MENA Newswire News Desk: The 12th BRICS Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministerial Meeting concluded in Moscow, where ministers from BRICS countries agreed to create a unified scientometric database. The initiative was proposed by Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education, Valery Falkov, during the meeting, held as part of Russia’s presidency of the BRICS bloc.
Falkov emphasized the dynamic nature of technology as a key focus for cooperation among BRICS nations. He pointed out that the member countries, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, consistently collaborate on new joint projects. This year, the Russian delegation introduced the idea of sharing scientific publication data more transparently through a common database.
“We find it essential to discuss methods for forming a unified BRICS scientometric database based on transparency, openness, and independence,” Falkov said, as he addressed his counterparts during the meeting. His proposal garnered wide support from participating ministers and was formalized in the Moscow Declaration, which outlines the group’s commitments in science and technology.
In addition to the scientometric database, Falkov invited researchers from BRICS nations to participate in the Young Scientists Congress. Scheduled for November 20-22, 2024, at the Sirius Federal Educational Centre, the event will include the BRICS Young Scientists Forum and the Young Innovators Prize Competition.
Representing Brazil, Daniel Almeida-Filho, Secretary for Technological Development and Innovation at Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, expressed Brazil’s commitment to advancing education and research within the BRICS framework. “It is critical for all of us to stand united in our commitment to leverage science, technology, and innovation to address shared challenges,” Almeida-Filho said.
Brazil will also take over the BRICS presidency next year, and Almeida-Filho noted that his country is already preparing a scientific and educational agenda for its term. He highlighted that cooperation in education is a vital tool in overcoming mutual challenges across the member states.
The meeting also saw the creation of a BRICS working group dedicated to the humanities and social sciences. Furthermore, the group agreed to celebrate BRICS Geographer’s Day annually on August 18. Ministers from the member countries discussed and approved a joint calendar of events for 2024-2025 aimed at strengthening collaboration across various sectors.