From June 22 to 29, 2025, the RASIT Science in Braille Global Initiative organized a groundbreaking workshop in collaboration with the Asteroid Foundation held at the Centre for Visual Impairment in Luxembourg. Led by Prof. Wanda Díaz-Merced, the director of the Science in Braille Global Initiative, and intern Xandra M. Peña Díaz, the workshop offered dual tracks specifically designed for educators and students aged seven to thirteen who have visual impairments. Participants engaged with a variety of topics, including asteroid trajectories, solar energy, coordinates, galaxies, atomic structures, and stellar evolution, all through innovative and sensory-based learning modalities. This workshop not only expanded RASIT’s expertise in providing inclusive, sensory-driven education but also elevated public awareness about multisensory science, promoting equity in STEM education for learners with disabilities.

From July 2 to August 8, 2025, the RASIT Science in Braille Global Initiative, in collaboration with the Consejo Estatal de Deficiencias del Desarrollo, conducted a workshop in Puerto Rico focused on ecological research methods for fifteen participants from the autism community with multiple developmental disabilities. The program was directed by Prof. Wanda Díaz-Merced and Dr. Vivian Mestay, both leaders in the Science in Braille Global Initiative. This hands-on curriculum incorporated coastal fieldwork, where participants engaged in activities such as identifying snail species, collecting magnetite samples, and analyzing data related to salinity, pH, temperature, luminescence, and vegetation. Despite facing challenges, including difficult terrain and the need for tailored support for one participant with intermittent attendance, the team delivered a highly interactive and neurodiverse-friendly experience. Internally, the workshop enhanced RASIT Science in Braille Global Initiative capabilities in inclusive field training and adaptive learning processes. It culminated in a graduation ceremony on August 8, highlighting the initiative's success. Externally, the workshop showcased the potential of inclusive science to foster ecological literacy, spark interest in robotics, and encourage meaningful hands-on engagement for individuals with developmental disabilities.

On June 28, 2025, RASIT Science in Braille Global Initiative, in collaboration with the Asteroid Foundation, hosted a public Sonification Concert in Luxembourg. The event was spearheaded by Prof. Wanda Díaz-Merced, Director of the Science in Braille Global Initiative, and Jeffrey Aramouny, Junior Officer on the RASIT Executive Board. The concert aimed to convert complex scientific data into engaging auditory experiences for educators, parents, scientists, and community members. This landmark event not only enhanced RASIT’s public communication capabilities and demonstrated the effectiveness of inclusive outreach methods but also generated significant interest in data sonification and accessible science. Furthermore, it paved the way for new partnerships and collaborations with disability advocacy and science education organizations.

In a spirited dialogue, Prof. Wanda Díaz-Merced and saxophonist Danny Jung illuminate how multisensoriality in music can boost human well-being by weaving together sound, touch, and space to create deeply immersive experiences. Díaz-Merced, drawing on her expertise in sonification and nonvisual perception, emphasizes how integrating haptic feedback and dynamic tactile maps with musical phrases can open new pathways for listeners with visual impairments, while Jung describes layering textured harmonies and spatialized saxophone lines to evoke emotional landscapes that resonate beyond the ear. Together, they argue that by advancing the science of multisensorial design, combining neuroscience insights, sensory-adaptive technologies, and artistic creativity, we can tackle challenges of isolation, sensory overload, and accessibility, crafting musical encounters that nurture empathy, cognitive engagement, and inclusive connection for audiences of all abilities.

Diversity in perspective enriches innovation, yet persons with disabilities face challenging barriers to accessing science and technology opportunities to join the science and technology workforce, thus limiting the diversity of perspectives that enrich the STI ecosystem and make significant contributions to the world’s scientific innovation enterprise. Broadening the participation of disabled individuals in STI is crucial for socio-economic sustainable development through scientific discovery and innovation.

David Grossman investigates the concept of sonification to establish connections between astronomy, art, and inclusive access, aiming to support socio-economic sustainable development. He provides practical strategies for integrating artistic creativity into scientific research, contributing to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, and 17. By fostering interdisciplinary innovation and igniting creative problem-solving across fields such as astronomy and data science, Grossman embeds sonification at the intersection of science, art, and accessibility. This approach not only opens new avenues for "hearing" the universe but also serves as a blueprint for inclusive, resilient, and people-centered research and development—critical components of sustainable and human development.

