Festival, pointed to the importance of creating a culture of discovery in the world. “Science is the rational basis for truth governments need to celebrate that in public, it’s our guide to the future. Beyond supporting research government also needs to foster the public perception of what science is about by creating public educational events,” he said during Day One of the 2017 World Government Summit. Dr Greene suggested that governments funding science projects in their own countries was vital, and suggested that international collaboration perhaps represented a new way of global conversation among governments. As an example, he referred to existing successful international cooperation on monitoring big bang waves in the universe.

Referring back to Newton’s theory on gravity and Einstein’s understanding of space, Dr Brian Greene, co-founder and chairman of the World Science Festival, pointed to the importance of creating a culture of discovery in the world.

“Science is the rational basis for truth governments need to celebrate that in public, it’s our guide to the future. Beyond supporting research government also needs to foster the public perception of what science is about by creating public educational events,” he said during Day One of the 2017 World Government Summit.

Dr Greene suggested that governments funding science projects in their own countries was vital, and suggested that international collaboration perhaps represented a new way of global conversation among governments. As an example, he referred to existing successful international cooperation on monitoring big bang waves in the universe.  

“The reality of science is to shift our concerns from a parochial vision to a universal one we all deeply care about," he continued. "This in my view is something well worth fighting for."

He also remarked on the economic value of science, as the world celebrated two important anniversaries – that of gravity and of quantum laws, created understandings, that for example, have set the basis for a multi-billion dollar electronic consumer industry.

“When these understandings get into the right hands it can yield spectacular technological innovation, and dramatically drive economic growth.”

However, when one followed the chains of scientific disruptions back to the source, the drive was intrinsic, rather than economic, interest.

“The real fuel that drives economic growth is investment into basic science. It creates a culture of discovery, the difference between the countries that follow and lead,” he concluded.