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The World Academy of Sciences
TWAS logo.png
Abbreviation TWAS
Formation 1983; 42 years ago (1983)
Type International nongovernmental organization (INGO)
Location
Region served
 Worldwide

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) is a special group of scientists from all over the world. It was created to help countries that are still developing. More than 1,400 scientists from about 100 countries are part of TWAS.

Its main goal is to make science better in these developing countries. This helps them grow in a way that lasts for a long time. TWAS used to be called the Third World Academy of Sciences. Its main office is in Trieste, Italy, at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics.

How TWAS Started

TWAS began in 1983. A famous scientist named Abdus Salam from Pakistan led the way. He was a Nobel Laureate, meaning he won a Nobel Prize. He and other smart scientists wanted to help improve science in developing countries.

They saw some big problems:

  • Most people in the world live in developing countries. But only a small number of the world's scientists are from these places. This means there are fewer new ideas to solve problems in poorer nations.
  • Scientists in developing countries often do not have enough money for their research. This can make them feel alone in their work. It can also harm their careers and their science centers.
  • Scientists in these countries are often not paid well. Their work might not get much respect. This is because people do not always see how science can help their country grow.
  • Sometimes, smart scientists leave their home countries to work in richer countries. This is called "brain drain." It makes the developing countries even poorer in scientific talent.
  • Science labs and universities in developing countries often do not have enough money. Scientists might have to work in tough conditions. They might also use old equipment.

So, the scientists who started TWAS decided to create an organization that would:

  1. Find and support excellent science research in developing countries.
  2. Give promising scientists in these countries the tools they need for their work.
  3. Help scientists and science centers in developing countries connect with each other.
  4. Encourage teamwork between scientists in developing countries and richer countries.
  5. Support science research that helps solve big problems in developing countries.

Since it started, the Italian government has given most of the money for TWAS to run. Since 1991, UNESCO has helped manage TWAS's money and staff.

TWAS has changed its name a few times. It was "Third World Academy of Sciences" until 2004. Then it was "TWAS, the academy of sciences for the developing world" until 2012. Now it is "The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries."

Important Founding Scientists

Here are some of the first scientists who helped start TWAS in 1983:

The TWAS Prize

TWAS Prize
TWAS logo.png
Reward
  • A bronze rectangular plaque embedded on a red base
  • US$ 15000
 < TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize    

The TWAS Prize is an award given every year by TWAS. It started in 1985. This prize honors great scientific research in countries that are still developing.

When it first began, it was called TWAS Awards in Basic Sciences. It was given for work in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. In 2003, it joined with another award to become the TWAS Prize we know today.

Now, the TWAS Prize is given in nine different areas:

  • Agricultural Sciences (farming)
  • Biology (study of living things)
  • Chemistry (study of substances)
  • Earth Sciences (study of our planet)
  • Engineering Sciences (design and building)
  • Mathematics (numbers and patterns)
  • Medical Sciences (health and medicine)
  • Physics (energy and matter)
  • Social Sciences (study of human society)

Winners receive a special plaque and a cash prize of US$ 15,000. Scientists who live and work in a developing country can win this award.

See also

A robot for kids.

  • Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World
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