“We learned a lot about various facets of scientific ethics throughout the Human Genome Project that the leaders of the Exposome Moonshot ought to take on-board. How do we balance the responsibilities of individuals to look after themselves within an ever-more complex social structure, and the responsibilities of States to look after their citizens, provide security and a milieu in which to live a satisfying and ideally, long life in good health? If an individual wishes to take actions that may harm themselves, but debatably do not impact the lives of others, should Science or the State interfere? A classical dilemma: protection versus freedom. … The way in which our lives are interwoven means that most of our actions do impact on others in ways that are difficult to unravel. This is a fact. My personal conviction is that society both discourages the use of chemicals, drugs and the ‘bad things’ that might harm us, but equally provides the industrial, legal and social settings to enable and make their use appear legitimate. This apparent incoherence actually shows the tensions and conflict of values deeply engrained in our world, something that the Exposome Forum needs to address from day one”. – Anne Cambon-Thomsen, MD, Immunologist & Bioethics Specialist, Member of the European Group on Ethics in Science & New Technologies

“A true visionary is not just somebody who can see the future, but somebody who can make it happen. In that regard, this new area of exposomic science and the Washington Declaration announcing the Exposome Moonshot are not just developments that we are closely watching, but we are actively participating in. … Understanding and fighting chronic disease is in everyone’s interest whether you are living in Pretoria or Philadelphia. That is why we are inviting the Steering Committee to run a follow-up side meeting at this year’s Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) from 25 – 28 November, while partnering with the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA), to ensure that together we can inform the widest possible pan-African audience and get some joint projects on the rails.”  – Daan du Toit, Deputy Director General for International Cooperation & Resources, Department of Science, Technology & Innovation, Government of South Africa

“After almost a lifetime in leading positions in public health and international science collaboration, I see three great opportunities in The Exposome Moonshot Project. To enlarge our knowledge and understanding of mechanisms of disease development, therefore improving possibilities for prevention and therapeutic options. To bring together an international and transdisciplinary research and practitioners’ community to engage in innovative approaches to health management. And, as a global initiative, to mark a clear position against the current political crackdown on knowledge security and research integrity”. – Flavia Schlegel, MD, Former Assistant Director General, UNESCO

“The Human Exposure Moonshot Project will revolutionize the study of environmental determinants of health. It will leverage artificial intelligence resources and a vast network of new technologies and scientific collaborations to analyze and predictively utilize the impact of multiple environmental factors across all stages of human life”. He added that: “I am delighted to see such an ambitious international collaborative program emerging, led by Johns Hopkins University, particularly at a time when science and the establishment of scientific truths are under threat in the United States.” – Michel Kazatchkine (France), Member of the Global Commission on Drug Policy & Former Executive Director of the Global Fund

“As a journalist, I am intrigued by the ever-increasing role of toxicology, the new kid on the block. I’ve been following the development of Exposome Intelligence: an ideal topic for our World Conference in December, come to think of it – we might learn that there are fewer culprits than we think, while being able to debunk a lot of misplaced fears. … Ignorance is, ultimately, what makes people chemophobic, knowledge can defuse fears. Mapping lifestyle factors and social exposures is as important as identifying chemicals. It will be interesting to see how the humanities can best be involved. Perhaps measuring the exposome impacts of the lottery of where you live and human behaviors might prove to be the biggest challenge of all.” – Mandi Smallhorne, President of the South African Science Journalists’ Association and Director of the World Conference of Science Journalists 2025 Pretoria

“As someone devoted to spreading global happiness, I see exposomics as more than a breakthrough in biomedical science. It is a beacon of possibility at the intersection of ethics, global governance, and our collective quest for flourishing.” – Luis Gallardo, Social innovator and entrepreneur at World Happiness Foundation

Supporters