Building Resilient Partnerships and Policies to Strengthen Climate Preparedness

International Science Reserve member Aden Ahmed Hassen is a passionate advocate for the environment and a firm believer in the urgent need to address climate change. He currently serves as the climate change and environmental safeguards director at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) in Somaliland in the Horn of Africa.  

Aden recently spoke to the International Science Reserve about his work. 

What drove you to work on climate change and the environment?  

My journey into climate change work is deeply personal. Growing up in Somaliland, I saw how recurring droughts can devastate communities — livestock died, farms failed, and families in towns like Saylac and Lughaya (Awdal) were forced to leave their homes. These experiences made it clear that climate change is a daily reality, affecting whether people can eat, work, and live with dignity. 

What are some of the biggest challenges for Somaliland and surrounding regions when it comes to climate change?  

Somaliland is in the Horn of Africa, and bordered by Djibouti to the northwest, Ethiopia to the south and west, and Somalia to the east. The region is facing several impacts related to climate change and human activity, including drought and water security, land degradation and deforestation, and food insecurity and displacement.  

In recent years, we have seen increasingly erratic rains and frequent droughts that cause livestock deaths, crop failures, and drinking water shortages. We are also experiencing more soil erosion, desertification, and biodiversity loss from overgrazing, charcoal production, and poor land use.  

Finally, climate shocks have undermined pastoral and farming livelihoods, which in turn, can lead to hunger, migration, and increased social tensions. 

How can scientists and researchers work more with the government to help prepare the public for disasters?  

I believe in the practice of co-producing and sharing knowledge. Climate researchers at universities and regional climate centers can simplify rainfall and drought forecasts by translating them into local languages. In Somaliland, for example, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) and Ministry of Education can communicate this knowledge through schools, radio, and community meetings, so pastoralists and farmers understand risks and options. 

We also need to build joint early warning and response systems to save lives and communities in disaster. For example, by strengthening collaboration between the Somaliland Meteorological Department, MoECC, and disaster agencies (like The Somaliland National Disaster Preparedness and Food Reserve Authority, or NADFOR) to deliver real-time drought and flood alerts via SMS, radio, and community leaders. Scientists provide the technical forecasts, and the government ensures communities receive them in actionable ways (e.g., moving livestock, storing fodder, harvesting rainwater). 

Finally, it is important to focus and plan for capacity building and policy alignment. For example, governments can invest in local climate research and training for officials. Scientists can help design evidence-based land management policies (e.g., banning unsustainable charcoal, guiding reforestation) and advise on climate-smart agriculture. Growing capacity to train extension workers ensures that government policies reach farmers and pastoralists effectively. 

Is your department collaborating across borders and disciplines to prepare for climate-related disasters?   

Yes, the Climate Change Department at the MoECC is actively collaborating with partners to strengthen preparedness for climate-related disasters. For example:  

• Regional Cooperation: We work with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an eight-country trade bloc and Regional Economic Community in Eastern Africa. IGAD hosts a Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) to access regional climate forecasts and early warning data. 

• Research Partnerships: We also collaborate with universities. For example, Amoud and University of Hargeisa and international partners to help generate applied research on drought resilience, land restoration, renewable energy, and disaster risk reduction. 

• Multidisciplinary Engagement: We work with climate advocates and civil society to help raise awareness at the community level and feed local knowledge into policy decisions. 

What inspired you to join the International Science Reserve – and why should others join too?  

I joined the International Science Reserve because I wanted to bridge the gap between global scientific knowledge and local action in Somaliland. Being part of this network allows me to learn from experts, share our experiences, and bring practical, evidence-based solutions to communities facing climate and environmental challenges.  

I encourage others in government to join because it strengthens the link between policy and science, enhances disaster preparedness, and empowers us to make decisions that can truly improve lives and build resilience for future generations. 

Going to Extreme Environments to Research our Changing Planet

Dr. Kimberley Rain Miner is an Earth scientist, professor, author, and motivational speaker. Dr. Miner is currently the Associate Program Manager for Wildland Fires at NASA and an extreme weather and health scholar at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in the United States.  

