Many of the world's 21st century challenges are global in nature, and solving them will require nations to make a deep commitment to international science cooperation, AAAS CEO Alan I. Leshner and University of British Columbia Stephen J. Toope say in a new commentary in the Vancouver Sun.

Research in health, communication, and decoding the human genome are just a few of the fields in which multinational efforts have been--and continue to be--crucial for driving innovation that benefits all of humanity, the authors write. The choice of Vancouver as the setting for 2012 AAAS Annual Meeting symbolizes and celebrates the promise of collaboration.

"Increasingly, innovation will hinge upon international research collaborations," they write. "At the same time, strong, consistent support for basic as well as applied research will be critical to finding the paths to improving human welfare."

Research institutions and scientists themselves must invest the energy and resources to develop and support international research connections. "We must expand our international perspective whenever possible, join in multinational projects, and serve as mentors when colleagues in developing nations ask for our help," they said.