The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) is delighted to share its latest e-bulletin with you. 
December 2024 - January 2025

Happy 2025! Read our most popular stories from 2024

Discover the highlights of IAP's most-read articles of 2024, ranging from fostering science education and combating predatory academic practices to promoting responsible global research and sustainable development. Learn about the 'Big Ideas of Science Education,' insights on climate change and biodiversity, and how the next generation of young physician leaders is shaping global health. Dive into efforts to decarbonize transport in Africa and explore workshops and webinars addressing trust in science and barriers to global scientific collaboration. Read more here.

Announcing the 2025 IAP Conference and General Assembly

We are pleased to announce that our 2025 Conference and General Assembly will take place from 8 to 11 December 2025 in Cairo, Egypt. This event will be hosted by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT), bringing together leading scientific minds, policymakers and stakeholders from around the world. Themed 'Bridging Science, Policy and Society in an Era of Transformation', the 2025 IAP Conference will explore innovative strategies for strengthening the science-policy-society interface. Discussions will highlight the vital role of science, scientists and national academies in addressing global challenges and driving collaborative and sustainable solutions to advance societal well-being. Read more here.

 PROGRAMME 

IAP Webinar Series: Upcoming sessions and past recordings

The IAP Webinar Series continues to bring critical global issues to the forefront. The recording of our most recent webinar, 'Report Launch: A Comparative Analysis of Themes Across S- and G-Statements', is now available on the IAP website and YouTube channel. The IAP's new report systematically analyzes the thematic correlations between S-Statements and G-Statements (declarations and communiqués from G7 and G20 summits). The webinar explored key findings of the report, to understand how science academies influence global policy priorities and discuss opportunities to strengthen the role of science in policymaking beyond the G7 and G20 contexts. Read more here.

In case you missed our December webinar on the UN Pact for the Future and its implications for international scientific collaboration, the recording is available here. Read about the IAP Webinar Series here and watch all previous recordings here.

 PROGRAMME 

Biosecurity Working Group: Watch the IAP session in Geneva

On 11 December 2024, IAP hosted a side-session at the United Nations in Geneva during the Fifth Session of the Working Group on Strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). The event showcased the findings of IAP's 'Proof-of-Concept' exercise for establishing a Science and Technology (S&T) advisory mechanism to the BWC, which currently lacks one. The session attracted in-person attendees from several countries, including Australia, China, Czechia, EU, India, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Timor-Leste and Türkiye, with over 50 participants joining via online streaming on our YouTube channel. The event was also broadcast live through the UN channels. Read more and watch the video recording here.

PROJECT

IAP leads international efforts to tackle sexual harassment in STEM Academia

IAP, in collaboration with the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and with support from the Henry Luce Foundation, is launching a study on assessing and addressing sexual harassment of women in academia. The first phase of the study aims to convene experts around the world to discuss available data on causes, impacts and challenges in addressing sexual harassment of women in academia, and possible approaches to prevent it. Please visit the project page for more information. We will be reaching out to our membership with opportunities to be involved in the study. Read more here.

PROJECT

Workshop: Community-level wildfire risk and vulnerability

IAP, with financial support from the U.S. Fire Administration within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will be organising an international workshop to address the impact of wildfires on the built environment. The goal of the workshop is to address topics such as:

• Existing models and models under development to assess risks from fires in built environments;
• Intended uses of these models and types of decisions they facilitate;
• Model validation approaches;
• Artificial intelligence components in these models.

The workshop will take place on 17-18 March 2025 and will be hosted by the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences of Spain, in Madrid. Read more here.

PROJECT

Our Small Grants for scientific collaboration and innovation

In 2023–2024, IAP allocated small grants to initiatives designed to tackle pressing global challenges through scientific collaboration and innovation. These grants have empowered diverse projects addressing critical issues such as biosecurity, science diplomacy, academic integrity and sustainable development in the Amazon. From promoting responsible scientific practices through biosecurity guidelines to curbing predatory publishing and fostering science diplomacy, these initiatives demonstrated significant progress in their respective domains. Additionally, an Amazon-focused programme has engaged stakeholders across the Americas, spotlighting the importance of regional and global cooperation. Read more about the achievements of each project here.

EVENT

IAP at the Annual Meeting of African Sciences Academies

IAP was represented at the Annual Meeting of African Science Academies (AMASA), hosted by the Algerian Academy of Science and Technology (AAST) in collaboration with the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC). IAP Co-President Masresha Fetene provided opening remarks on behalf of the organization, emphasizing the need for collaborations among scientists and science academies in Africa, and how the IAP through NASAC supports such initiatives. Fetene, together with IAP Associate Programme Officer Moses Ogutu, spoke at various side events, including the Learning Collaborative on maintaining financial sustainability with independence and the physical/in-person launch of the IAP Decarbonisation of Transport in Africa report. Read more here.