Ahead of Climate Week in New York City, Dr. Miner spoke to the International Science Reserve about her work and research in the Earth’s most extreme environments to understand how the planet is changing.  

Congrats on your new book! What inspired you to write it?  

Thank you! The goal of my book was to address the challenging questions I frequently encounter during lectures and talks. People have shared their concerns about food and water availability in the future, having kids, and even sustainable housing. My book seeks to address those topics in a way that is approachable for a variety of audiences. 

Your work focuses on the intersection of Earth system change and health. Why is working across disciplines essential to our understanding of a changing planet? 

There are so many complex ecosystems on this planet, not to mention the geology, atmosphere, and water cycle–it is a very intricate system. Human health is similar, with specialties focused on different parts of the human body and lifecycle. So, the challenge for those of us interested in both human and environmental health is bringing all of those experts and disciplines together to work on problems that impact us all.  

After the wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year, you supported a team at NASA that surveyed the damage and toxic chemicals released. What have you learned about the nature of chemicals in wildfires, and what do governments and disaster managers need to know to prepare? 

What we are learning again and again is that the compounds that humans release into the environment —intentionally or not —continue to cycle and move through the ecosystems. This can have severe impacts, particularly in the case of fires at the wildland-urban interface, where these chemicals are introduced to delicate ecosystems or systems that are already stressed and under threat.   

Humans are used to the Arctic being a sink for the planet. Snow falls, and with it, so does pollution from the atmosphere. Your research looks at how the rapid thawing of permafrost is not only releasing carbon and methane – but some lesser studied organisms and contaminants.  

What are you finding out about emerging hazards?  

My work on the release of legacy chemicals from both glaciers and permafrost in the Arctic has illuminated that the footprint of human civilization is everywhere. We found that compounds including nuclear and pesticide waste from the 1940s until now could be remobilized as the Arctic warms, a very concerning prospect.  

The Arctic is a resource rich region with rapidly evolving geopolitics. Why is it critical that scientists work together across borders, particularly in this region?  

The Arctic spans many nations, necessitating collaboration and engagement among scientists focusing on this region. We have worked together across nations for many years; this collaboration is a strength that helps produce cutting-edge scientific findings.  

I am sure our readers are, to put it lightly, a little terrified after learning more about your research. I sure am. What keeps you motivated/gives you hope?  

I am motivated to do research focused on human and natural system dynamics because I know that we can do better. We have the capacity to stop the release of chemicals and plastics into the environment, improving the health of the humans, animals, and insects who share this planet. I think there is a clear path to planetary health – I hope we decide to take it. 

Learning from History to Prepare for Future Public Health Emergencies

Dr. Landry Ndriko Mayigane is a technical officer for health emergency preparedness and response at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. In his role, he provides support to countries across the world to strengthen emergency preparedness and response capacities. 

Dr. Mayigane recently spoke to the International Science Reserve about his work and how collaborations, like the ISR, can contribute to better responses to public health crises. The interview was undertaken in his personal capacity and not in his official WHO capacity. 

How did you get involved in emergency preparedness and response?   

I have over 20 years of experience working on health emergencies. My journey began by supporting Senegal in building its national emergency preparedness efforts for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1). I went on to help West African countries respond to H5N1 when it was first declared on the continent in 2006, during my first UN assignment with the FAO’s Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases.

In 2014, while working for the African Union, I led a complex response to the Ebola outbreak in Guinea. There, I supervised a team of over 120 multidisciplinary health workers from 11 countries. I was honored with a Medal of Service to Humanity by the AU Chairperson, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in recognition of my bravery and leadership demonstrated during the outbreak. 

For nearly a decade, I have worked for WHO at both country and global levels. After Guinea, I moved to Mali to help the country build its capacity to prepare for and respond to health emergencies amid a compounded and protracted humanitarian crisis, particularly in the northern region. 