Dr. Elizabeth B. Torres's conversation with policymakers and stakeholders underscore her groundbreaking work on involuntary micromovements, which significantly contribute to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing access to precision diagnostics and personalized interventions for individuals of all abilities. By utilizing non-invasive sensors and video-based analytics to analyze stochastic movement patterns in neonates and neurodiverse populations, her research advances SDG 3 through earlier detection and customized treatment of atypical neurodevelopment, promotes SDG 9 by fostering the development of cutting-edge assistive technologies, and supports SDG 10 by ensuring that objective, data-driven metrics guide inclusive care for autism, sensory-processing disorders, and other neurological conditions. This conversation brings forward the need for investing in science for sustainable development. Dr. Torres' work serves as a prime example of enhancing clinical decision-making and demonstrates how interdisciplinary innovation can effectively tackle health disparities, reinforcing the commitment to leaving no one behind.

During the 10th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly and in celebration of the 5th Anniversary of the Science in Braille Global Initiative, Dr. Cary A. Supalo, representing the Science in Braille team, delivered an impassioned address underscoring the indispensable contributions of blind and other professionals with disabilities to sustainable development. He emphasized that equitable access to education unlocks the full potential of every learner, while accessible scientific resources and adaptive technologies empower researchers with disabilities to become innovators and leaders. Dr. Supalo further highlighted the necessity of inclusive employment practices and equitable access to funding and mentorship, asserting that professionals with disabilities are not mere beneficiaries of progress but active change makers whose lived experiences invigorate scientific inquiry with fresh perspectives. He called upon Member States to embed accessibility into all STEM policies and programmes, noting that a science ecosystem leaving no one behind is fundamental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In honouring the legacy of the Royal Academy of Science International Trust and its Science in Braille Global Initiative, Dr. Supalo reminded the international community that empowering every mind accelerates our collective journey toward a more equitable and resilient world.

Dr. Mona Minkara, Director of the RASIT Science in Braille Global Initiative, delivered a keynote address at the 9th International Day of Women and Girls in Science, held at the UN General Assembly on February 8-9, 2024, emphasizing the critical importance of including women with disabilities in both national and international decision-making processes. She underscored their essential role as change agents in advancing sustainable development's three pillars: economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental integrity. Dr. Minkara illustrated how women with disabilities significantly contribute to scientific fields, particularly in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on SDG 16 and SDG 17, as well as their interconnections with SDGs 1, 2, and 13. She advocated for disability-inclusive leadership in diplomacy and international affairs, promoting accessibility and human rights-centered approaches to equitable socio-economic development. The assembly was further enriched by insights from accomplished blind scientists and RASIT fellows, including Prof. Wanda Díaz-Merced, Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen, Dr. Henry Bryce Wedler, and Dr. Cary A. Supalo, who shared their expertise and lived experiences across all panels.

In fulfilment of RASIT’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Transforming Education Summit’s call to action, RASIT is launching innovative science kits in Braille through the workshop “Transforming Science Education: Accessible Sustainability.” This STEM-focused programme empowers blind children with hands-on learning experiences: in small groups, participants use snap-circuit electronic modules to assemble a smart cane—an assistive device equipped with sensors that measure distance to obstacles and support independent navigation. Held at United Nations Headquarters on 10 February 2023, the workshop was moderated by Ms Paola Ferrari, Director of the Girls in Science 4 SDGs International Platform, and inaugurated by HRH Prince Zain El-Hashemite, Founder of the Value Veda International Campaign for Science Education H.E. Ambassador Walton Alfonso Webson, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations and Ms Lauren Rumble, Director for Gender Equality at UNICEF.

At the 5th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly, the outcome document endorsed by 77 Member States, explicitly urged in Paragraph 24 the investment in empowering disabled women and girls as both agents and beneficiaries of sustainable development programs. In fulfilment of its commitments to the 2030 Agenda and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, RASIT introduced a conversation with its fellow blind scientists aims to advance accessible, inclusive, and diverse science. Moderated by H.E. Ambassador Vanessa Frazier and inaugurated by H.E. Ambassador Walton Alfonso Webson and Mr. W. David Power, the conversation featured video messages from Dr. Michelle Mele, Prof. Wanda Díaz-Merced, and Dr. Naheda Sahtout, followed by a panel with Dr. Mona Minkara, Dr. Cary Supalo, Mr. Sina Bahram, Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen, Dr. Henry Bryce Wedler, and Dr. Matthew Guberman-Pfeffer, who showcased the achievements of Science in Braille fellows and presented best practices and solutions to promote the rights of blind and visually impaired individuals—particularly women and girls—in science, education, literacy, employment, and their inclusion as agents of change in sustainable development.

