How can we uphold the right to science?

And governments themselves need to acknowledge their legal responsibility to realise this right. Supported by scientists and civil society, they should start by examining their policies and practices and chart a course for respecting, protecting and fulfilling the right to science.

This could include actions such as redressing the research funding imbalance for neglected diseases; importing and disseminating simple and inexpensive technology when high-tech innovations are unnecessary; removing barriers to international scientific co-operation; and cultivating a free, diverse and adequately resourced scientific community.

Sixty years ago the drafters of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights acknowledged the right to science as a human right equal to all others. As we commemorate this important occasion, scientists should rally together and call on their governments to ensure we all share in scientific progress and enjoy its benefits.

Doing so is our best guarantee that national science policies will help society's most vulnerable people, foster and sustain scientific capacity and, ultimately, that the next 60 years see the full realisation of all human rights for everyone.