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020, after relocating from Mali to the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Switzerland in 2018, I led the development of a performance assessment tool known as the Intra-Action Review (IAR). This tool has been used globally to support course correction, continuous learning, and the improvement of national and subnational response strategies for the pandemic and other protracted emergencies. An analysis conducted in 2022 showed significant benefits from its implementation. As of 2 April 2025, 193 IARs have been conducted by 92 countries and reported to WHO. 

My current focus is on supporting countries in preventing, preparing for, and more effectively responding to future health emergencies—including the next pandemic—by building resilient learning systems. 

You recently co-authored a piece about learning from public health emergencies through the crisis of knowledge failure. Why is learning from history important?  

In public health, learning from history is crucial because it provides us with insights to guide future emergency responses. Past experiences reveal which strategies succeeded, highlight encountered challenges, and expose critical gaps in preparedness. By analyzing historical events, we can design resilient systems that are better equipped to handle emerging threats. We achieve this by leveraging the latest technology and developing systems that capture experiential knowledge from previous health emergencies. This approach creates a rich repository of lessons that bridges the gap between academic research and real-world practice. 

However, common approaches to learning in this field have significant limitations. Traditional methods often rely on retrospective analyses and published studies, which can delay the integration of valuable insights into current policies. This lag hinders timely improvements in emergency response. Moreover, these approaches tend to overlook the nuanced, context-specific experiences of frontline responders, resulting in strategies that may be overly generic and less effective when applied to complex, dynamic situations. An overemphasis on quantitative data can also obscure the qualitative insights essential for understanding the full scope of challenges faced during crises. 

Integrating historical lessons with experiential knowledge creates a more comprehensive learning process that fosters continuous improvement. This integration not only prevents the repetition of past mistakes but also promotes innovative, context-sensitive strategies for future outbreaks. Ultimately, embracing both quantitative analysis and qualitative wisdom strengthens public health systems, ensuring that our collective memory becomes a powerful tool in building a safer, more prepared global community. 

Moreover, by actively incorporating lessons learned into dynamic training and simulation exercises, public health practitioners can rapidly adapt strategies as new challenges emerge. This proactive approach accelerates learning cycles and reinforces a culture of preparedness and innovation, ensuring that both policy and practice remain responsive to the ever-changing landscape of global health threats. Learning from history saves lives. 

What is an Early Action Review (EAR)? 

Early Action Reviews (EARs) are proactive tools in public health designed to detect and address emerging threats before they escalate into full-blown outbreaks. Rather than waiting for a crisis to develop, EARs promote a gradual learning process—emphasizing early detection, rapid notification, and swift response.  

Central to this methodology is the use of the 7-1-7 target, a common benchmark that assesses the effectiveness of clinical, laboratory, and public health detection and response systems. Specifically, this target means that emerging threats should be detected within seven days, reported to the appropriate authorities within one day, and a comprehensive response initiated within seven days. 

At the heart of the EAR approach is the integration of real-time data analysis with the practical insights of frontline responders and community stakeholders. This balanced method combines quantitative metrics—such as surveillance data and epidemiological trends—with qualitative observations from those directly involved in early response efforts. By merging these data sources, EARs offer a comprehensive picture of potential threats, facilitating a deeper understanding of both statistical trends and on-the-ground realities. 

A key tactic within EARs is the implementation of scenario-based simulations and drills. These exercises test the robustness of existing emergency response plans under various hypothetical conditions, thereby revealing critical gaps and opportunities for improvement. Regularly conducting these reviews ensures that response strategies remain dynamic and adaptable, with resources optimally allocated before an outbreak intensifies. 

Furthermore, EARs foster cross-sector collaboration by engaging experts from government, healthcare, and local communities. This collaborative framework builds a unified, flexible response system that is responsive to the complexities of real-world situations. Ultimately, EARs shift public health from a reactive, crisis-management stance to one of proactive preparedness and continuous learning.

By emphasizing early intervention, EARs not only help prevent local outbreaks from evolving into pandemics but also enhance the overall resilience of health systems, saving lives and equipping communities to face future public health challenges. 

