5th NODES Forum at the AAAS Annual Meeting 2017

The fifth NODES forum at the AAAS 2017 Annual Meeting will engage science and engineering diaspora networks to share best practices and knowledge for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their countries of origin and in the United States. The SDGs represent a universal agenda adopted by all countries to transform our world. They apply to both developed and developing countries, and have measurable targets for all nations to achieve by 2030.

The NODES forum provides scientists, students, innovators, research administrators, policymakers and diplomats with the opportunity to link their research agenda to relevant goals and jointly frame international research collaborations into policy relevant proposals to contribute to the SDGs.

Science, technology and innovation underpin the achievement of all of the SDGs, whether it is expanding access to health services and quality education; improving food security; and access to clean water and sanitation; building transparent, accountable, and stable institutions; empowering women and minorities; or promoting the sustainable management and use of renewable energy and natural resources. The goals speak to a broad range of directions needed to promote economic, environmental, and social well-being. The SDGs are interdependent and achieving one will only be possible by achieving all.

Diaspora networks’ members can become valuable “science diplomats” empowered to forge linkages between countries that can help solve global problems, advance scientific development, and better the lives of people in their country of origin and in the United States. 

Agenda

About NODES

Networks of Diasporas in Engineering and Science (NODES) is a partnership between the U.S. Department of State, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering, to develop science diaspora networks across the United States. It strives to support science and engineering diaspora networks by sharing best practices and knowledge, convening diaspora groups, and catalyzing their growth by linking them with useful tools and institutions so that these networks can have greater impact in their country of origin and in the United States. NODES will seek to leverage existing collaborations while fostering a variety of new ones through forums, workshops, and online resources that promote connectivity and the sharing of best practices among members of diaspora communities. A yearly gathering at the AAAS annual meeting will serve as an anchor for mobilizing new constituencies, catalyzing new capacity building activities and sharing resources.