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We live in a period of unprecedented scientific advancement. And yet, despite the extraordinary progress made in all fields, human rights and ethical principles are not where they should be in the scientific process. Indeed, many of the new and persisting challenges facing science and scientific researchers are human rights issues: growing attacks on scientists and interference in their work, unequal access to scientific benefits, unequal access to vital information and persistence of the Internet divide, gender inequalities… to name but a few.

Fortunately, there is new momentum toward placing people at the centre of the science process. UNESCO’s expanding normative work has contributed significantly to strengthening the link between science and universal values. Highlights include the 2017 UNESCO Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers, which emphasizes the protection of scientific freedom and the working conditions of scientists; the 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, which aims to “crack the algorithm” for greater equality and social justice in AI technology; and the 2021 Recommendation on Open Science.  

To bring about change on the ground, we need to fill the knowledge gap and put existing standards and principles into practice. This is the purpose of the Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) on Science and Human Rights, developed by UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector and the Global Campus of Human Rights. Available from 10 October to 13 November 2022, it is the first-ever educational project on this topic.

"Our joint MOOC shows why science driven by human rights is a must, spelling out the benefits in a broad range of fields."

 

   -- Gabriela Ramos (Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences)

Is there a human right to science? What claims and obligations does it create, and for whom? What are the links with the right to health, particularly in a pandemic context, or with the handling of toxics? How is scientific freedom defined? How are open science and the promotion of diverse knowledge systems relevant to scientific freedom? How can these concepts strengthen the implementation of the SDGs and the governance of science, technology, and innovation systems?

These are some of the questions that will be addressed.

The MOOC offers 30 hours of active learning through readings, videos by leading experts — including Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, UN special rapporteurs and members of UN Committees — discussions and quizzes. It provides examples from across the world and features prominent UNESCO projects such as the Sida-sponsored Strengthening STI systems for sustainable development in Africa. A cross-disciplinary approach will allow participants to gain a global and multidimensional understanding of the topic.

The course is freely accessible. It targets scientists and university-level science students who want to understand and practice scientific freedom and scientific responsibility.

Building on a long-standing partnership between UNESCO and the Global Campus of Human Rights, the MOOC is the second joint project on this topic after the 2009 Venice statement on the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications. 

• Register here – deadline: 23 October
• Watch the teaser: "MOOC Science and Human Rights"
• More information

URL:

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/join-our-mooc-what-does-it-mean-link-science-human-rights