How can countries work together to prepare in advance for emergencies? 

Public health emergencies, such as pandemics, do not respect national borders. To effectively respond, countries must proactively collaborate and develop synchronized preparedness plans. By employing standardized methodologies such as EARs, countries can effectively learn from each other regarding early detection, rapid notification, and swift response to public health emergencies. This shared approach enables countries to “speak the same language” through common tools and methodologies. 

Importantly, such collaboration among countries is encouraged by the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), an international legal framework designed to prevent and manage public health risks. For example, Caribbean countries recently integrated EARs into their emergency preparedness strategies with support from the Pandemic Fund. In November 2024, a multi-country EAR exercise was organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (Headquarters), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and the 7-1-7 Alliance.

This event brought together participants from 12 Caribbean nations to enhance their capacities in outbreak detection, notification, and response. The participating countries included Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.  

Each country contributed recent 7-1-7 target data from their most recent outbreak, and collectively, they explored strategies to integrate EARs into their national health systems. This exercise helped countries proactively identify shared threats, system failures, and good practices, harmonize response protocols, and build mutual trust. 

With the support of PAHO and CARPHA, such EAR exercises support Caribbean countries in developing cohesive regional strategies. These strategies will ensure rapid, effective, and collective action to prevent and swiftly control public health crises as they emerge, ultimately safeguarding both local populations and the global community. 

How does bringing together experts, such as public health researchers, other scientists, and emergency responders, help? 

Such collaboration and partnerships, like with the ISR, facilitate the sharing of experiential knowledge, ensuring that insights gained from real-world emergencies inform science and predictive models, thus improving preparedness for and responses to future emergencies. By fostering continuous dialogue and joint action, these collaborations build trust and coherence among diverse stakeholders, enabling more effective and coordinated responses to health crises.  

Moreover, integrating experiential knowledge and evidence-based science into decision-making processes enhances the adaptability and resilience of health systems, ultimately safeguarding communities worldwide. Everyone has a role to play in preventing the next pandemic. 

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Disclaimer: Institutional affiliation is provided for identification purpose only and does not constitute institutional endorsement. Any views and opinions expressed are personal and belong solely to the individual and do not represent any people, institutions or organizations that the individual may be associated with in a personal or professional capacity unless explicitly stated.

Key Takeaways from ISR’s Global Survey on Cuts to Climate and Weather Data in US 

The US government is rapidly scaling back the collection, analysis, and availability of federal climate and weather datasets and systems. In the summer of 2025, the ISR surveyed its 20,000 members to better understand how these changes may impact researchers and experts across sectors, disciplines, and geographies.   

At the International Science Reserve, we want to understand the perspective of those who live and work outside of the US, but have relied on America’s “gold standard” climate and weather data and modeling for their own research.  

Survey respondents represented a variety of sectors and disciplines. Most that responded identified that they worked either in a professional sector (40%), such as emergency management or advising a municipality on disaster response—or are currently conducting research in a university setting (40%). Their expertise ranged throughout many disciplines, but environmental science, data science, and social science were some of the top areas of focus.  

Here are three major takeaways from the survey:  

1) Data cuts to US climate and weather data are already impacting researchers’ work.  

When asked whether changes to US federal climate and weather data in 2025 caused them to discontinue or significantly scale back this project, about 20% of participants said that their work was already impacted.   

The US has historically made data open and freely available to the world. 

One survey respondent, Dr. Fulya Aydin-Kandemir, a climate scientist and senior expert at the Climate Change and Zero Waste Department of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality in Türkiye, told the ISR that the global climate modeling system has benefited from the US open-source system: 

“We use many global data sources. But for decades, institutions like NASA and NOAA have set the global standard for Earth observation and climate science—providing a foundation upon which agencies like the European Space Agency (ESA) and The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) have also built their own impressive capabilities. Thanks to that legacy, we all became stronger in fighting climate change — together.” 

2) The majority of respondents were unsure about where they would go to replace US data given it has been the “gold standard” for decades.  

