Opening Up Science Through BRICS

A Path to Shared Discovery and Innovation

The BRICS—a partnership of rising economies once envisioned only in economic terms—has grown into a vibrant network fostering scientific collaboration across borders. This alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and now new members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, (which make them "BEIRICS") represents more than a cluster of economic potential. It’s a bridge to a shared vision of discovery that could redefine scientific cooperation.

When economist Jim O’Neill coined the term “BRIC” back in 2001, he was focused on projecting economic growth. But by 2009, these countries were meeting with the intention of something much more profound: to support one another and leverage their shared strengths. With South Africa joining in 2010, BRICS solidified itself as a global group committed to progress. Today, in 2024, BRICS is a major platform for countries across the Global South, and its expansion signals an even deeper commitment to collaboration.

This collective isn’t just a think tank for politics or economics; it’s a space for scientific endeavor. Through fields as varied as astronomy, environmental science, public health, and nuclear medicine, BRICS is creating new opportunities for researchers from diverse backgrounds to work together. Even young scientists have been brought into the fold—an encouraging sign of BRICS’ commitment to fostering future generations of innovators.

Despite this growth, one vital area remains underdeveloped: openness. Much of BRICS’ scientific work occurs in private forums, with limited public insight into what’s being achieved. Imagine the transformative impact if BRICS made its research discussions, outcomes, and goals more accessible. This year alone, South Africa hosted nearly 200 BRICS events—an inspiring number, yet little is shared beyond brief press releases. How powerful it would be if we could read the detailed agendas, notes, and ideas from these events, opening the doors to researchers, students, and communities who yearn to engage and learn.

Take BRICS’ recent decision to create a custom research evaluation framework, or “scientometrics.” For such an initiative to succeed, input from a broad range of experts is critical, and transparency in the process will strengthen the quality of these new metrics. Public insight could invite fresh ideas that would broaden BRICS’ understanding of impact, enhancing the initiative's reach and relevance across all member countries.

The United Nations provides an example worth following: publishing meeting documents, inviting observers, and encouraging feedback to maintain an inclusive, global dialogue. BRICS could adopt a similar openness, especially as it positions itself as a voice for the Global South. Transparency and accessibility can become BRICS’ guiding principles, setting a foundation for trust and collaborative growth.

With every new member, BRICS gains fresh perspectives and ideas, making the alliance both diverse and resilient. This latest expansion offers an opportunity to commit to an even more inclusive model, one where everyone has a voice, where knowledge flows freely, and where science becomes a tool that serves humanity across borders and cultures.

Science is not just about data; it’s about people connecting and sharing insights that uplift communities. BRICS has a rare chance to lead by example, creating a legacy that prioritizes openness and inclusion. As we look to the future, we can hope that BRICS seizes this moment, building a platform where science becomes a bridge—one that unites us all.