Call for consultants: Technologies that impact science systems | deadline: 28 September

Background and objectives

The International Science Council (ISC) established the Centre for Science Futures in May 2023 to provide thought-leadership on transformations shaping the future of science systems. Through its Science Systems Futures project, supported by a grant from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Centre is examining the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies on science systems. The project has produced a report on AI preparedness in national research ecosystems,  accompanied by a set of 18 country case studies.

In May 2025, a strategic retreat co-hosted with the African Academy of Sciences explored how emerging technologies can foster equitable and resilient science systems in the Global South. Building on the retreat, the ISC will consolidate the discussions into a set of four technology profiles – analytical briefs designed to explore the potential impact of selected technologies on science systems in the Global South. Specifically, the four emerging technologies that were identified for the development of dedicated profiles are:

1. New connectivity technologies are the next generation of communication systems enabling faster, more reliable, and more intelligent links between people, devices and data. They go beyond traditional internet and mobile networks to include innovations like 6G wireless, quantum networks, edge computing, and delay-tolerant networking, with potential to transform research and collaboration.
2. Data storage and sharing technologies provide the infrastructure that enables researchers to manage and exchange the rapidly growing volumes of digital information. In the Global South, questions of access, affordability, and capacity to develop and maintain such infrastructure are critical. Beyond technical solutions like cloud platforms or distributed systems, attention is needed to the skills, policies, and institutional frameworks that ensure data can be securely stored, effectively shared, and used to strengthen collaboration and innovation.
3. Robotics and AI: Robotics creates machines capable of sensing, interacting with their environment, and performing tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence. AI enhances these systems by enabling them to learn, adapt, and tackle complex problems, driving applications in sectors from healthcare to manufacturing and research.
4. Extended reality: Virtual reality (VR) immerses users in computer-generated environments, while extended reality (XR) blends virtual, augmented, and mixed reality to merge digital and physical worlds. These technologies open new possibilities for research, training, and collaboration through advanced simulation, visualization, and remote engagement.
   
   

Services required

The consultant(s) will develop the outline and full written content, with references, for one or more of the technology profiles on new connectivity, data storage and sharing, robotics and AI, and virtual and extended reality. Consultants can submit proposals for the delivery of all four profiles, or for a subset of these.

The precise technologies addressed in each profile will be agreed upon with the selected consultant(s) during the contracting phase, and suggestions as part of the proposed approach are encouraged.

The profiles are expected to be short (max 10 pages) and should provide a structured overview that addresses :

• Technology overview: What the technology is, how it works, and why it is considered an emerging technology.
• Current status in the Global South: Levels of adoption or experimentation, notable initiatives or institutions, and whether the technology is being imported, co-developed, or locally developed (with comparisons across regions where relevant).
• Opportunities for science and research: How the technology can enhance research, data collection, collaboration, and innovation, including use cases across disciplines (e.g. health, agriculture, climate, education).
• Challenges and risks: Barriers to adoption or scale, such as cost, infrastructure gaps, ethical or political concerns, and risks of inequality or exclusion.
• Enabling conditions: Infrastructure and resources (e.g. connectivity, electricity, data systems, labs, funding) and human capital (skills, expertise, training, and institutional capacity) required for effective and equitable uptake.
• Glossary of terms: To ensure accessibility to a wide audience.
• References: Properly formatted references to relevant literature and data sources to enable transparency and further exploration by readers.

The profiles should be written in clear language, as they should serve as a resource for policy-makers, research funders, academic institutions, and private sector actors committed to supporting inclusive and future-oriented science systems.

Content development

The consultant(s) will be expected to develop the technology profile(s) using materials from the strategic retreat mentioned above (to be provided by the ISC) as well as their own desk-based research. Consultants may also choose to conduct targeted stakeholder consultations (e.g. expert interviews, small group discussions, or written exchanges) to strengthen the analysis. Where consultations are undertaken, the ISC Secretariat can help identify relevant experts and institutions, but the consultant(s) will be responsible for facilitating the process and integrating the insights into the profiles. Submissions should include details on the proposed approach and methodology for the development of the technology profiles.

While the focus will be on the four technology areas listed above, the ISC is also interested in identifying and gaining insight into other emerging technologies that may significantly influence science and innovation systems in the Global South. Consultants are encouraged to highlight such technologies in their proposals (see proposal template in the submission form).

Technology profile preparation

The consultant(s) will first submit an outline of each technology profile to the ISC project team for feedback and approval. Once agreed, the consultant will develop the full profile. Completed drafts will then undergo external review, coordinated by the ISC project team. Following this, the consultant will revise the profiles in response to the review before final delivery. The profiles should be provided in digital, editable format.

Visual design and layout services are not required.

Indicative budget

Indicative budget: 500-800 EUR/day (including any and all taxes) depending on experience, based on an estimation of 10-15 day for each profile.

Requirements

Experience and expertise

• Demonstrable knowledge and experience across the thematic areas of the project and at least one of the emerging technologies specified in this call.
• Demonstrated experience in, knowledge of, or networks with science organizations in the Global South.

Research and knowledge management

• Experience in knowledge gathering, recording, and synthesizing technical information into comprehensive, concise briefs.

Project management

• Excellent organizational skills to handle consultations, knowledge gathering, and report preparation.

Communication skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to facilitate and direct discussions with international experts.
• Experience in presentation of results, advising on infographics, graphs or other visualization aids (you will not be required to create these aids yourself).

Global South presence

• Ideally, the consultant is based in the Global South.

Criteria for evaluation

The ISC will assess offers on the following criteria:

• Project management capabilities
• Thematic and technical expertise
• Written and oral communication skills
• Relevant experience
• Knowledge management and reporting approach
• Methodology and work plan
• Cost effectiveness

Timeline

The detailed timeline of the scoping exercise, consultation with experts and drafting of the papers will be co-developed with the consultant(s).

A tentative timeline is as follows:

• Publication of the call: 5 September 2025
• Deadline for submissions: 28 September 2025
• Selection period: 28 September – 12 October 2025 
• Commencement of services: mid-October 2025
• Submission of technology profile outlines: November 2025
• Submission of papers for external review: mid-January 2025
• Revision of profiles: January 2026
• Publication of profiles: February 2026
  

Contact

If you have any questions, you can contact Felix Dijkstal, Science Officer, at [email protected].

Photo by Julien Tromeur on Unsplash