The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) is a global leader in promoting scientific excellence and sustainable development in the Global South. Headquartered in Trieste, Italy, TWAS supports progress through research, education, policy, and science diplomacy.
History and Vision
Founded in 1983 by renowned scientists from developing countries—led by Nobel laureate Abdus Salam—TWAS was created on the belief that scientific capacity is key to overcoming global challenges like hunger, disease, and poverty. Officially launched in 1985, the Academy began with 42 fellows, including 9 Nobel laureates.
Over time, the name evolved:
- 1983: The Third World Academy of Sciences
- 2004: The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World
- 2012–Present: The World Academy of Sciences for the Advancement of Science in Developing Countries
Global Community
Today, TWAS has over 1,400 elected fellows from 112 countries, including 13 Nobel laureates. Around 84% are from developing nations, while the rest are scientists from developed countries whose work significantly impacts the Global South.
Mission Pillars
TWAS focuses on:
- Promoting scientific excellence in developing countries
- Supporting early-career researchers
- Fostering South-South and South-North cooperation
- Encouraging collaborative solutions to major global challenges
Impact Highlights
With partners, TWAS has:
- Graduated over 1,230 PhDs
- Awarded 2,300+ postdoctoral fellowships
- Granted 1,200+ prizes and 2,800+ research grants
- Trained 750+ people in science diplomacy
- Supported 1,400+ academic exchange visits
Governance and Structure
The TWAS Council, elected every four years, guides its policies. Its Secretariat, led by an Executive Director and based at the ICTP campus in Trieste, oversees daily operations. TWAS also runs regional offices in the following areas:
- Egypt (Alexandria)
- Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
- China (Beijing)
- South Africa (Pretoria)
- India (Bangalore)
TWAS is a legal program unit of UNESCO and has received strong support from the Italian government, including a permanent annual contribution since 2004.
Collaborations on Campus
TWAS closely collaborates with:
- OWSD (Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World): Established in 1989, it empowers women scientists, with over 9,000 members worldwide.
- IAP (InterAcademy Partnership): A global alliance of over 140 science and medical academies hosted by TWAS in Trieste. IAP provides high-level scientific advice to policymakers and promotes inclusive scientific engagement.
Funding Partners
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)’s work is supported by:
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
- Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
- COMSTECH (OIC’s scientific body)
- Lenovo Group Ltd., China
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS)
- Elsevier Foundation
- Iran’s Ministry of Research, Science and Technology
- African Union
- U.S. National Academy of Sciences
- Academia Sinica (Taiwan)
- Academia Chilena de Ciencias (Chile)
Explore more through films like the 10-minute TWAS documentary on their YouTube channel or visit its official website. You may also check out more organizations and institutions on our website.