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Year 2025 – Vol. 37 – N.4

TWAS events make a big impact

EDITORIAL

Innovating together: shared solutions for shared challenges for sustainable futures for all

Quarraisha Abdool Karim, TWAS President 

As the 17th TWAS General Conference came to a close in Rio de Janeiro on 2 October 2025, the hundreds of scientists who had assembled there came together around a stirring consensus: We all must work together to innovate if we are to keep pace with a rapidly changing world.  

Coming to a close, the 17th TWAS General Conference looks to the future

The Conference closed out with a celebration of the importance of science to society. Throughout the event, more than 300 leading scientists from over 60 countries across the global South and North discussed some of the most pressing science-related issues modern societies face, such as artificial intelligence and global health. They also welcomed the next generation of developing world science, in the form of TWAS Young Affiliates, giving them a chance to show and discuss their research. 

TWAS and Brazil: an interwoven history

The Academy’s enduring partnership with Brazil, the largest nation in Latin America, was underscored by the convening of TWAS’s third General Conference there in 2025. This milestone reflects Brazil’s longstanding role as a steadfast ally of TWAS and a significant contributor to advancing scientific capacity across the developing world.

An occasion for science, history, and vision

The first half of the 17th TWAS General Conference drew from the Academy’s rich history and unique dual-position as a global Academy and voice for developing world science to set the stage for key discussions on major issues in science today. The event focused on how science, technology, and innovation can be leveraged to advance sustainable development globally, and organized presentations and panels featuring some of the most high-level scientific experts from throughout the global South.

Italy reaffirms support for TWAS and science diplomacy at opening of 17th General Conference

In a message delivered to the opening ceremony of the 17th TWAS General Conference, Edmondo Cirielli, deputy minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) of Italy, reaffirmed Italy’s strong commitment to science diplomacy as a strategic tool for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

17th TWAS General Conference awards digital booklet

TWAS has long recognized that awards serve as a powerful incentive for scientists to pursue their best work, while also bringing them global recognition. Honours presented by TWAS and its partners are among the most prestigious for research in the developing world.

TWAS in the New Millennium

On the occasion of the 17th TWAS General Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, TWAS released a new book, celebrating 40 years of supporting science in the developing world. The book shines a light on the Academy’s history of growth, education, and sustainable progress.

TWAS strengthens African research networks and skills

The 2025 TWAS Skill Building Workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya, on 21–23 October 2025, equipped 28 early-career African scientists with new tools to advance their research and foster collaboration across the continent. Over three days, they gained knowledge in scientific writing, responsible AI, science communication, importance of mentoring, networking, and relevance of transdisciplinary research.

Training tomorrow’s climate leaders: UNESCO-TWAS workshop kicked off in Ethiopia

The UNESCO-TWAS workshop Science-based Solutions for Climate Action in Africa kicked off on 28 October, bringing together 14 speakers and 30 participants who are strengthening their skills to address climate-related challenges through interactive sessions and collaborative learning.

TWAS in action

Italian President Sergio Mattarella presents Eni Award to TWAS-supported researcher

Italian President Sergio Mattarella presented the 2025 Eni Award for Young Talents from Africa to Congolese junior researcher Asengo G. Mabia on 8 October in Rome. Mabia conducted  a research visit at the University of Trieste, Italy, thanks to the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme.

Luiz Davidovich: Quantum technologies must advance peace and prosperity

In a new video interview, the 2025 Apex Award recipient says that new discoveries and technologies in quantum science must be shared with all countries and benefit all humankind.

TWAS elects 2026 class of Fellows

TWAS has elected 63 new Fellows. Among them are 40 men and 23 women (36.5% women), and 57 are from the global South. Six new fellows hail from science- and technology-lagging countries (STLCs) identified by TWAS, two from Bangladesh, and one each from the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nepal.

