1st Edition
Sparks from the Spirit From Science to Innovation, Development, and Sustainability
The sparks from the spirit of science include not only new knowledge but also innovations, the major ingredients of development and sustainability. This book creates an understanding of science and its role in innovation and sustainable development and points out unfilled gaps in human development. It highlights opportunities for societies to overcome obstacles in development. The book is written in an easy-to-understand manner, avoiding technical jargon, and contains case studies, practical examples, and historical perspectives. It is intended for a general, especially young readership and will appeal to those curious about the nature of science and its benefits, together with its possible pitfalls.
The Spirit of Science
The Spirit Has Sparks
Nurturing the Spirit, Enhancing the Sparks
Cultivating the Brain
Creating the Sparks from the Spirit
What Is Science For?
Present and New Challenges
Addressing the Base of the Pyramid
Danger and Risks in the Sparks
Sparks for Sustainable Development
Moving beyond Sustainability
Biography
Yongyuth Yuthavong studied chemistry in the UK and worked at Mahidol University, Thailand. He received the Outstanding Scientist of Thailand award and the Nikkei Asia Prize for Science, Technology and Innovation from the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Japan, for his work on malaria and antimalarials. He was the first president of the Thailand National Science and Technology Development Agency, former Minister of Science and Technology, and former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand.
"This book has an important message for anyone concerned about the future of humankind and our planet. Elegantly and concisely, Prof. Yuthavong traces our efforts through millennia to understand this world and ourselves and science’s pivotal role therein."
Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei
Nobel Peace Prize winner and former Vice President of Egypt
"Prof. Yuthavong guides us through an absorbing panorama of human progress ignited by sparks from the spirit of science throughout all ages and across all continents."
Academician Dato’ Ir. (Dr.) Lee Yee Cheong
Chairman, UNESCO International Centre for South-South Cooperation
"Prof. Yuthavong revitalizes the concepts of science and innovation in this book. He displays a passionate love affair with science and lights a match that will surely enable any nonscientist to find his or her way in a dark room."
Mechai Viravaidya
Population and Community Development Association, Thailand
"This most informative and enthralling narrative authoritatively links creativity, wonder, exploration, inventiveness, and development with science."
Nay Htun
Founder and Hon. Patron, Green Economy Green Growth Association, Myanmar
"This book points out the beauty of science and its role in inspiring in us a sense of wonder and an urge to explore. It also highlights the open-ended nature of the enterprise, always growing, always embracing new dimensions."
Sir Gustav Nossal
Former President of the Australian Academy of Science, former President of the International Union of Immunological Societies, and Australian of the Year 2000