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The Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) held its plenary from September 23^rd through the 25^th, bringing together more than 60 scientists from around the world to explore science for sustainability and wellbeing in the Anthropocene. Academia Sinica President James C. Liao and Distinguished Research Fellow of the Genomics Research Center, Academician Dr. Chien-jen Chen, were invited to participate. President Liao presented his latest research, “Design and Evolution of New Metabolism for Greenhouse Gas Assimilation,” at the conference. This visit marks a new chapter in scientific exchanges between Taiwan and the Vatican.

Established in 1603, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences is the preeminent scientific research institution of the Catholic Church, dedicated to advancing research in mathematics, physics, the natural sciences, and epistemology. In September 2023, Professor Joachim von Braun, President of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, visited Academia Sinica and exchanged views with President Liao on topics such as food security, climate change, and AI development. This marked the first official contact between the two institutions, laying a solid foundation for strengthening academic exchanges between Taiwan and the Vatican.

The Pontifical Academy of Sciences holds its plenary every two years. The theme for 2024 was “Science for Sustainability and Wellbeing in the Anthropocene – Opportunities, Challenges, and AI.” The event focused on exploring the driving forces and risks associated with the current human-influenced era, commonly known as the Anthropocene, while examining emerging sciences such as AI and developing perspectives on science policy.

President Liao was invited to attend and gave a speech during the “Live Sciences Innovations and New Approaches” session, discussing how innovative technologies can provide sustainable solutions to reduce the greenhouse effect. Additionally, Academician Dr. Chien-Jen Chen chaired the “Health and Medical Sciences – Emerging Science including AI to Address Pandemics and Chronic Diseases” session. Dr. Chen was appointed as Academician of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences by Pope Francis in 2021 and was later elected Member of the Academy’s Council, the first Taiwanese scientist to receive this honor.

Appointments to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences are based on the academic achievements and moral character of candidates, regardless of nationality, politics, race, or religion. Candidates are nominated by its Academicians and approved by the Pope. Academia Sinica Academicians Dr. Yuan-Tseh Lee and Dr. Chien-Jen Chen were appointed as Academicians of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in 2007 and 2021, respectively.