About this Research Topic
In many regions and countries, quality and accurate information, adequate indicators, and capacities to analyse and monitor SETI policies and policy instruments are lacking. The same applies to Asia and the Pacific. Despite progress in the region, there is a gap in Member States’ SETI capacity which is built on high quality educational and research institutions as well as understanding of markets and society.
In light of the unprecedented global pandemic situation, UNESCO continues its mission to assist Member States to “reduce inequalities and promote learning and creative societies in the digital age through quality education for all”, “work towards sustainable societies and protecting the environment through the promotion of science, [engineering], technology, innovation and the natural heritage” and deliver Agenda 2030 and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Meeting these SETI-related goals depends upon sound policy and the availability of updated and reliable scientific data and educational resources through open science, citizen science, and shared innovative solutions through ICT.
This Research Topic aims to outline the needs, challenges and opportunities of SETI development in the Asia and Pacific region and nations, present case studies on strengthening this region’s SETI foundation and ameliorate science and policy decision-making to meet societal needs. To this end, we will present the renewed STEPAN (SETI Policy Asia and the Pacific Network) action plan for the period 2021-2025 which reflects the interests of the member states in the region in terms of SETI policies. All the contributed articles should provide critically engaged assessment and perspectives, including policy reviews.
We welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
1. Science policy including open science
2. Capacity building including capacities in engineering
3. Women in Science
4. Scientific and Ethical Dimensions of AI
5. SDG ready technologies and innovations
6. Science communication and citizen science
Keywords: SETI, Sustainable Development Goals, open science, science policy, citizen science
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.