EVENT 

COP29: IAP shares expertise on climate, education and health

IAP reinforced its commitment to addressing the critical intersections of climate change and health at COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024. IAP consultant, Robin Fears, delivered two impactful presentations at the GLOBE-organized Parliamentary Pavilion on 18 November 2024, focusing on 'Climate and Education' and 'Climate and Health.' These sessions stressed the necessity of integrating education systems and health policy into climate action frameworks, emphasizing regional collaboration. Read more here.

PUBLICATION 

Building Resilient Cities: Adapting to the health impacts of climate change

This publication explores the health impacts of climate change on urban populations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting vulnerabilities like extreme weather, informal settlements and limited access to essentials. Launched at COP29, it aims to inform researchers, practitioners and policymakers, driving transformative action toward healthier urban futures amidst climate change. In the frame of its project on Climate Change and Health, the IAP contributed to this volume with the  opening chapter 'Framing the Challenge, Urbanisation and Climate Change: Shared Risks, Health Challenges and Pathways to Resilience', written by Robin Fears, Peter McGrath and Montira Pongsiri. Read and download it here.

PUBLICATION 

Science Policy Futures for Asia

This brief is a collaboration between IAP, the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA) and the Indian National Science Academy (INSA). It examines Asia's diverse technology, science and innovation (TSI) landscape, where rapid innovation intersects with uneven development across subregions. It highlights challenges like resource disparities, fragmented policies, and the need for inclusive, sustainable governance. Integrating indigenous knowledge is crucial to address societal and environmental issues. The brief advocates for balanced frameworks fostering technological progress, equitable growth, and regional cooperation. Read and download it here.

PUBLICATION 

Reducing biological risks by promoting a peaceful use of biology

A Norwegian Working Paper submitted to the 5th Session of the Working Group on Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Commission (BWC) cites an IAP-TWAS science diplomacy workshop, organised in March 2024. The paper summarizes Norway's contribution to the activities of the BWC’s Working Group on the Strengthening of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction, including the IAP-TWAS event that was funded by the Government of Norway via financial contribution to the BWC and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Trieste. Read and download it here.

PUBLICATION 

Global Insights on Academic promotion

A study analysing academic promotion criteria across 121 countries, published in Nature on 22 January 2025, examines how researchers are evaluated globally. Co-authored by a team of researchers affiliated with the Global Young Academy (GYA), the research explored variations in the criteria used by institutions to advance researchers to full professorship. This comprehensive analysis aligns with ongoing efforts by IAP, the GYA and the International Science Council (ISC) to rethink and reform research evaluation practices. Read more here.

SHEM webinar on 'Ethics and Metrics'

The Sustainable Health Equity Movement (SHEM), a coalition dedicated to advancing health equity globally, is hosting a webinar on 6 February 2025 at 14h UTC, titled 'The ethical limits of economic equity'. Read more and register here. IAP is a founding member of SHEM and continues to actively engage with its activities.

Grand Prix Luciole - Ecological Transition

The Grand Prix Luciole, organized by the Fondation Luciole - Institut de France aims to recognize social initiatives or scientific research dedicated to the ecological transition, in France and throughout the world. Deadline for the submission of applications is 14 February 2025. Read more and apply here.

Grand Prix Del Duca

The Scientific Grand Prix, endowed with €275,000, rewards a French or European researcher and his/her team, presenting an ambitious research project on a promising theme specified each year. Organized by the Fondation Luciole - Institut de France. Deadline for applications is 18 February 2025. Read more and apply here.

Award for Young Leaders in Global Health

NIMS University Rajasthan, Jaipur, in collaboration with the World Health Summit (WHS) Academic Alliance, are announcing the 'Award for Young Leaders in Global Health,' which offers the opportunity for young professionals in global health to participate in the upcoming WHS Regional Meeting, taking place from 25-27 April 2025 in New Delhi, India. Deadline for applications is 20 February 2025. Read more and apply here.

The Virchow Prize 2025

The Virchow Prize recognizes innovations and outstanding achievements towards 'health for all' in the entire breadth of global health through groundbreaking research, innovations, achievements and long-standing engagement.. Nominations may be submitted through 28 February 2025. Read more and apply here.

TWAS awards

Nominations for five awards are open to candidates from the developing world in fields including physics, chemistry, biology, medical science and sustainable development. Deadline for the submission of applications is 14 March 2025. Read more and apply here.

News from IAP member academies and networks

Académie des Sciences 

The Académie des Sciences (Institut de France) issued the press release 'Nuclear Energy: A Strategic Priority for Europe'. France and the United Kingdom, pioneers in nuclear physics and reactor engineering, are making a strong return to the global stage. Members of the French Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of London have outlined nine key recommendations to policymakers, advocating for the revival of nuclear energy and enhanced bilateral collaboration in research and development. Read more here.

