The Ethics Declaration for the Human Exposome On 17th June, the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa hosted 30 individuals to start the process of drafting an ethical framework to underpin the Human Exposome Project (HEP) at the South African Mission to the EU in Brussels, Belgium. The opportunity was also used to commemorate the life of South African, Prof. Julian Kinderlerer, former President of the European Group on Ethics (1944 - 2026). Sponsored by the Transatlantic Think Tank for Toxicology, Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa & @dstigovza Department of Science, Technology and Innovation & supported by the International Network for Governmental Science Advice (@INGSciAdvice ) & Global Exposome Forum , the event was Chaired by Thomas Hartung & moderated by DDG @daandutoit , Eudy Mabuza, Denis Sarigiannis, David Budtz Pedersen PhD, Caradee Wright PhD and Nathalie Moll. The group came up with a 20-point blueprint for the ethical design, conduct, governance, interpretation & use of human exposome research at the boundary between science, society & policy. This draft will be discussed on 17/7 at @UNESCO before its December Tshwane, Pretoria release at Science Forum South Africa 2026. A full media & public information campaign is targeted in 2027 around @aaas Chicago, World Science Forum @WorldSciForum Istanbul & WCSJ 2027 @wcsj2027 London. The Human Exposome Project (HEP) seeks to characterise the totality of environmental exposures across the life course & to understand their biological consequences. In doing so, it provides the environmental counterpart to the revolutionary, $3 billion Human Genome Project launched in 2003, while aiming to surpass it in scope for two reasons: Firstly, genes account for only 10 - 20% of disease, while our biological, chemical & environmental exposures accounts for 80% +. These influences from the air we breathe, the food we eat & the chemicals we touch, to the education we receive, the salary we earn & the housing we benefit from, all drive non-communicable diseases. Secondly, the ethical legitimacy of the HEP depends on genuine global inclusion. The Human Genome Project’s widespread success largely benefitted a coalition of wealthy countries. We aim to support the goal for developing countries to benefit as much from the HEP. The very features that make Exposomics powerful also make it ethically demanding. ~ @SciComEU If exposome science is to achieve its promise for public health, it must not only be innovative, but just; not only technically powerful, but democratically accountable; and not only global in reach, but equitable in voice, governance, & benefit. Good exposome science must be socially legitimate, scientifically rigorous & institutionally accountable.

South Africa & @GESDAglobal are preparing leaders for a future powered by AI, quantum tech & neurotech. 19–22 Sept | @CSIRICC At #ALW2025, decision-makers will learn to anticipate and manage disruptive technologies for human prosperity. @dstigovza @CSIR #ScienceDiplomacy #G20SA

Only one day left. The call for proposals for sessions for the World Conference of Science Journalists 2025 closes tonight at 24:00 . Visit wcsj2025.org/call/guide/ to submit now! @wcsj2025 @WFSJ @dstigovza @SAEditorsForum @npclub @SasjaSA @safreasocial

Submission of session proposals for wcsj2025.org/ has been extended to 5 May 2025! Submit now under the theme “Science journalism and social justice: journalism that builds understanding and resilience” @WFSJ @wcsj2025 @SasjaSA @SAEditorsForum @StelliesJourn @npclub

The Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa is committed to collaboration with initiatives under the European Framework for Science Diplomacy, driving global cooperation through science & innovation. 🔗shorturl.at/FMLat #EuropeanUnion #EU #ScienceForDiplomacy