At the time of the survey in May and June 2025, nearly 60% of experts that responded were unsure where they would go to replace high-quality data. News reports have documented that scientists and citizens around the world are practicing “guerilla archiving,” meaning that they are downloading the existing databases before they are taken offline.   

Dr. Aydin-Kandemir noted that in a 2024 study of precipitation and snow cover analysis in the Central Taurus Mountains in southern Turkey, she found that US Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS), which has measured global rainfall for nearly three decades, outperformed European data in their study areas. “It wasn’t about preference—it was about what worked for our region. These datasets helped us uncover real signals of climate change.” 

Recent reporting by Reuters in August found that the EU and European governments are planning new initiatives that mirror or possibly end their dependency on United States scientific data sets. 

3) The biggest concern for researchers is long-term gaps in climate modeling and data.  

Most experts who participated in the survey identified that the US cuts could lead to long-term consequences for understanding climate change and adequately preparing communities to for the impacts of climate change.  Additionally, less accurate extreme weather and reduced trust were also identified as top concerns among respondents.  

Dr. Aydin-Kandemir went on to tell the ISR, “If the U.S. cuts off access to these datasets, it’s not just a technical loss—it’s a loss of trust, of global cooperation, and of motivation. These tools represent decades of shared scientific progress. They make our work possible. In the face of the climate crisis, we need more collaboration—not isolation.” 

Whether or not you responded to our survey or are directly impacted, your perspective matters to the International Science Reserve.  

If you are an ISR member, please join us on the Digital Hub Discussion to further discuss your concerns and the potential consequences of cuts to US climate and weather data. Your perspective will help inform future programming, advocacy, and community support. 

Preparing for Abrupt Hazard Events with a Gamified Volcanic Eruption and Supply Chain Disruption Scenario 

Iceland recently marked the 15th anniversary of the eruption of its Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which erupted in 2010 and sent volcanic ash across Europe. The volcano’s impact brought Europe’s aviation system to a standstill with more than 100,000 canceled flights.   

Depending on the size and scale of an eruption, volcanic ash can blanket large areas of farmland, smother crops, and even make the soil less fertile while causing even further-reaching effects on global food security. The ash from the 2010 eruption not only coated and destroyed local Icelandic farmers’ agricultural fields, but the mass flight cancelations left farmers as far away as Kenya with rotting vegetables and thousands of workers were laid off.  

Eyjafjallajökull’s eruption was relatively small by global standards, yet contemporary volcanic eruptions provide important clues for researchers studying the vulnerability of interconnected global systems like aviation and food supply chains during a crisis—and how to strengthen them ahead of future hazards.  

Larger eruptions, such as Mount Pinatubo in 1991, spewed out enough sun blocking material to shade and cool the planet, leading to larger and longer-term climatic impacts. More recent research has shown that climate change may make the impact of volcanic eruptions wider by spreading ash further—causing more disruption and potential for a cool down in the climate. 

In the International Science Reserve’s latest “serious game,” the Volcanic Eruption Game, we put scientist in the driver’s seat to play out what they would do during a hypothetical volcanic eruption. In the game, a volcano erupts in Indonesia and injects dangerous levels of sulfur into the atmosphere.  

The game asks players to be decision-makers in crisis. Players must consider how the eruption will disrupt food supply chains around the world and how to reduce the scenario’s most harmful impacts. By playing this game, the players are able to explore how to respond to an abrupt hazard event like a volcanic eruption, and how their choices may change based on shifting situations, incomplete information, and risk assessments. 

The International Science Reserve, now a network of scientists more than 20,000 scientists and scientific institutions, uses games to simulate real-life scenarios or drills that can improve the capacity to collaborate, communicate, and make informed decisions in high-pressure crisis situations. Gamification through ISR’s suite of “serious games,” makes the experience of learning crisis preparedness skills more engaging for participants, encouraging wider participation, and contributing towards a culture of readiness. 

Ready to try it out yourself? Play the ISR’s Volcanic Eruption Game! Earn badges, climb the leaderboard, and be recognized as a top player and top contributor in a global scientific community. 

