VATICAN CITY — Condemning all atrocities against civilians and crimes against humanity, members of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences called for accountability and an independent investigation into alleged war crimes in the world’s current conflict.

“We also call for unfettered humanitarian assistance, access to basic services for civilians and the lifting of siege,” the members said in their final statement.

“As scientists, we must not ignore the root causes of conflict, nor should we ignore the role of science in the arms race,” they said. is more important than ever,” he added.

The statement, which was posted on the Academy’s website, came after the Academy held a plenary session on “Fundamental Sciences for Human Development, Peace and Global Health” from September 8-10. Dozens of experts, both academics and invited speakers, discussed how their particular fields contribute to ‘problem-solving’ and promoting human development, peace and health.

The final statement states: It causes great suffering to civilians, especially women and children. ”

The present “threats or actual attacks on neighboring countries by powerful powers endanger the political order and the civilization of mankind.” potential contribution to the

Another concern noted by members of the Academy was the lack of “reasonable science-based debate” and the rise of “scientific skepticism on the part of the general public and on traditional social media.”

The conference considered some of the reasons for this neglect and the possible role of religion in fostering scientific skepticism and promoting greater openness to science.

However, the Academy recognizes that “there is also a significant and well-informed skepticism about the often overlooked disconnect between science, technology, and their real-world impact,” and May cause concern, suspicion, or skepticism.

Academy members adhere to “established scientific ethics” and support the transparency and openness of scientific debate to the general public, the statement said. Members were encouraged to “show how science is done and what can be gained from it, without ignoring the risk of misuse.”

Academy members called on public policy, society, and the faith-based community to recognize the importance of basic science and “strongly support it.”

“Fundamental science is in constant danger of being marginalized, as it is today, when crises, wars and growing unrest take over people’s minds and divert resources to alleviating everyday problems.”

It says that scientific research and progress can take decades, if not centuries, and “needs continuation” to support these efforts.

At the same time, “science-based action needs to be taken now on some of these challenges.”

Still, it says, “huge profits, often in unpredictable ways,” are possible if the science is supported. An example of this is the rapid development of a COVID vaccine “thanks to a decade-long development of messenger RNAs designed for a completely different purpose.”

“Curiosity-driven basic science needs to foster a stronger sense of urgency. We need more opportunities to foster curiosity among younger generations, fostered by a vibrant educational system that sparks the imagination,” said Many. Scientific advances are curiosity and practical goals, rather than a sense of amazement.

The Academy also said the resources needed to pursue science and the fruits of its discoveries “need to be more equitably shared with low-income regions of the world, especially by rich countries.”