I am sure that most readers are familiar with programs like the Nobel Prize winning Doctors Without Borders (i.e., Médecins Sans Frontières) and its spin-offs. Now the New York Academy of Sciences has initiated Scientists Without Borders, which is a project aimed at "mobilizing science, improving lives".

If you're a scientist, get over there and maybe see what you can do.

Mission

The need

Scientists Without Borders^SM aims to mobilize and coordinate science-based activities that improve quality of life in the developing world. The research community is already promoting areas such as global health, agricultural progress, and environmental well-being, but current communication gaps restrict its power. Organizations and individuals do not always know about one another's endeavors, needs, or availability, which limits the ability to forge meaningful connections and harness resources. This situation is especially striking in light of the growing realization that integrated rather than focused approaches are crucial for addressing key challenges such as extreme poverty and the glaring health problems that accompany it.

The concept

Opportunities to foster synergy in the capacity-building arena would explode if an effective information-sharing tool existed. Institute leaders, project officers, and individual investigators could gather advice, other forms of human capital, and material assets. Furthermore, a central knowledge store about science-based capacity-building activities would help funding agencies and other institutions apply their efforts efficiently.

The solution

Scientists Without Borders^SM is building a Web portal whose cornerstone is a database that serves as a digital repository for such information. The database will provide a way to match needs with resources. This tool will eventually create a record of accomplishments that also identifies the next steps for solving specific problems.

Who's behind this effort?

The New York Academy of Sciences and the United Nations Millennium Project conceived Scientists Without Borders^SM, but the initiative belongs to the community. It will launch as a global partnership of leading institutions, academies, organizations, and funding agencies, many of which individually perform heroic acts, but rarely join forces to inspire and empower investigators and organizations to work synergistically.

Join the community

The Scientists Without Borders^SM database is now accepting submissions. Please go to the registration page.