Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 2 October 2025 - The 17^th TWAS General Conference came to a close on Thursday, 2 October, after four days of celebrating developing world science in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Conference closed out with a celebration of the importance of science to society. Throughout the event, more than 300 leading scientists from over 60 countries across the global South and North, discussed some of the most pressing science-related issues modern societies face, such as artificial intelligence and global health. They also welcomed the next generation of developing world science, in the form of TWAS Young Affiliates, giving them a chance to show and discuss their research. 

TWAS is a global merit-based science academy based in Trieste, Italy, and administered as a UNESCO Programme Unit. Organized in partnership by the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (BAS) and TWAS, the conference brought together leading scientists, policymakers, and institutional leaders from across the global South and beyond. The event took place under the theme 'Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation for Global Development.'

In her closing remarks, TWAS President Quarraisha Abdool Karim noted the unprecedented moment and challenges currently facing science and humanity. She also thanked all those who joined the conference and shared their insights, including the president of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who delivered a video message, and the vice-president of Guatemala Karin Herrera. “We’ve had some amazingly inspiring and rich scientific discussions through presentations,” said Abdool Karim. “We’ve also had some incredible opportunities to network with old friends and also make new friends,” she said, also expressing deep gratitude to BAS for being excellent hosts. 

BAS President Helen Nader in her closing remarks thanked Brazilian institutions for their support, and emphasized that scientists are, most of all, part of the society they are in, with an obligation to speak up on issues of importance. “I want to thank each one of you, and take this message back home: fight for the rights of humanity,” said Nader.

“This kind of event is truly special, because of the vast and diverse voices in science it brings together and for the opportunity to show the world the excellent level of scientific research they are conducting in the global South,” said TWAS Executive Director Marcelo Knobel. “I would like to thank everyone for coming, as well as our partners in Brazil for bringing this science showcase to life.”

To mark the Academy’s 40th Anniversary, TWAS released a new book celebrating 40 years of supporting science in the developing world, available here.

At the Conference, Luiz Davidovich, a quantum physicist and Emeritus Professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, formally received the 2025 TWAS Apex Award. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the TWAS Apex Award, one of the most prestigious honours bestowed upon scientists from the developing world. In 2025, it focuses on quantum science and technology, recognizing outstanding contributions to this rapidly advancing field. It carries a monetary prize of USD 100,000, along with a medal and a certificate recognizing the recipient's achievements in science and technology.

The award cites Davidovich “for his contributions to theoretical advances and groundbreaking experiments in quantum optics and quantum information, and for his worldwide leadership in the area of quantum science.”

Davidovich is also one the recipients of the TWAS medal lecture, and his lecture was included in the official celebrations of the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), which recognizes 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics.

In his lecture, Davidovich walked the audience through 100 years of quantum mechanics that lead to exciting modern technologies such as brain scanning, new lasers, atomic clocks, better solar panels, and quantum computers. “That has to do with TWAS, and it has to do with the world of TWAS, and the equality of countries, in a field that promises to be very important for the future,” said Davidovich.

Five more awards were also announced at the meeting, representing among the most impressive achievements found in the global South. TWAS Awards provide a powerful incentive for scientists to excel on new levels, while bringing global recognition to the achievements of researchers from the developing world. The Academy administers numerous awards— some of them annual, others conferred every two years. These awards are often named after generous and highly accomplished TWAS Fellows.

Adey Feleke Desta of Ethiopia received the 2025 TWAS-Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Award for her innovative work in safeguarding water environments from contamination, generating data that inform decision-making, and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

“Receiving the Samira Omar Award is a powerful affirmation of science driven by local challenges and global impact,” said Desta. “My research in sustainable wastewater management reflects a commitment to innovation in resource-poor settings. I hope this recognition inspires more women scientists in LDCs to pursue bold, inclusive research that creates livelihoods, safeguards ecosystems, promotes public health, and advances sustainability for future generations.”

Fatouma Mohamed Abdoul-Latif of Djibouti received the 2025 TWAS-Abdool Karim Award in Biological Sciences for her pioneering research on natural substances with health and environmental applications, and for her leadership in advancing STEM and international scientific collaborations in Djibouti.

“I'm deeply honored and grateful to receive the TWAS Abdool Karim Award, validating our work in biological sciences,” said Abdoul-Latif. “I'd like to thank the organizers and judges for recognizing my efforts. This award motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and inspires future innovations.”

Gift Mehlana of Zimbabwe won the 2025 TWAS-Atta-ur Rahman Award in Chemistry for his contribution to the development of porous materials as support platforms for biological and chemical catalysts.

"Being awarded the TWAS-Atta-ur-Rahman Award in Chemistry is a proud and humbling achievement,” said Mehlana. “It affirms my dedication to scientific excellence, enhances the international profile of Midlands State University in Zimbabwe, and reminds me of my responsibility to mentor and inspire young African researchers to believe in their potential to shape the world".

Kanishka Biswas of India received the 2025 TWAS-CAS Young Scientists Award for Frontier Science in the Physical Sciences for pioneering research in inorganic solid-state chemistry, developing new metal chalcogenides compounds with outstanding thermoelectric performance.

“I am extremely delighted to receive this important and competitive award,” Biswas said. “This means a lot to me and our research group, which will tremendously boost our future endeavors. I dedicate this award to all my students and postdocs."

And Angelina Mwesige Kakooza of Uganda received the 2025 TWAS-Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi Award in Medical Sciences for her research on neurodevelopmental disorders—particularly epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and nodding syndrome—and for advancing policy and research mentorship, as well as local community interventions to enhance children’s health.

“This award highlights the importance of neurodevelopmental disorders which are a great health problem worldwide, often diagnosed late and treated poorly,” said Kakooza. “It affirms my contribution to science in Africa, strengthens advocacy for gender equity in science and education and makes me a role model for others, increasing my influence in the scientific community.”

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Press contacts

TWAS:
Giovanni Ortolani, Public Information Officer, gortolani@twas.org 
Sean Treacy, Staff Writer, streacy@twas.org
Cristina Serra, Staff Writer, cserra@twas.org

BAS:
Corcovado Comunicação Estratégica
Carla Russo, director - carlarusso@corcovadoestrategica.com.br
Natália Cancian, coordinator - nataliacancian@corcovadoestrategica.com.br
Henrique Gimenes, communications analyst - henriquegimenes@corcovadoestrategica.com.br