As we progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), science in the global South finds itself at a critical juncture. Since the 2030 agenda’s inception in 2015, we are now more than halfway to the deadline, and the urgency is palpable. Achieving the SDGs is crucial for securing a stable and prosperous future for humanity, and requires concerted and sustained commitment and effort.
Science is undeniably at the core of this mission. We face global challenges such as the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, pandemics and epidemics, involuntary displacement of over 110 million people due to conflicts and natural disasters, and rising inequality. Our response demands precise, empirical knowledge, as well as synergistic partnerships and collaborations for effective solutions. And the geographical diversity of these challenges demands a granular understanding of key drivers, with specialized skillsets and local brains trusts to identify and address local and regional challenges for the present and the future. The complexity, magnitude, and intersection of the challenges underscore that an inclusive, all-of-society approach is required—so that every voice is heard, appropriate priorities are set, and success is possible.
This TWAS Annual Report highlights the vital role TWAS continues to play in recognising the best scientists in the global South and science- and technology-lagging countries (STLCs)—and in further enhancing the science capacity and leadership in these countries. TWAS programmes bridge gaps in the scientific landscape, providing essential support, and empowering researchers and institutions to set priorities while always striving for excellence, innovation, and service to humanity.
This past year also saw the launch of the Academy’s 40th Anniversary celebrations. In May 2023, I had the honour of participating in these festivities in Trieste—which included a series of workshops and courses, and coincided with the TWAS Governing Council meeting—highlighting our dynamic interactions with the global scientific community.
In light of this milestone, we can all be proud in our Academy’s continuing contributions to science in the developing world. In 2023, graduate training for over 60 scientists from developing nations was initiated, 26 science diplomats were convened for specialised training on the science-policy interface, 95 scientific cooperation visits were facilitated, and 26 research grants and seven project grants were awarded. Scientific excellence was recognised through four prestigious awards.
The vision of TWAS founder Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam of a world where science drives global development remains as relevant today as ever. Our over 1,400 TWAS Fellows and 400-plus Young Affiliates worldwide across nine subject disciplines form the backbone of this vision.
The progress and achievements of TWAS are possible through support from many sponsors and partners. Our very-long standing partners are the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), whose support has remained unwavering and generous; the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region; and the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), which not only hosts our Academy on its campus in Trieste since its inception, but also continues to provide us with essential support and partnership.
Our partnerships with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the Islamic Development Bank, the Packard Foundation, and the Elsevier Foundation are also deeply appreciated. In addition, TWAS hosts and works in collaboration with two international organizations on the ICTP campus, each dedicated to serving the scientific needs of developing nations: the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP). Furthermore, TWAS collaborates with many other partners, including the International Science Council (ISC) and many academies around the world. Also worth highlighting is the commitment, dedication and consistent partnership of institutions in China, India, and Brazil to realising our mission. We look forward to growing support from many more countries who have benefitted from investments in science capacity building efforts.
As a unique academy supporting scientific research across the global South, TWAS actively engaged in numerous high-level international dialogues including, among others: the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) held in Doha, Qatar; the World Science Forum, in Cape Town, South Africa; the STS Forum in Kyoto, Japan; the CBAS conference on Big Data for SDGs in Beijing, China; the International Conference of Young Scientists and the African Continental Conference on Basic Sciences for Transformation in Kigali, Rwanda; and the forum Science in French in Quebec and Around the World – Between Wealth and Influence in Montreal, Canada.
The past year was also a celebration of the 10th annual AAAS-TWAS Course on Science Diplomacy. Over the past decade, we’ve trained over 300 emerging leaders from more than 70 countries, equipping them to address science diplomacy from both global and regional perspectives. These discussions underscored shared themes: science must be inclusive, technology policies need to address inequalities and discrimination, and science must impact humanity positively.
Generating knowledge alone is not enough. We must disseminate it widely, ensuring its application for societal betterment. Abdus Salam’s vision, alive 40 years later, remains at the core of TWAS’s tireless efforts to make science accessible and impactful worldwide.
It has been my privilege to lead the first TWAS Governing Council with equal gender and regional representation, ensuring inclusivity and strengthening regional science capacity and science leadership. I would like to thank the many TWAS Fellows who generously and unstintingly give their time to participate in the selection of new Fellows and lead important committees on priority issues such as addressing gender equality, pandemic preparedness, climate change, and mentoring and supporting the next generation of scientists.
The contributions of our Young Affiliates through the TWAS Young Affiliates Network (TYAN) is also exemplary and inspiring. They underscore that continued investments in young scientists from the global South will always be an indispensable way to bolster visionary scientific leadership that can shape the future.
I must also acknowledge that the TWAS Executive Director, Romain Murenzi, retired in November 2023, and while we wish him well in the next chapter of his life we continue to tap into his wisdom and expertise as a TWAS Fellow. The search for a new Executive Director is in progress, and in the interim Atish Dabholkar has kindly stepped in with support from TWAS Fellow Seifallah Randjbar-Daemi, and they have been doing a sterling job of ensuring that TWAS activities continue seamlessly. Our dedicated and committed secretariat have continued to ensure that the strategic priorities are implemented, and TWAS continues to maintain its momentum. Finally, we continue to draw on the institutional memory, experience and expertise of Immediate Past President Mohamed Hassan, who remains generous with his time and ongoing and steadfast commitment to TWAS.
Let us continue to champion science, collaboration, and progress for the betterment of planet and people. Together, we can continue to strive for a better and brighter future for all.