 years. His professional employment that recently (2024) acting as a team member of Project Preparation Grant (PPG) of UNDP on Blue and Green Island-Integrated Program for improving sustainable land, coastal management, and marine conservation to support Blue Economy Development in Timor-Leste under the GEF-8 Project. Besides that also performing some voluntering services as NESS (National Eco-Security System) International Contact Person for Timor-Leste, facilitator for Timor-Leste Blue Whale Project on whale watching, citizen science, and education in close cooperation with Charles Darwin University (Australia), member of advisory body of experts and scientists to the Indenpendent Global Stocktake for Southeast Asia (IGST-SEA) Hubs for Climate Change. Mario also experienced as Coordinator for Scaling up Project implementation of PEMSEA ( Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia) in Timor-Leste since 2016-2020 and a consultant for updating the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) of Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action Phase-2 (ATSEA-2) Project.

Dr. Atchike Desire Wade (Benin)

Dr. Wade is a Lecturer at the School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Taizhou University. He is Civil Engineer and holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Project Management. His main research areas include sustainable infrastructure project development, renewable energy and green investment in developing countries, etc.
He is also Liaison officer of Benin at Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology (ARCST) and is actively engaged in science popularization in Benin.

Prof. Douglas de Castro (Brazil)

Professor of International Law in the School of Law – Lanzhou University (Lanzhou, China). Visiting Scholar in the Foundation for Law and International Affairs (Washington D.C., US). Professor (licensed) of International Law and Politics at Ambra University (Orlando, Florida, US). Post-Doc in International Economic Law – FGV São Paulo Law School (Brazil). Ph.D. in Political Science – University of São Paulo (Brazil). Master in Law – University of São Paulo (Brazil). LL.M. in International Law – J. Reuben Clark Law School – Brigham Young University (Provo, Utah, US). LL.B. in Law – Osasco Law School (Brazil).

Prof. José Gabriel Pérez Canencio & Prof. Mary Luz Ojeda Solarte (Colombia)

Colombian researchers, Computer Engineering professionals with post-graduate studies in Software Engineering. They have been especially interested in the application of engineering for the development of projects for biodiversity conservation, and scientific literacy currently working at Unidad Central del Valle del Cauca – UCEVA, a Colombian University. They have a 20-year track record in teaching and research. They lead various local and international research projects related to Green Science, which is why they were invited to present their scientific work at UNESCO’s Global Media And Information Literacy Week in 2022. They have designed interactive digital educational resources to transfer knowledge (citizen science) to scientific and non-scientific communities; that they have managed to implement in business, university and government societies at a national and international level under the framework of the sustainable development goals, SDGs 4, 7, 11, 13 and 17. In strategic alliance with the Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology (ARCST), they promote the Science Culture Construction by popularizing green science, biodiversity conservation and green development. They are co-creators of the International Green Science Center for Latin America and the Caribbean – IGSCLAC (for its acronym in English), from which they promote synergy between researchers from various countries with whom they have organized and presented the celebration of World Green Science Day and other scientific events. They continue to develop projects for environmental education and address the adverse impacts of climate change in the world with a focus on childhood as a promise of value for subsequent generations.

Prof. Dr. Marco A. Cabero Z. (Bolivia)

Prof. Dr. Cabero is a visionary scientist from Bolivia. With a diverse background in academia and industry, Marco has made significant contributions to the fields of quantum physics, energy, organic spintronics, nanotechnology, electronic medicine, and education. Marco’s dedication to fostering the Science Culture Construction is evident through his involvement in various initiatives, including his role as Chairman of the Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology (ARCST). He has also played pivotal roles in projects such as the design of Bolivia’s first communications satellite and as Regional Coordinator of the United Nations-affiliated Space Generation Advisory Council. As Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Latin American Sciences and Culture and head of the Green Science Project (GSP), Marco continues to advocate for scientific literacy, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development. His appointment as the deputy secretary-general of the “South-South Biodiversity Science Project” further underscores his commitment to promoting international scientific and technological exchanges. Marco’s tireless efforts exemplify his passion for advancing science and technology on a global scale.

Format of the event:

Together we will be exploring some of the following questions:

Education and Outreach

What innovative practices have been effective in engaging young people in science?
How can we bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding?

Research and Innovation

What are the current trends in science communication research, and how can they inform practice?
How do we measure the impact of science literacy initiatives?

Collaboration and Networking

What role do international collaborations play in advancing science literacy?
How can scientists, educators, and policymakers work together to create a more scientifically literate society?

Future Directions

What does the future of science literacy look like, and how can we prepare for it?
What are the biggest challenges facing science popularization today, and how can they be addressed?

Policy and Practice

How can government policies better support science education and literacy in different regions?
What are the most successful models of science popularization worldwide, and how can they be adapted to different cultural contexts?

A comprehensive document summarizing the event’s key discussions, insights, and recommendations will be drafted. This white paper could serve as a guiding framework for future initiatives in science literacy and popularization.