19 December 2021  Issue No: 673

Education ministers from Asia and Europe have agreed to increase and enhance balanced mobility of students, researchers and staff between the two regions, with the global pandemic providing the impetus for new forms of exchanges based on newer themes such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

African leaders must up education funding to advance the next generation of scientists, doctors, nurses and health professionals. In addition, investment in laboratories, infrastructure and technologies is essential, scientists who are part of the African Voices of Science initiative said in an open letter to governments and other stakeholders.

After the disruption to student mobility caused by COVID-19, new opportunities for transnational education or TNE are opening up around the world, with countries like China revisiting the meaning of internationalisation and students in general more likely to choose an international experience closer to home.

With less than 10 years to meet the deadline of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is critical to support countries in their efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and partnerships with academic and research institutions are vital.

An alliance of companies and associations has been formed to create a recognised system of common benchmarks and standards for the use of artificial intelligence in education in order to ensure safe and responsible use, build greater trust and allow it to fulfil its potential.

The big story of last month’s global ranking of Highly Cited Researchers was the rise of China, with 935 out of the list of 6,602 researchers, although America still dominates. Then there are the interesting outliers – such as Dr Arridina Susan Silitonga of Indonesia – who produce outstanding science outside of the support of massive research systems.