Fostering the next generation of scientists in the developing world is one of the strategic priorities of TWAS. In 2016, TWAS launched the 'TWAS Young Affiliates Network' to recognize the most accomplished young scientists in various regions of the developing world. Each year, TWAS, in collaboration with five TWAS Regional Offices, selects up to 25 outstanding young scientists under the age of 40 as TWAS Young Affiliates, for a period of six years. After six years, they become Alumni. To date, there are more than 400 TWAS Young Affiliates and Young Alumni from 82 countries.

TWAS Young Affiliates are selected at a time in their careers when they bring valuable energy and perspective to the Academy. To maximize the impact of the creativity and intellectual skills of TWAS Young Affiliates, a network of all TWAS Young Affiliates (TYAN) was proposed and established to augment interactions and cooperation among them. At the 27th TWAS General Meeting in Rwanda, an Executive Committee with geographical and gender balance was elected by the Young Affiliates to manage all the operations. Since then, the network has been engaged in a number of activities and initiatives towards advancing the developing world and young scientists. On 29 October 2021, a new set of Executive Committee members succeeded the pioneer set.

Young Affiliates are now more connected than ever, culminating in the initiation of new multidisciplinary collaborative networks that could advance scientific breakthroughs and address challenges impacting the developing world.

To increase the capacity of its members, TYAN offers three programmes: TYAN Collaborative Grant Award (TCGA), TYAN International Thematic Workshop (TITO), and TEACH 4 SD.