Profiles of 2025 TWAS Fellows added to online directory

Essential information on the 2025 class of TWAS Fellows is now available in the TWAS Directory, which has been updated to include 74 new members from 28 countries. Twenty-four are women, and six are from science- and technology-lagging nations identified by TWAS.

Why the global South must be at the heart of climate science

Youba Sokona, former vice-chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), has worked for over three decades to ensure that global climate assessments reflect the experiences of scientists from the global South. In a recent interview during the TWAS General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he detailed the importance of inclusive participation in the assessments, which evaluate the current state of climate change and have a wide-reaching impact on policy.

Artificial intelligence for the global South

Artificial intelligence took centre stage during the TWAS-IAP-OWSD roundtable at science festival Trieste Next 2025, touching on autism, malaria, and responsible use of AI. The roundtable was titled Science and Technology: Changing Paradigms, Shaping Global Impact, and was held on 26 September, the opening day of the festival at the Urban Center conference space in Trieste.

TWAS Alumna wins Marsh Award

A TWAS Young Affiliate Alumna from Benin, conservation biologist Etotépé Sogbohossou, has won the The Marsh Award for Ecologists in Africa. Sogbohossou is also a member of the TWAS Young Affiliates Network, and director of the Environment Department of the University of Senghor in Alexandria, Egypt. 

Pursuing breakthroughs in science and diplomacy

The 12th edition of the Sida-supported AAAS-TWAS Course on Science Diplomacy, held in July this year, featured simulations in which course participants took on a role in a fictionalized, but common, negotiations between differing interests in which science is central. The course put attendees both in the shoes of national delegations and international organizations seeking a solution to a difficult problem. 

TYAN members in Cameroon host first Mycology Summer School

The 1st TYAN TEACH 4SD Mycology Summer School was successfully held from August 5–9 in the lush surroundings of Limbe Botanic Garden in Bambili, Cameroon. Lectures were combined with interactive fieldwork and lab sessions.

Nigeria delegation visits host of CAS-TWAS centre

The Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which is home to the CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence for Biotechnology, welcomed a high-level delegation from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Nigeria on 2 November. Leaders of institutions discuss collaboration for the advancement of African science.

TWAS joins Sri Lanka ministries for an event to advance science diplomacy for global peace

On 10 November, TWAS took part in celebration of Sri Lanka’s National Science Day by contributing to a high-level forum about one of the most dynamic approaches to international science in the modern day. Over 300 participants took part in a high-level forum during the country’s Science Week 2025.

New video features TWAS Arab Regional Partner

A new video about the TWAS Arab Regional Partner (TWAS-AREP) highlights the partnership between TWAS and Biblioteca Alexandrina in Alexandria, Egypt, that has allowed the Regional Partner to flourish for over 20 years now.

Building on success with CAS-TWAS Centres of Excellence

Representatives of CAS-TWAS Centres of Excellence convened at the Academy’s headquarters in Trieste, Italy, from 24–26 November to chart a path for the future, building on more than a decade of successful collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

TYAN members attended an international cancer event in Malaysia

Six scientists of the TWAS Young Affiliates Network (TYAN) participated in the AACR on Campus-Malaysia congress held on 13–14 November in Sarawak, a Malaysian state on the island of Borneo. The event provided an opportunity to exchange expertise and skills with cancer experts from around the world.

Eligibility criteria for TWAS Young Affiliates updated

TWAS and its Regional Partners have announced updated eligibility criteria for TWAS Young Affiliates designed to make the nomination process more inclusive and equitable. The new criteria introduce greater flexibility, gender equity, and contextual evaluation.

Submissions open for Through Southern Lenses: Science in Focus photography award

The Through Southern Lenses: Science in Focus Award, jointly organized by TWAS and Conrado Wessel Foundation (FCW) and, is now accepting submissions. This international award celebrates the power of photography to communicate science and its impact on society. The winning Photo Essay will receive US$20,000 and be featured in an international exhibition.

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Ana María Cetto Kramis chairs the UN panel on nuclear war effects

Ana María Cetto Kramis, the former deputy director-general for technical cooperation at the International Atomic Energy Agency (2003–2010) and a TWAS Fellow since 1999, has been appointed chair of the UN Independent Scientific Panel on the Effects of Nuclear War.

Brazilian Virgílio Almeida receives UNESCO-Uzbekistan AI Ethics Prize

Virgílio Almeida, a professor in the Computer Science Department at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, elected to TWAS in 2010, has received the inaugural edition of the UNESCO–Uzbekistan Beruniy Prize for Scientific Research on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

UConn professor Cato Laurencin honoured with the Bioactive Materials Lifetime Achievement Award

Sir Cato Laurencin, elected to TWAS in 2006, is a professor of chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, and biomedical engineering at the University of Connecticut (UConn). In May this year, he was awarded the Bioactive Materials Lifetime Achievement Award, an annual accolade established in 2021 to recognize excellence in research and development in the field of bioactive materials.

IN MEMORIAM

Lê Dũng Tráng

Vietnamese mathematician Lê Dũng Tráng, a TWAS Fellow since 1993, was an emeritus professor at the University of Aix–Marseille, France. He passed away on 19 November 2025, at the age of 78. Born in Saigon, Viet Nam, in 1947, he pursued his studies at Lycée Voltaire, Lycée Louis-le-Grand, and Paris University.

Ibrahim Eltayeb

Sudanese mathematician Ibrahim Eltayeb, a TWAS Fellow since 1996, passed away on 15 September 2025. An esteemed scientist, he held prominent academic and scientific roles. He earned his PhD in 1972 from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the UK.

Mohammad Shamsher Ali 

TWAS Fellow Mohammad Shamsher Ali was a distinguished physicist of Bangladesh and executive member for Central and South Asia of the TWAS Council. Elected to TWAS in 1989, during his career he made seminal contributions to research, and science communication. He passed away on 2 August 2025.

Ram Prakash Bambah

Professor Emeritus Ram Prakash Bambah, elected to TWAS in 1993, passed away on 26 May 2025. Bambah was a distinguished mathematician renowned for his work in number theory, geometry of numbers, and packing and covering.

Support TWAS

A donation contributes to the advancement of science,
engineering, and technology in developing nations.

The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS) works to support sustainable prosperity through research, education, policy and diplomacy.

TWAS was founded in 1983 by a distinguished group of scientists from the global South and global North, under the leadership of Abdus Salam, the Pakistani physicist and Nobel laureate. As of January 2025, TWAS had 1,444 elected Fellows representing over 112 countries; 13 of them are Nobel laureates. It is based in Trieste, Italy, on the campus of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP).  

Through four decades, the Academy’s mission has remained consistent, namely to:

• Recognize, support and promote excellence in scientific research in the developing world
• Respond to the needs of young scientists in countries that are lagging in science and technology
• Promote South-South and South-North cooperation in science, technology and innovation, and
• Encourage scientific and engineering research and sharing of experiences in solving major problems facing developing countries.

With its partners, TWAS has graduated over 1,230 PhDs and supported more than 980 postdoctoral fellowships to developing world scientists. The Academy also bestowed over 1,200 prizes, awarded over 2,800 research grants, trained over 750 individuals in science diplomacy, and supported over 1,400 exchange visits.

TWAS hosts and works in association with two organizations, also hosted on the ICTP campus: the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP).

At its founding in 1989, OWSD was the first international forum uniting women scientists from the developing and developed worlds. Today, the organization has more than 12,000 members. Their objective is to strengthen the role of women in the development process and promote their representation in scientific and technological leadership.

IAP represents 150 national and regional science and medical academies worldwide. It provides high-quality analysis and advice on science, health and development to national and international policymakers and the public; supports programmes on scientific capacity-building, education and communication; leads efforts to expand international science cooperation; and promotes the  involvement of women and young scientists in all its activities.

TWAS, a programme unit of UNESCO, receives its core funding from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

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