Science Education...Science Communication...Third Mission...?

• The new agenda of Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 established in 2015 calls for a new cooperative paradigm based on the concept of “full global partnership” and the principle of “no one will be left behind.” Sustainable Development Goal 4 for Education aims “to ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning”. This provides a broad framework for education’s contribution to social progress.


• The scientific community needs to reach out to justify its claim on public resources by demonstrating where and how it is relevant in solving public problems.

• The role of the university is not limited to teaching (first mission) and research (second mission) but includes a third mission: to engage with society. Universities should link their research and teaching knowledge to this third societal mission.