Science Summit at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78)

Regions in conflict often face major disruptions in their scientific projects, researchers, and facilities. Therefore it is crucial to safeguard existing and future research and innovation during pre-, and post- conflict and to understand and implement protocols on the safe disposal and rebuilding of large research facilities and institutions in the case of a local or regional threat to the facility. Displaced researchers and university staff are often left without adequate support and a transition plan in a post-conflict situation, causing further human security and vulnerability to reintroduce peace in post-conflict regions. This Session will address three main objectives, drawing experience from large laboratory and facility operational experts and scientists:
1. Understand the principle and protocol of safe disposal and rebuilding of research facilities and institutions in the case of a local or regional destruction of the facility (due to man-made threat or natural disaster).
2. Building an institutional policy to support rapid rebuild of research infrastructure.
3. Manage large team of international scientists, and provide support for researchers at risk.

The Session will share examples from Lebanese university's recovery path after the port explosion. How to quickly rebuild and return to the normal research capacity in post-conflict through a comprehensive institutional policy and community support. The proposed session will use a collaborative and interactive presentation engaging participants to address challenges in saving research effort in post-conflict situation and how these challenges can be improved by the use of advance technology and professional skills of research managers in all aspects of the grant life cycle, and by assisting universities to be more successful in their facility and infrastructure continuity planning. The session will showcase examples and processes from universities and large laboratories with their rebuilding protocols, procurement of necessary materials, risk management, engaging international collaboration, science diplomacy, and resources for displaced students and researchers.