The World Academy of Science (TWAS) for the Advancement of Science in developing countries is an autonomous international organization founded in 1983 in Trieste, Italy, by a distinguished group of scientists from the developing world under the leadership of Noble laureate Abdus Salam of Pakistan. It was officially launched as the “Third World Academy of Sciences” by the Secretary General of the United Nations in 1985. The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (UNESCO-TWAS) works to support sustainable prosperity through research, education, policy and diplomacy.
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. As of January 2025, UNESCO-TWAS has more than 1,400 elected Fellows - 13 of them Nobel laureates - representing over 110 countries. The Academy is based in Trieste, Italy, on the campus of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). TWAS, a programme unit of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 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. Through more than four decades, TWAS mission has remained consistent, namely, to:
- 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, and
- Encourage scientific research and sharing of experiences in solving major challenges faced by developing countries.
TWAS has established a few National Chapters in different countries. These Chapters meet to discuss issues of common concern including the role of sustainable development. The Chapters also enables scientists involved with TWAS Research Grants and Fellowship Programmes to link to their nation wider scientific communities.
TWAS has established 5 Regional Partners to enable to organise various programmes for the promotion of science in the developing worlds. These offices cover: (a) Latin American and Carribean region, (b) East and Southeast Asia and Pacific region, (c) Central and South Asia regions, (d) Arab region and (e) Sub Saharan African region.