A hydrologist talks about working together to curb crises 

Dr. Kaushlendra Verma, a hydrologist from India and ISR community member, currently serves as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Météo-France, in Toulouse. His research endeavors contribute significantly to our understanding of global hydrological systems and their dynamics, particularly in the context of climate change.  

Driven by a profound interest in monitoring and effectively managing freshwater resources, Dr. Verma employs innovative techniques such as remote sensing and satellite altimetry to collect crucial data on the topography of surface water and water level changes. His efforts aim to deepen our understanding of Earth’s intricate water dynamics and chart a course towards sustainable management of our planet’s most vital resource. 

Dr. Verma recently spoke to the International Science Reserve about his research and how the ISR can be useful for cross-border collaboration on crisis. 

Can you tell us a little bit more about your research?  

At Météo-France, my research focuses on understanding how climate change impacts Earth’s water dynamics, particularly regarding freshwater resources. Using advanced techniques like remote sensing, we’re uncovering new insights into the behavior of water-bodies, including rivers and lakes, under changing climatic conditions.  

One fascinating aspect we are discovering is the intricate relationship between precipitation patterns and hydrological processes, shedding light on how climate variability affects the availability and distribution of freshwater resources impacting ecosystems and human livelihoods at the global scale. 

Population growth, industrialization, and climate change are all pushing the boundaries of the global freshwater supply. What role do hydrologists play in helping decision-makers understand these risks?

Hydrologists play a crucial role in providing valuable insights to decision-makers regarding freshwater management and sustainability. Through meticulous analysis of vast datasets and sophisticated modeling techniques, we assess the risks associated with freshwater scarcity and help devise effective mitigation strategies.  

Whether it’s optimizing water allocation, developing resilient infrastructure, or guiding international agreements on trans-boundary water resources, hydrologists provide the scientific foundation for informed decision-making at both local and global levels, ensuring the long-term viability of freshwater resources for future generations. 

Recent events underscore the urgency of scientific insights in water management. In Sudan’s Arbaat Dam collapse (August 2024), extreme rainfall led to catastrophic failure, displacing communities and highlighting vulnerabilities in water infrastructure. Similarly, the 2024–2025 floods across Southeast and South Asia have affected millions, emphasizing the need for accurate hydrological forecasts and adaptive management strategies. 

Beyond disasters, hydrologists also support proactive crisis prevention. In case of Cape Town, South Africa, which faced a severe water crisis in 2018 due to a combination of drought, population growth, and inadequate water infrastructure. Hydrologists were instrumental in analyzing rainfall patterns, groundwater levels, and reservoir capacities to forecast water availability accurately. Their research enabled policymakers to implement water-saving measures, such as rationing and infrastructure upgrades, to avert a catastrophic water shortage. 

Furthermore, in response to the ongoing drought crisis in the Western United States, hydrologists have been actively involved in water resource management efforts. With shrinking snow-pack, dwindling reservoir levels, and increasing competition for water among various stakeholders, hydrologists employ advanced modeling techniques to forecast water availability, assess drought impacts, and develop adaptive strategies. By collaborating with policymakers, hydrologists help inform decisions on water allocation, conservation measures, and long-term planning to mitigate the effects of drought on ecosystems and communities. 

The UN recently stated that we are “careering towards a global water crisis,” with a 40% shortfall in freshwater resources predicted by 2030 and called for increased global cooperation. What are the benefits to collaborating more across borders, and across disciplines to better manage freshwater systems? 

Collaboration across borders and disciplines holds immense promise in addressing the complex challenges of freshwater management on a global scale. For example, the flow of water in some rivers may be governed by agreements between countries. However, monitoring this flow can be problematic for both technical and economic reasons. By fostering international cooperation, hydrologists can share expertise, data, and best practices, facilitating more holistic and effective approaches to freshwater conservation and management. 

Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration amplifies the impact of hydrology research by integrating insights from diverse fields such as ecology, economics, and governance. For instance, the Nile Basin Initiative brings together hydrologists, economists, and policymakers from riparian countries to address shared challenges in water management. By combining hydrological modeling with socioeconomic analysis and stakeholder engagement, interdisciplinary teams develop inclusive water governance frameworks and equitable allocation mechanisms that promote cooperation and mitigate conflicts. 

In another example, the Mekong River Basin in Southeast Asia spans multiple countries and supports millions of livelihoods. Hydrologists from countries like China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam collaborate to monitor water flow, sediment transport, and ecosystem health in the basin. By sharing hydrological data and conducting joint research, these scientists facilitate informed decision-making on dam operations, flood management, and sustainable water use, fostering cooperation and reducing the risk of conflicts over water resources. 

Why did you join the International Science Reserve, and why would you encourage others to join? 

My decision to join the International Science Reserve (ISR) stems from its invaluable role as a platform for fostering global scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange. ISR provides a unique opportunity for researchers from diverse backgrounds to come together, share insights, and collaborate on addressing pressing global challenges.  

By joining the ISR, researchers gain access to a vast network of experts, resources, and opportunities for collaboration, enabling them to amplify the impact of their research and contribute meaningfully to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing global challenges. 

Using genomic sequencing to treat disease in the Horn of Africa 

Souad Elmi is an ISR community member and public health microbiologist who works in the National Reference Laboratory at Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti. She has experience in medical laboratory and public health initiatives, including infection control, epidemiology, antimicrobial stewardship, malaria, and tuberculosis (TB).  

She is passionate about using genomic sequencing to identify and treat the complicated diseases that plague her region in the Horn of Africa.

The International Science Reserve spoke to Souad about her goals to achieve health, sustainability, and well-being for all people. 

How did you get started in public health?  

My journey into public health and infection control began with my work as a medical laboratory scientist, where I witnessed the devastating impact of infectious diseases, particularly TB, HIV, which are complicated by antimicrobial resistance. Seeing patients suffer from preventable and treatable illnesses due to gaps in diagnostics and public health interventions motivated me to specialize in public health microbiology. My passion for health equity and disease prevention grew as I realized the urgent need for improved surveillance, diagnostics, and sustainable solutions to control infectious diseases in vulnerable populations, especially in the Horn of Africa. 

What projects are you currently working on?

Currently, I am working on molecular diagnostics related to TB in the National Reference Laboratory at Peltier General Hospital in Djibouti. My research focuses on drug resistance patterns and genomic sequencing to track TB strains and improve treatment strategies. Additionally, I am involved in antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, aiming to combat antibiotic resistance through laboratory-based surveillance and policy recommendations. These projects are crucial in strengthening disease control efforts and informing public health interventions in the region. 

Djibouti has one of the higher rates of tuberculosis in the world, but in recent years, the country has made efforts to reduce that number and close the gap. What have you seen as successful practices on this public health issue?  

Djibouti has made significant progress in TB control through enhanced case detection, rapid molecular diagnostics, and patient-centered treatment approaches. The introduction of GeneXpert technology, which allows for the detection of specific genetic material in a biological sample using a technique called nucleic acid amplification, has improved early detection of drug-resistant TB by reducing the time to acquiring diagnostic results from weeks to hours. Community-based interventions have increased treatment adherence by patients. Strengthening laboratory capacity and integrating TB care with HIV services have also played a vital role in reducing TB incidence. However, investment in genomic surveillance, social support programs, and health system strengthening is essential to further close the gap. 

What more could scientists be doing to work together on persistent public health issues that you study, like malaria and tuberculosis?  

Scientists need to foster greater collaboration in genomic research, data sharing, and interdisciplinary approaches to tackling infectious diseases. Strengthening regional laboratory networks, expanding access to sequencing technologies, and integrating artificial intelligence for disease surveillance can significantly enhance early detection and response efforts. Additionally, partnerships between researchers, policymakers, and local communities are crucial to developing sustainable solutions that address both biomedical and social determinants of health. Investing in capacity-building and mentorship programs will also empower young scientists in resource-limited settings to contribute meaningfully to public health advancements. 

