A biology for development

Where will humanity stand at the dawn of the 22nd century? The answer depends
on our determination to control the powerful transformations that accompany
the beginning of the 21st: unprecedented demographic growth, ageing of
populations, irrepressible migratory flows, dramatic reduction of some natural
resources, disruption of millennial climatic cycles, rapid spread of new
pathologies... A number of these transformations are part of the generally
complex, often inevitable evolution of our planet, not only geo-ecologically,
but also in economics, politics, society... However, many of them present a
challenge to development, that unique ability of human societies to improve
their condition. To cope with these evolutions and threats, the resources
offered by science have never seemed so crucial, even if science alone cannot
provide the answer. Nothing less than a scientific revolution is needed, a
revolution that will give us more durable control of our destiny, leading to a
world of greater solidarity and respect of our environment. All, or almost
all, scientific disciplines are concerned. But the life sciences are more than
any other, already engaged as they are today in a process of profound change
in their concepts, exploratory techniques and applications.