The World Academy of Sciences

The World Academy of Sciences
Name	The World Academy of Sciences
Formation	1983
Type	International scientific organization
Headquarters	Trieste, Italy
Region served	Global, with focus on developing nations
Leader title	President
Website	https://twas.org/

The World Academy of Sciences. It is a global science academy dedicated to advancing science and engineering for sustainable prosperity in the developing world. Founded under the leadership of the Nobel laureate Abdus Salam, it operates as a program unit within UNESCO and is based at The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste. The academy works to build scientific capacity, foster scientific excellence, and promote the application of science to address critical challenges facing the Global South.

History and establishment

The academy was conceived in the early 1980s by a group of distinguished scientists from developing countries, most prominently Abdus Salam, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1979. With support from other eminent scientists like Ilya Prigogine and C.N.R. Rao, and with the endorsement of international bodies, it was formally established in 1983 during a founding conference held in Trieste, Italy. Its creation was championed by organizations such as its original namesake body and received crucial early backing from the Italian government and UNESCO. The academy's founding mission was to counteract the brain drain and support scientific communities in nations across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Arab States.

Mission and objectives

The primary mission is to promote scientific capacity and excellence for sustainable development in the Global South. Key objectives include recognizing, supporting, and promoting excellence in scientific research, facilitating South-South and North-South cooperation in science and technology, and advocating for science in policymaking. It aims to address global challenges such as climate change, public health, and food security by mobilizing the scientific expertise of its fellows. The academy also strives to inspire young scientists and improve access to scientific education and resources in underserved regions.

Organization and governance

The academy is governed by a council and an executive committee, led by an elected president and chaired by a secretary-general. Its secretariat is permanently housed within the premises of The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste. Key governance bodies include the TWAS Council, which features representatives from its regional partners, and various expert committees that oversee prizes, grants, and research programs. The academy maintains strong institutional partnerships with UNESCO, the International Science Council, and national science academies like the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Brazilian Academy of Sciences.

Programs and activities

Its operational work is carried out through a diverse portfolio of programs. These include prestigious award schemes like the TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize and the TWAS-CAS Young Scientist Award. The academy administers critical research grants, postdoctoral fellowships, and exchange programs such as the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme. It organizes major scientific conferences, including the TWAS General Conference, and supports the establishment of centers of excellence like the TWAS-ROSSA network. Capacity-building initiatives often focus on training in fields like water management, renewable energy, and biotechnology.

Membership and fellows

Election as a fellow is a high academic honor, with over 1,400 fellows and associate fellows from more than 100 countries. Fellows are elected based on outstanding contributions to science and include numerous recipients of international accolades such as the Nobel Prize, the Fields Medal, and the Wolf Prize. Notable fellows have included Yuan T. Lee, Ada Yonath, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, and Michele Parrinello. The fellowship is organized into ten scientific disciplines and five geographical regions, ensuring broad representation from across the developing world.

Impact and recognition

The academy has significantly influenced the global scientific landscape by strengthening research ecosystems in developing nations. Its fellows have led groundbreaking discoveries in areas from particle physics to genetic engineering, contributing to international projects like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Human Genome Project. The academy's advocacy has helped shape science policies within the United Nations system and with governments worldwide. Its enduring partnership with Italy and UNESCO underscores its role as a vital bridge between the global scientific community and the development agenda.

Category:International scientific organizations Category:Science and technology in the developing world Category:Organizations based in Trieste