About TWAS

The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries

1,300+ Elected Fellows
108 Countries Represented
11 Nobel Laureates
40+ Years of Excellence

A Brife Overview

TWAS was founded in 1983 by a distinguished group of scientists from the developing world, under the leadership of Pakistani physicist Abdus Salam, Nobel Prize winner in 1979. Originally established as the "Third World Academy of Sciences" in Trieste, Italy, it was officially launched by the Secretary General of the United Nations in 1985.

1983
Founded in Trieste, Italy by distinguished scientists from developing countries
1985
Officially launched by UN Secretary General
2021
Over 1,300 Fellows from 108 countries, including 11 Nobel laureates

Our Mission

TWAS works to support sustainable prosperity through research, education, policy and diplomacy. Our mission has remained consistent through more than three decades:

  • 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
  • Encourage scientific research and sharing of experiences in solving major challenges faced by developing countries

Global Presence

Based in Trieste, Italy, on the campus of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), TWAS operates as a programme unit of UNESCO. We have established National Chapters in different countries and 5 Regional Offices covering:

Latin America & Caribbean

Supporting scientific advancement across Latin American and Caribbean nations

East & Southeast Asia Pacific

Fostering innovation in the Asia-Pacific region

Central & South Asia

Promoting scientific cooperation across Asian subcontinent

Arab Region

Advancing science and technology in Arab nations

Sub-Saharan Africa

Supporting scientific development across African continent

Funding & Support

TWAS receives its core funding from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) provides essential funding for TWAS programmes, enabling us to continue our mission of advancing science in developing countries.

Our National Chapters meet regularly to discuss issues of common concern, including the role of sustainable development, and enable scientists involved with TWAS Research Grants and Fellowship Programmes to connect with their nation's wider scientific communities.