The role of science in global response to crises: Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic

Science played a key role in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly in the form of political advice on measures but also in the development of treatments and vaccines. The impact science had during those times varied between the countries and continents. A panel including the heads of important science organisations in Europe, Africa and Asia take a critical look on the role of science, debate its impact in the early days of the pandemic and try to formulate recommendations how science can contribute in the creation of a resilient societies.