In 2012, TWAS launched a photo contest to provide extra concrete financial support to scientists from the developing countries, in line with its mission. The contest's theme was “Sustainable energy for all”; the sub-themes were sustainable access to energy, energy efficiency, renewable energy, innovation or homemade solutions devised to meet local needs. The call-for-pictures was disseminated last year through TWAS’s website. 

“The aim of our initiative,” comments TWAS executive director Romain Murenzi, “was to increase the sense of belonging to our Academy, as well as to enhance the perception and public image of science in general, and of TWAS in particular. Of course, the financial reward for the winners should come as a concrete and pleasant added value”. 

Twenty-one photographer-scientists from Brazil, Nigeria, China, Pakistan, Taiwan and other countries from the South engaged in the contest, submitting almost 100 shots. 

The prize for the best image was awarded to Almas Taj Awan, a Pakistani chemist who was granted a TWAS fellowship in 2008 to carry out her research at Campinas University, Brazil, where she is still working. Second- and third-placed winners, respectively, are TWAS 2007 Engineering Prize recipient Lee Chih Kung, from Taiwan, China, and TWAS fellowship grantee Akeem Kadiri, Nigeria, an expert in plant taxonomy.

First winner: Orange bagasse. Photo by Almas Taj Awan

Second winner: The way forward. Photo by Lee Chih Kung.

Third winner: A local barber under the solar-powered lamp. Photo by Akeem Kadiri.

 Special mention: Solar kiosk in Ethiopia. Photo by Fekady G. Mengistu.

Special mention: Wind and lifestyle. Photo by Lee Chih Kung.