ABOUT

The Society of Tropical Science and Technology (SoTST) was founded with a clear and ambitious mission: to promote the practice, education, training, and professional development of science and technology across the tropical world. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in tropical environments, SoTST brings together a diverse community of researchers, professionals, educators, and practitioners who are united by their commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and applying technological innovation in ways that directly benefit societies in the tropics. The society’s influence spans ASEAN countries, Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania, regions that collectively house a significant proportion of the global population and encompass some of the richest, yet most vulnerable, ecosystems on Earth.

Despite being relatively young and modest in membership, comprising 60 active members, SoTST plays a vital role in fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and advocating for science and technology as engines of sustainable growth and development. Its membership is intentionally multidisciplinary, cutting across civil and environmental engineering, pollution management, business studies, humanities, and education. This breadth ensures that scientific and technological advancements are not viewed in isolation but are contextualized within social, economic, and cultural frameworks that are crucial for meaningful application.

Mission and Objectives

The core objectives of SoTST serve as the guiding principles for its activities and long-term vision.

1. Promoting Research in Science and Technology in Developing Countries
   The tropics are home to many developing countries where scientific research infrastructure is still emerging or underfunded. SoTST recognizes that without strong research foundations, nations in these regions may struggle to address pressing challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, public health crises, and industrial development. The society actively encourages collaborative research projects, facilitates access to international funding streams, and creates opportunities for scientists in developing nations to publish and disseminate their work. By doing so, SoTST helps to bridge the research gap between developed and developing regions.

2. Integrating Professional and Public Education
   Science and technology can only drive progress if they are understood, embraced, and supported by both professionals and the wider public. SoTST therefore places a strong emphasis on education and outreach. It advocates for curriculum reform to integrate tropical-specific issues into school and university education, while also offering professional training programs, workshops, and seminars that keep practitioners up to date with the latest developments. By integrating professional training with public education, SoTST ensures that knowledge flows seamlessly from researchers to practitioners and from classrooms to communities.

3. Providing a Forum for Knowledge Exchange
   One of SoTST’s most important roles is serving as a forum where scientists and professionals can share their research findings, insights, and innovations. Conferences, symposia, and online platforms hosted by the society provide critical spaces for dialogue. These events attract a range of participants, including industrial professionals, legislators, policy makers, and members of the public. By engaging stakeholders from multiple sectors, SoTST not only promotes scientific excellence but also ensures that new knowledge informs decision-making at every level of society.

4. Raising Awareness of Research Opportunities
   Many professionals in tropical regions remain unaware of the diverse research options and potential collaborations available to them. SoTST addresses this gap by publicizing funding calls, fellowship opportunities, collaborative grants, and capacity-building programs. Its newsletters, online bulletins, and social media channels are designed to make such information widely accessible. Raising awareness of research opportunities empowers local scientists and professionals to take advantage of global networks and resources, thereby enhancing the overall scientific capacity of tropical nations.

5. Disseminating Accurate Information on Science and Technology
   In an era of misinformation, particularly concerning scientific and technological matters, SoTST prioritizes the dissemination of accurate, evidence-based knowledge. It curates publications, policy briefs, and public lectures that communicate complex research in accessible language. This ensures that communities across the tropics are equipped with reliable information to make informed decisions about health, environment, and economic development.

Multidisciplinary Reach

A distinguishing feature of SoTST is its multidisciplinary character. Unlike many scientific societies that focus on narrow fields, SoTST intentionally encompasses a wide array of disciplines, reflecting the interconnectedness of challenges in tropical regions.

• Civil and Environmental Engineering: Addressing infrastructure development, sustainable housing, and resilient systems in flood-prone and cyclone-prone areas.

• Pollution and Environmental Management: Tackling air and water pollution, industrial waste management, and environmental monitoring to ensure ecological balance.

• Engineering and Technology: Applying innovations in energy, transportation, and information technology to overcome geographical and developmental barriers.

• Business and Economics: Examining how technological advancements can spur entrepreneurship, improve trade, and create sustainable economic growth.

• Humanities and Social Sciences: Ensuring that cultural, ethical, and historical perspectives are integrated into scientific and technological applications.

• Education: Developing curricula, training programs, and lifelong learning opportunities to cultivate the next generation of tropical scientists and professionals.

This integration allows SoTST to function as a holistic society, recognizing that science and technology cannot be separated from human context.

Capacity Building and Future Goals

Looking ahead, SoTST envisions expanding beyond its current 60 members to become a global network of thousands of professionals. Its future goals include:

• Establishing regional chapters in Africa, South America, and Oceania to decentralize activities and empower local leadership.

• Launching peer-reviewed journals dedicated to tropical science and technology.

• Building partnerships with universities, governments, and international agencies to create scholarship programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Developing online learning platforms that offer certificate courses on tropical issues such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation.

• Creating industry partnerships to ensure that scientific research directly informs industrial practices and innovation in the tropics.

Through these initiatives, SoTST aims not only to advance science and technology but also to improve the quality of life for people in tropical regions, ensuring that research translates into tangible societal benefits.