Letter from Rio-2013 on the Role of Science Academies in Grand Challenges and Integrated Innovations for Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication

The IAP Conference on "Grand Challenges and Integrated Innovations: Science for Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development" was hosted by the Brazilian Academy of Sciences in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Conference took place on 25 - 26 February 2013, with the Opening Ceremony on the evening of Sunday 24 February 2013. The Conference was followed by the IAP General Assembly on Wednesday 27 February 2013.

The overarching goals of the Conference were to:

1. Highlight the important contributions of science to poverty eradication and sustainable development
2. Connect IAP academies and members with Grand Challenge opportunities
3. Provide opportunity for IAP academies and members to shape future Grand Challenges
4. Showcase innovators, particularly young innovators, tackling these Grand Challenges