Our world is at a crucial moment for the Science of Science.

In recent years, Science of Science has gained renewed governmental attention, leading to specialized funding programs, numerous forums and conferences, as well as new institutions, focused on Science of Science research.

The Science of Science is a discipline about science (tech & science). It is dedicated to exploring the developmental laws of science and scientific activities, thereby facilitating the formulation of science and technology policies, improving research management, and fostering the harmonious development of science, technology, and society.

The recent rapid advancement of Science of Science reflects widespread and deep-seated concerns in the current societal context, and provokes fundamental questions such as what constitutes science, what kinds of science should be prioritized, how science should be developed, and who should be responsible for scientific development.

The resurgence of Science of Science in the present era is primarily attributed to the transformation of science and technology and the development of new research methods. The deep integration of next-generation information technology, energy sources, materials, and biotechnology has propelled a new round of technological transformation, giving rise to new scientific paradigms and organizational models for research. With research activities becoming increasingly data-driven and the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, new methodological approaches in the Science of Science are emerging.

The resurgence of Science of Science in the new era also stems from the increasingly intricate interactions between science and the external environment. The escalating complexity of the connections between science and fields such as politics, economics, culture, and security give rise to new challenges. These emerging challenges urgently require the discipline of Science of Science to address them.

Shanghai has long been a significant home for the Science of Science in China. In 1980, the Shanghai Institute for Science of Science was established as the first institute specialized in the study of this discipline, since then, Shanghai has been a leading center for Science of Science research in China. Today, this Science of Science conference hosted by the Shanghai Institute for Science of Science gives us a crucial opportunity for a comprehensive reassessment of our research agenda. As the Science of Science has evolved since its emergence in the last century, it is currently entering a new phase of rapid advancement. In light of this opportunity, we, together with the conference participants, issue the following declaration:

· Develop a Science of Science that advances with the time: Globally, we are witnessing a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation. Developing a Science of Science capable of explaining, accelerating, and governing technological development has become a pivotal responsibility of the modern Science of Science.

· Develop a Science of Science that provides value to policy and society: Science of Science should fulfill its mission to support decision-making, enabling decision-makers to adhere to scientific principles in promoting technological innovation, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of innovation on science and technology, and benefiting human society more comprehensively.

· Develop a Science of Science that is characterized by collaboration and sharing: Scientific knowledge is shared globally, and scientific endeavor is a collective human pursuit. Therefore, developing Science of Science to facilitate broad participation and deep exchange among nations is crucial. We advocate for enhanced open sharing and encourage increased international exchanges and deep cooperation.

Since its inception, the Science of Science has been a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and international field of study driven collaboratively by scientists and decision-makers. We call upon governments, the scientific community, academia, think tanks, industry, and all relevant stakeholders to join hands in building a community for the Science of Science, collectively promoting its rapid and robust development around the world.  

Tomorrow holds a brighter future for the Science of Science.

Date: May 30, 2024

Location: Shanghai