UNESCO-TWAS has six centres of excellence, hosted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS): They offer a remarkable opportunity for researchers from the developing world to study, train and work in top Beijing-based laboratories

The idea to create an academy for scientists from the 'Third World' was first discussed among a small group of internationally renowned researchers who met at the general meeting of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in Rome, Italy, in October 1981. Two years later, in November 1983, the creation of TWAS was marked by a formal ceremony held at the University of Trieste and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). The event, sponsored by the Trieste International Foundation for Scientific Progress and Freedom, brought together 34 of the Academy's 42 founding members.

Fellows of TWAS who have passed away

Researcher with the Brazilian Institute for Science and Technology of Carbon Nanomaterials, Belo Horizonte, Brazil has provided insights in the cutting-edge study of graphene and nanotubes

Physicist with Harish-Chandra Research Institute in Allahabad, India, has helped make sense of quantum physics

Research with Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry at Hacettepe University in Turkey has made findings that help us understand strokes and migraines

Scientist with National Taiwan University in Taiwan, China has made key findings that help prevent liver cancer

Mathematician with the National Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics in Brazil has had a remarkable career already at the age of 34

Researcher with Jordan University of Science and Technology in Irbid, Jordan is a pioneer in sustainable energy research

Engineer with Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur, India, comes up with new methods for designing ceramic and metallic objects