TWAS – The World Academy of Sciences’ Post

We are pleased to share a web story highlighting the experiences of three African scientists who received training on single-crystal X-ray diffractometers at the University of Lorraine in France and Stellenbosch University in South Africa through UNESCO’s Remote Access to Laboratory Equipment initiative (#UNESRALE). Our appreciation goes to our partners at both institutions, CNRS and the International Union of Crystallography International Union of Crystallography. Special thanks to Adrien Mehdevi-Delaflotte for his excellent work on this web story. Enjoy the read :) https://lnkd.in/eWeEW88D

The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Orbeli Center in Armenia, as part of its efforts to expand cooperation with think tanks, particularly in areas of research, analysis, and knowledge exchange. The MoU, signed on behalf of the ECSSR by Obaid Al Zaabi, Director of the Strategic Studies and Scientific Research Division, aims to strengthen cooperation between the two sides in preparing joint research and analytical materials, organizing expert discussions, seminars, and conferences, as well as exchanging expertise and coordinating efforts to support young researchers. #TheECSSR

Dear Ukrainian and French colleagues! The Embassy of France in Ukraine and the French Institute in Ukraine announce the opening of the call for applications for the NADIYA programme - a scientific mobility programme dedicated to research cooperation in the field of engineering sciences (Materials Science and Engineering, Biotechnology and Life Engineering, Geosciences and Environment, Sustainable Energy and Energy Transition, Agronomy and Veterinary Sciences, Innovative Technologies and Advanced Civil Engineering, Cybersecurity and Civil Nuclear Research, Construction and Civil Engineering). This is already the fourth edition of the programme. NADIYA was launched together with CDEFI - Conférence des directeurs des écoles françaises d'ingénieurs in 2023 and has since become a strong pillar of scientific cooperation between France and Ukraine. These mobilities contribute not only to strengthening existing partnerships, but also to creating new collaborations and exchange opportunities, including Erasmus+ programmes. The programme is specifically designed to support Ukrainian researchers who have remained in Ukraine and continue contributing to the country’s resilience, particularly in the field of science and research. More details: https://lnkd.in/dD3ZABcM

New funding radar for scientists and research teams We have updated the ILYSA International Funding page with a curated selection of open and upcoming opportunities for researchers, postdoctoral fellows, research teams and science-driven organisations. The current selection includes Japan-related programmes, European research funding, mobility fellowships and international research network opportunities, including MEXT, Matsumae International Foundation, MSCA, EMBO, ERC, Wellcome and COST. Each opportunity links to the official donor or programme page, so applicants can verify eligibility, deadlines and submission rules directly at the source. Explore the updated page: https://lnkd.in/dUdiA2nR We will continue updating the radar with relevant calls for Ukrainian and international scientific communities. #ResearchFunding #Grants #Scientists #Ukraine #HorizonEurope #MSCA #ERC #COST #Japan #Science #InternationalCooperation #ILYSA

The NRF and the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research are pleased to pre-announce an upcoming joint call for research proposals under the Bilateral Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The call for applications will open on 30 June 2026. This programme aims to strengthen collaboration between Tunisian and South African researchers through the support of joint research and mobility projects. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dHSbUMjX

AI + Quantum science are reshaping Africa’s energy future ⚡ At the Africa Forward Summit Sid Event – Energies for the Future workshop, ARISE grantee Dr. Katawoura Beltako delivered a compelling keynote on how quantum technologies and artificial intelligence can transform Africa’s approach to energy materials and systems. His presentation reinforced a powerful message: Africa’s energy transition cannot rely on imported technologies alone. It must be co‑designed, co‑developed, and co‑owned, with strong investment in scientific capacity, open tools, and regional collaboration. This is precisely the kind of African‑led deep‑tech innovation that the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence #ARISE programme was created to enable. 🔗 Join the conversation online: https://shorturl.at/htMAP #AfricaForward #AfricaForward2026 #AfricaForwardSummit #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #GreenEnergy #EnergyTransition #Research #Innovation #AfricanScience #Sustainability African Union EURAXESS Africa European Commission European Research Council (ERC) CNRS IRD CSIC Katawoura Beltako, Ph.D Bridget Mutuma-Mutemi Gift Mehlana Dr. Hafeez Yusuf Hafeez Stephen Mutwiwa- M.D, PhD Benoit Hazard

Africa is no longer just a consumer of space technology! It's building the institutional architecture to become a producer. I recently completed my MSc thesis at the International Space University, where I examined how the newly established African Space Agency (AfSA) can strategically coordinate partnerships with global space powers, and what it will take for Africa to turn those partnerships into lasting, sovereign capabilities. The core finding? Partnerships with players such as China, ESA, and others are valuable, but only if Africa negotiates them on its own terms. Right now, that's not always the case. Africa risks replicating the same dependency patterns seen in other sectors: external financing, external platforms, and external data infrastructure, with limited ownership transfer. My research recommends a different path: 1. Regional specialization: let each African sub-region lead where it has or wants to have a comparative advantage (manufacturing, astronomy, Earth observation, data services, spaceports, etc.) 2. Financial independence: blended financing models that reduce reliance on any single donor or partner and de-risk investment. 3. Political neutrality: engage all global partners without being captured in geopolitical competition. 4. Data sovereignty: negotiate joint IP rights and ownership of the data Africa generates. 5. Human capital: invest in the scientists, engineers, and policymakers who will run this ecosystem for the next 50 years. 6. Private sector development: nurture local space industry through PPPs, tax incentives, and a continental space innovation fund. 7. Policy harmonization: develop unified legal frameworks on licensing, data sovereignty, intellectual property, etc., across the continent. Africa has 20+ national space programs, 60+ 🛰️ satellites launched, and a continental agency ready to coordinate. The infrastructure, the knowledge, and the people for this transformation exist. What's needed now is the strategic clarity to use it! This work is personal. As a Rwandan who has seen what intentional, sovereign investment in technology can do, I believe Africa's space future is not just possible, it's inevitable. The question is who shapes it, and on whose terms. #AfricanSpace #SpacePolicy #AfSA #SpaceDiplomacy #ISU #Rwanda #SpaceTech 🛰️

Arab Science & Technology Foundation Concludes 26th Board Cycle with Over 90 Achievements The Arab Science & Technology Foundation has concluded its 26th Board of Directors cycle, announcing more than 90 scientific and institutional activities delivered through a fully volunteer-driven model (100%). During the period (April 2025 – April 2026), ASTF expanded its impact through: * 6 active networks and initiatives * 16+ regional and international partnerships * 40+ scholarships for students affected by conflicts * Contributions from experts across 47+ countries A key highlight was AMSTRO 2026, hosted in Dubai, bringing together 11 leading international organizations and over 800 participants. ASTF operates under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President since 2000. Dr. Abdalla Alnajjar stated: “Results this year show what the Arab scientific community can achieve when it works as one network.” The Foundation also highlighted: * The first Arab report on PFAS pollutants * Expansion of specialized networks across key sectors * 88% execution of board decisions ASTF’s ecosystem of specialized networks and initiatives (to date) includes: * AMSTRO (Oncology & Radiation Therapy) * Arab Network for Emerging Pollutants (EPN) الشبكة العربية للتصدي للملوثات البيئية الناشئة (Environmental Pollutants Network – PFAS research) * GHAN (Arab Green Hydrogen Network) * Hope for the Future – HfF (Scholarships & education support) * ASTF Youth Council (Youth & digital transformation) * Ask Initiative – “We Understand Science to Create Knowledge” (Scientific literacy & public engagement) This ecosystem continues to grow, with additional specialized networks and initiatives currently in development as part of ASTF’s next phase. On behalf of the Board, ASTF emphasized a clear message: Science and technology must become a development priority for the Arab region. The Foundation calls for practical collaboration through partnerships and sustainable funding that translate into scalable initiatives and real impact. ASTF invites: * Business leaders and private sector entities * CSR programs and institutions to move from symbolic support to investment in knowledge — by funding scholarships, supporting scientific initiatives, and enabling innovation with measurable outcomes. ASTF reaffirmed that real progress requires collective effort across sectors, built on a shared vision that maximizes impact. Looking ahead, Cycle (27) will focus on expanding innovation, strengthening governance, and scaling global partnerships. 📩 media@astf.net 🌐 www.astf.net Follow us on Instagram: https://lnkd.in/dZCczRYd #ASTF #Science #Innovation #Technology #Research #Collaboration

Proud to serve as a Board Member of the Arab Science and Technology Foundation — an institution that continues to play a vital role in advancing science, innovation, and knowledge across the Arab world. What stands out in this post is not only the initiative itself, but the broader vision it represents: connecting researchers, empowering innovators, and bridging the gap between science and real-world impact. This is exactly what our region needs today. For over two decades, ASTF has worked to bring together Arab scientists, entrepreneurs, and institutions, creating a collaborative ecosystem that links ideas with opportunities and research with investment. As someone deeply engaged in media, knowledge, and capacity building, I strongly believe that storytelling, visibility, and partnerships are key to amplifying the impact of such initiatives. Science does not exist in isolation—it thrives when it reaches society, informs policy, and inspires the next generation. This is why institutions like ASTF matter. They are not just supporting research—they are shaping the future of the region. Looking forward to seeing more collaboration, more visibility for Arab science, and more opportunities for young innovators to lead. #ASTF #Science #Innovation #ArabWorld #Research #KnowledgeEconomy

The NRF and the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research are pleased to pre-announce an upcoming joint call for research proposals under the Bilateral Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The call for applications will open on 30 June 2026. This programme aims to strengthen collaboration between Tunisian and South African researchers through the support of joint research and mobility projects. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dHSbUMjX