2022 is the #IYBSSD! What is that? Why does it matter? And why you should be excited!

Dr. Audrey-Flore Ngomsik
4 min readJan 7, 2022

IYBSSD 2022 is the UN International Year of Basic Sciences and Sustainable Development. Let’s start at the beginning…

What are Basic Sciences?

The UN calls the scientific disciplines of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics ‘Basic Sciences’ because they provide a fundamental understanding of natural phenomena and the processes by which natural resources are transformed.

These disciplines give us the tools we need to address critical issues like universal access to food, water, energy, health, and communication technology.

Science encompasses more than simply discoveries and technological breakthroughs; it also encompasses the spirit of critical thinking that should guide everyone.

To learn more about the power of science, read our previous article:

Why are basic sciences so important for the SDGs?

Without basic sciences how would we know that climate is changing?

How would we know that this is due to humans’ activities?

How would we understand that the CO2 emissions level are key to the extreme weather conditions we are experiencing ever more frequently?

And on the other hand, how would we find solutions to mitigate climate change?

For example:

Sustainable chemistry seeks to improve the efficiency with which natural resources are used to meet human needs for chemical products and services.

Recycling textiles, plastics, paper to their molecular building blocks indefinitely (or at least as long as practically possible) so that we do create as little waste as possible would not be possible without Basic Sciences.

Why dedicate an entire year to basic sciences?

This year will highlight the connections between the Basic Sciences and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

It will be a critical period of mobilization to persuade economic and political leaders, as well as the general public, of the seriousness of these issues, and what we can do about them.[1]

Basic scientific research is critical for advancements in fields such as medicine, agriculture, water resources, energy, and the environment.

These same themes are also covered in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.[2]

While all of the goals require scientific input in some form or another, several of them, such as health and well-being, inexpensive and sustainable energy, and climate action, are inextricably related to scientific achievements.

The Basic Sciences also help to foster multicultural discourse, political stability, and peace, which are all important for achieving these SDGs.

The latter give the training skills and know-how required for countries to transition from general aims to successful actions through the use of innovations and ensure that SDGs are implemented effectively.

How will the UN celebrate IYBSSD ?

  • By promoting a more inclusive access to science
  • By improving education and scientific training
  • By increasing the financing of fundamental science
  • By enhancing dissemination of scientific results

How will Trianon Scientific Communication celebrate the IYBSSD?

As scientists we are very excited about the IYBSSD.

To celebrate it with you, we will go on providing you with exclusive articles about sustainability. It will also be the opportunity to rediscover great scientists whose legacy is still pertinent today.

Click here to register to our blog.

We will enhance our fun and pedagogical online and face to face events to help you embrace the change.

Click here to see our calendar.

And we will make even more sure that when we work with you, your company will play their part in creating a more sustainable and less carbonized world, a world where people, planet & profit are the pillars of its profitability!

Click here to have a chat with us.

And we will make even more sure that when we work with you, your company will play their part in creating a more sustainable and less carbonized world, a world where people, planet & profit are the pillars of its profitability!

[1] https://www.iybssd2022.org/en/home/

[2] https://sdgs.un.org/goals

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Dr. Audrey-Flore Ngomsik

Co-Fonder of Trianon Scientific Communication. Expert in Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainable Development for profitability— www.science-by-trianon.com