We, young scientists and science communicators are passionate about communicating the excitement and importance of science. Assembled by the British Council we are forming the Beautiful Science Network to foster a deeper appreciation of science globally. Science plays a vital role in every aspect of life but it is often misunderstood and undervalued. We are committed to ensuring the future of science with direct benefits to democracy, enrichment of our culture and our democracy.

Good education with excellent communication inspires more people to take up science as a career. We aspire to wider informed participation in political decision making, improving open dialogue with the public to encourage mutual trust and understanding, and to celebrating science as the expression of human wonder. So our aim is to establish a global network of science communicators.

Governments and business must support and invest in science communication. Educational establishments and the media should embrace the Beautiful Science approach. We ask these bodies to collaborate to encourage the energy, talent and enthusiasm of this new generation of science communicators.

Signed by members of the Beautiful Science Network from Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Israel, Romania, Serbia, Turkey and the UK in Istanbul, 25 October 2008