Why did you join the ISR, and why would you encourage others to join too? 

I joined the ISR because I believe in the power of scientific collaboration to address global health crises, particularly in regions facing resource constraints. Being part of an international network allows me to engage with experts from diverse fields, access cutting-edge research, and contribute to global preparedness efforts for emerging diseases. I encourage others to join ISR to collaborate on innovative solutions, share expertise, and strengthen scientific resilience in the face of complex public health challenges. Together, we can drive impactful change and improve health outcomes worldwide. 

Meet ISR’s new Program Manager 

The International Science Reserve (ISR) is pleased to announce that Christopher Moore has joined our team as Program Manager.  

Chris comes to the ISR with 15 years of international leadership experience in the public and private sectors ranging from international development and crisis response at the International Rescue Committee, aiding refugees from the Syrian Civil War, in addition to his service as a Special Operations Intelligence Officer in the United States Air Force and as an international volunteer in the Ukraine conflict.   

We recently spoke with Chris about his hopes and goals for the ISR in the next few years.  

Why does the world need the International Science Reserve at this moment?  

As the complexity and quantity of crises around the world increase, new challenges will emerge that will require continuous learning and adaptation to address them. Many governments and institutions lack the capacity or expertise to prepare and address all possible scenarios—especially crises that may be unforeseen. The ISR can help address this challenge by tapping into a deep bench of scientists on an as-needed basis without the cost and complexity that would arise if each institution or government tried to address all possible crisis scenarios with their own staff.  

No one institution can be everywhere, but via the ISR, institutions can be connected to ISR’s community of scientists who are ready around the globe and eager to be of assistance when the world needs their expertise.  The world needs the ISR to help create those relationships and foster a community of practice around continuous learning and preparation across disciplines and borders. 

What lessons will you bring from your prior work to help train scientists to act when a major, cross-border emergency hits? 

In any crisis, the time it takes to respond is the most critical factor in saving lives and reducing harm. When dealing with disasters, there are also snowball effects. If a situation becomes not just linearly worse, but exponentially worse, problems become intractable. Especially if problems are not addressed before a tipping point. Anything that can be done to shorten the response window during a crisis is worth resolving before a crisis happens.   For example, during the pandemic, governments delayed evidence-based mitigation efforts, such as reducing travel. This, in turn, allowed the pathogen to spread rapidly around the globe when it may have been possible to curtail its spread to a particular region. 

I have learned that preparedness exercises that teach you the basic skills of addressing a disaster become invaluable when a crisis hits. Even simple things like decision trees, templates, checklists, pre-identified groups and communication channels, and pre-existing relationships with institutions and practitioners can be invaluable in high stress and high stakes situations. 

Given the volatile nature of social media and online dialogue lately, what positive role can the ISR play in bringing scientists together online to collaborate in the ISR’s Digital Hub? 

Having a separate discussion environment for scientists to collaborate with each other can mitigate the volatility of other platforms and help them focus on the important tasks at hand. Part of fostering a focused crisis response community is making sure that everyone participating is there for the same goal: to learn and share resources. 

Further, given how easy it is to misinterpret complex data or draw conclusions from scientific studies, and the difficulty all institutions have with navigating the mass media environment, our network of scientists will likely find it more effective to collaborate amongst themselves. This is important before they address the wider public in a crisis scenario where it becomes even more important to practice good communication and establish trust that may be difficult to recover once a misinterpretation or misinformation has traveled around the world. 

What are your hopes and goals for the International Science Reserve in 2-3 years? 

My hope is for ISR to grow not only its network of scientists, but also its relationships with private and public institutions, so that no matter where in the world a crisis develops, we are ready to help via our access to the top minds and resources everywhere. Since we are relatively new, my goal is to develop a community of practice among the world’s scientists, with a library of best practices, case studies, realistic scenarios, planning exercises, and “serious games.” We want to become a go-to resource when a crisis requires scientific expertise.