The TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize, one of the most prestigious prizes given to scientists in the developing world, has been awarded to Chilean theoretical physicist Claudio Bunster Weitzman for his contributions to understanding gravity and the quirky physics of tiny, fundamental particles of matter.

From a reputation in the biomedical sciences that grew from three Nobel prizes, to new prominence in the study of astroparticles, modern-day Argentina is an appealing place to be a scientist.

Argentina's Instituto Balseiro has become a centre of world-class science. Its character and creativity, however, are distinctly Latin American.

Science speaks a unique language, which crosses borders and acts as a unifying factor for sustainable growth. Far-sighted policy-makers need to advocate this concept to propel development and better quality of life, and science academies need to play a proactive role to create a high-impact interface between science, policy and society.

Uzbek microbiologist Dilfuza Egamberdieva hopes to apply her new agricultural technique soon in Uzbekistan to boost the yield of economically important crops such as wheat, cotton, tomato and cucumber. She presented her work at this year's TWAS General Meeting.

Chinese scientist Zheng Xiaojing, from the Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China (concurrently the president of the Xi’dian University, China), has devised a mathematical model to predict the formation and evolution of dune fields, as well as their displacement. Her model, which applies to all the deserts on Earth, could be used to devise strategies to achieve better protection of villages against sand storms and the onrush of deserts.

Northern Chile’s clear skies and high altitudes have drawn high-tech telescopes from international astronomy agencies all over the world, but for a long time the country’s role as a host has largely been a matter of its optimal view of the cosmos. Now Chile is actively trying to ride the wave of telescope technology and astronomy to enhance its scientific development.

Mario Giro, the undersecretary at Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed strong support for the mission and work of TWAS during a visit with the Academy's executive director and staff Monday 4 November in Trieste.

A new book from TWAS and COMSATS profiles Colombia’s Centro Internacional de Física, which has built a reputation for excellence in Latin American science despite shifting financial and political conditions.

IAP, the global network of science academies, and the InterAcademy Medical Panel (IAMP), today urged immediate and sustained action to address the increasing incidence of dangerous pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics.