Roughly every two years, TWAS organizes a showcase for scientific excellence in the developing world called a TWAS General Conference. These events are deeply international and convene a wide range of participants, including TWAS Fellows, who are some of the global South’s most elite scientists. They also include TWAS awardees, TWAS Young Affiliates, and prominent figures in science and science policy.
The Conferences also typically have a theme related to developing world science and sustainable development.
What happens at the Conferences?
Conferences include various kinds of sessions, including but not limited to:
- Opening and closing ceremonies
- General Meeting of TWAS members and other Academy business meetings
- Award announcements and presentations
- Symposiums on major topics relevant to global South science
- Poster sessions and flash presentations for TWAS Young Affiliates
- Ministerial sessions featuring leading science policy experts
Often, high-ranking government officials from the host country open the gatherings. This has included the heads of state of China, India, Rwanda, Senegal, Austria, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Why do the conferences matter?
Conferences bring together scientists from developing countries who might never have otherwise had a chance to meet. They can advance their knowledge by learning about each other’s research and form collaborations. It also can create cross-generational networking, since both TWAS Fellows and TWAS Young Affiliates attend.
The events also serve as a showcase for developing world science for the host country and in the region. The events typically include opportunities for press engagement, and international attendees gain valuable insights into the host country’s scientific landscape.
Who can attend the conferences?
Attendance is by invitation only. It varies depending on the Conference, but they are open to all TWAS Fellows, TWAS awardees, and active TWAS Young Affiliates. Oftentimes, scientists from the host country and journalists will be able to attend most, if not all, of the event. Registration for everyone must be done in advance.
Where are the Conferences held?
The event is hosted by a different country each time. The first, in 1985, was in TWAS’s home city of Trieste, Italy. The second, in 1987, was held in Beijing, China, and set the framework for all those that came after. Venues have included Argentina (2013), Austria (2015), Brazil (1997, 2006 and 2025), China again (2003, 2012, and 2023), Egypt (2005), India (2002 and 2010), the Islamic Republic of Iran (2000), Kuwait (1992), Mexico (2008), Nigeria (1995), Oman (2014), Senegal (1999), South Africa (2009) and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (1990). Periodically, the meeting returns to its roots in Trieste (1993, 1996, 2004, 2007, 2011, and 2018).
What is the TWAS General Meeting?
The TWAS General Conference used to be referred to as the TWAS General Meeting, and the two terms were used interchangeably for much of the Academy’s history. In April 2021, the TWAS Council formalized the name, so that the gathering itself would be the Conference, and the Meeting would be a closed-door session during the Conference, between TWAS Fellows and officials in which decisions are made about the direction of the Academy.
Sean Treacy