A discussion on "Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion of Science for Sustainable Development" brought together H.E. Mr. Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, and members of the RASIT Science in Braille Global Initiative, including Dr. Mona Minkara, Dr. Cary Supalo, Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen, Dr. Henry Bryce Wedler, Dr. Matthew Guberman-Pfeffer, and Mr. Cihan Ozalevli. The dialogue centered on the initiative's objectives to enhance accessibility to science for individuals with disabilities and to promote equal opportunities, emphasizing that professionals with disabilities can serve as vital agents for sustainable development. RASIT blind fellows shared insights on how their professional endeavors align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the first science workshop tailored for blind children, which utilized a specialized kit developed by RASIT. They also introduced innovative multisensory approaches in the workshop, aimed at inspiring all participants, regardless of their abilities, to engage with science.

In celebration of United Nations World Space Week, the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) is proud to sponsor and partner with AstroAccess on a landmark Zero-G parabolic flight with the Zero Gravity Corporation, advancing disability inclusion in space exploration. On 17 October 2021, twelve professionals—scientists, veterans, engineers, and artists with vision, mobility, and hearing impairments—tested accessibility-driven designs in both microgravity and hypergravity environments while conducting experiments and collecting critical data. Among them were three members of RASIT’s Science in Braille Global Initiative—Dr. Mona Minkara, Mr. Sina Bahram, and Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen—who joined the team in demonstrating how space-vessel environments can be adapted so that all explorers, regardless of disability on Earth, can live, work, and thrive beyond our planet. HRH Princess Dr. Nisreen El-Hashemite, RASIT’s Executive Director, commended the blind fellows and AstroAccess ambassadors, declaring that this 50:50 flight represents not only a milestone in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals but also a powerful call to world leaders to ensure equality on Earth as boldly as we achieve it in space.

The Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) celebrated the Silver Anniversary of the first campaign “Health is a Human’s Right and Dignity” initiated by RASIT's Fellow Dr. Ismail Sukarriya, a Professor of Medicine at the American University of Beirut – Lebanon.

Message by:

• Ms. Olivia Cohn, Coordinator of One Billion Voice Campaign, RASIT Girls in Science 4 SDGs International Platform
  
• Dr. Mona Minkara, Blind Assistant Professor of Bioengineering, Director of Science in Braille Global Initiative.
  
• Dr. Hoby Wedler, Blind Chemist and Entrepreneur, Science & Innovation Officer, Science in Braille Global Campaign

​In a landmark initiative, during the 6th International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly, the Royal Academy of Science International Trust organized the first-ever United Nations High-Level Panel in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of Kenya, Bangladesh, Antigua and Barbuda, Hungary, Portugal, Malta, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland, Lebanon, Costa Rica, and Mexico to the United Nations, as well as the African Union, WIPO, ITU, and UNCTAD. The Panel showcased for the first time blind professionals and experts as vital agents of sustainable development. RASIT, honouring its commitments to the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, presented the panel “Our Blind Fellows: Writing Science in Braille” to advance equity in science and inclusive socio-economic progress. Moderated by H.E. Ambassador Martin Kimani of Kenya, the session feature opening statement by the UN Deputy Secretary-General H.E. Ms. Amina Mohammed, followed by statements from H.E. Mr. Walton Alfonso Webson of Antigua and Barbuda, Ms. Daniela Bas of UN DESA, and Mr. W. David Power of Perkins School for the Blind, followed by insights from Ms. Ola Zahran (WIPO), and the blind fellows: Dr. Mona Minkara (Northeastern University), Dr. Naheda Sahtout (Canadian Food Inspection Agency), Dr. Cary Supalo (Educational Testing Service), Dr. Amy Bower (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution), and Mr. Sina Bahram (Prime Access Consulting).