Academy of Medical Sciences, UK

The Academy of Medical Sciences, UK hosted a policy workshop with the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, titled Advancing Access to diagnostics and therapeutics in Southeast Asia (SEA). The workshop addressed the pressing issues surrounding healthcare disparities in SEA by proposing several key recommendations: creating a unified ASEAN-based regulatory framework to streamline access to diagnostics and therapies, enhancing education and training for healthcare professionals and leveraging digital health technologies to improve accessibility and outcomes. Read more in the report available here.

Academy of Sciences of Latin America (ACAL)

The Academy of Sciences of Latin America (ACAL) announces a Grant Programme for short research internships for early-career scientists and graduate students from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Uruguay. Internships, lasting 3 weeks to 3 months, will take place in Latin American laboratories across diverse scientific disciplines. The programme promotes collaboration in Latin America and the Caribbean and offers early-career researchers and graduate students, especially doctoral candidates, opportunities to gain expertise and conduct thesis research. Read more here (in Spanish) and here (in English).

Academy of Sciences of Moldova

The Presidium of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova awarded the 'Dimitrie Cantemir' medal to Professor Klaus Mainzer, President of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (Salzburg), for remarkable contributions to the development of science, collaboration with researchers from the Republic of Moldova, support given to the training of young researchers and highly qualified scientific staff by presenting public lectures of national interest. Read more here.

Australian Academy of Science

The Australian Academy of Science is organising a six-part public speaker series in 2025, titled 'AI in Science: the Promise, Perils and Path Forward'. This free series will explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionising fields like medicine, climate research and space exploration, while addressing its risks and ethical challenges. Read more here and register to join in person or online.

Austrian Academy of Sciences

The Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) has launched FAEKT, a science education initiative targeting 10-14-year-olds. The programme focuses on combating misinformation by creating engaging, accessible video content for social media, featuring researchers explaining their work to inspire young audiences. These videos, along with additional materials, will also support teachers in bringing science into classrooms. Read more here.

Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS)

The Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS) released its newsletter covering the second semester of 2024. In this issue, you will find a wealth of insightful articles, groundbreaking research and inspiring stories from across the Caribbean scientific community. Read more here.

German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina

The German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina published the Discussion paper 'Generative AI – Beyond Euphoria and Simple Solutions'. The discussion paper takes a realistic look at the possibilities and challenges regarding the development and application of generative AI. The authors of the discussion paper argue for a nuanced view of technologies and tools that make generative AI more transparent and aim to discover and minimise distortions. Read more here.

Global Young Academy (GYA)

The Global Young Academy (GYA) and IAP supported Early Career Researchers at 2024 World Science Forum, co-organising a workshop focused on 'Trust in Science' and featured dynamic discussions on the multiple stakeholders who contribute to or erode trust in science, on ethical research practices and on best practices for strengthening public confidence in science. Read more here.

Network of African Sciences Academies (NASAC)

The AMASA Prize for Scientific Excellence was launched by NASAC and the Algerian Academy of Sciences and Technology (AAST) during the AMASA 2024 meeting in Algiers, to honour African scientists whose impactful research benefits both the continent and the world. The inaugural award recognized Professor Dan J. Stein from South Africa for his work in neuroscience and psychiatry, while the runner-up, Professor Ablouahed Tounsi from Algeria, was celebrated for his advancements in material sciences. Read more here.

Science Council of Japan

The Science Council of Japan is hosting its International Conference on Science and Technology for Sustainability on 3 February 2025. In this symposium, young researchers from Japan and abroad will discuss and try to solve various issues which are causing their difficulty in their innovative research work and eventually may weaken the innovative power of the nation in the future. Read more and register here.

Sudanese National Academy of Sciences (SNAS)

The Sudanese National Academy of Sciences (SNAS) is hosting an online course on 'Increasing Awareness of Predatory Academic Practices'. The course is available in English here and in Arabic here. SNAS is also producing the podcast Sudanese Sparks, interviewing Sudanese researchers, scientists, physicians, anthropologists, archeologists, etc. The podcast, in Arabic, is available here.

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)

A scientific career entails more than producing new knowledge -other skills such as science communication, identifying predatory journals, and research grant proposal writing can make or break a career. Sixty-two researchers from 20 African countries had the chance to develop these abilities during the 2024 TWAS Skill Building Workshop, which took place in Dakar, Senegal, from 5-8 November 2024. Combining presentations, hands-on exercises and networking opportunities, the event was designed to enhance the potential of African scientists, fostering a stronger scientific community across the continent. Read more here.

U.S. National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, in collaboration with IAP, is conducting a consensus study to improve the processes for correcting errors in scientific articles, ensuring transparency and reliability in the scientific record. The study will review global practices for addressing corrections, including retractions and editorial concerns, identify incentives to promote high-quality publications, and propose standards for timely and consistent error resolution. Read more here.

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