The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) is delighted to share its latest e-bulletin with you.
April - May 2025 |
PROGRAMME IAP Young Physician LeadersThis IAP flagship programme, held in conjunction with the World Health Summit (WHS) in Berlin, seeks to identify outstanding young physician leaders under the age of 40. Since 2011, the InterAcademy Partnership's Young Physician Leaders (YPL) programme has provided more than 280 young health professionals from more than 70 countries with skills to promote health and strengthen health systems around the world. Every day, YPL alumni from all over the world are working hard to improve health for all. We are proud to share their accomplishments! |
Samiya Abi Jaoude, IAP-YPL Alumna 2024, Reflects on Leadership and Global Health EngagementThe IAP is delighted to highlight the inspiring testimonial of Dr Samiya Abi Jaoude, who took part in our Young Physician Leaders (YPL) programme in October 2024 as the recipient of the EANS Leadership in Neurosurgery Scholarship for Diverse Leaders. Dr Abi Jaoude, a certified neurosurgeon in France and Lebanon, currently practises at the Hôpital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild in Paris. She is also active in medical education and gender parity initiatives and brings a cross-cultural perspective shaped by her Lebanese-French background and dual-country medical practice. In her reflection, recently published by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS), Dr Abi Jaoude describes her transformative experience: 'The YPL programme deeply challenged what I thought I knew about leadership,' she writes. 'It shaped my understanding of how leaders function and how they can do better. Our participation in the WHS was incredibly rewarding and allowed me to connect with policy makers, innovators and global health leaders.' Read more here. |
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Inspiring Change: Antonia Saktiawati, IAP-YPL Alumna 2023, Reports from the WHS Regional Meeting in IndiaThe World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting 2025 took place in New Delhi, India, from 25-27 April 2025, bringing together a vibrant and diverse community of global health leaders, innovators, policymakers and early-career professionals. Hosted by NIMS University and co-hosted by Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Ashoka University, the summit tackled the overarching theme: 'Scaling Access to Ensure Health Equity.' Among the many voices contributing to the dialogue was Dr Antonia Morita Iswari Saktiawati, nominated by IAP and selected to attend as one of five recipients of the Young Leaders in Global Health Award offered by the summit hosts, NIMS University. Dr Saktiawati (on the right in the photo above), a standout alumna of IAP’s Young Physician Leaders (YPL) programme, was selected for her exceptional contributions to infectious disease research and her active role in advancing global health initiatives. In her detailed report following the event, Dr Saktiawati offered a powerful reflection on the summit’s themes and their relevance to her own work. Read more here. |
EVENTIAP at the International Urban Health Summit 2025IAP collaborated with the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the Volkswagen Foundation and the International Society for Urban Health to host the International Urban Health Summit 2025 in Hannover, Germany. The event, held from 9-11 April, brought together more than 200 experts from 30 countries to explore the growing impact of urbanisation on health to contribute to ongoing discussions on building healthier, more resilient cities. IAP also used the occasion to lay the groundwork for a global, interdisciplinary initiative in urban health, one that aligns science, policy and innovation for the future of city living. Read more here and view all the photos from the event here. Read more about the IAP Working Group on Urban Health here. Several YPL alumna attended, either as speakers or as members of the recently convened IAP Urban Health Working Group. Read about their contributions here. |
Aleksandar Stevanović, IAP-YPL Alumnus 2024, Publishes Review on Justice in Global Health EducationAleksandar Stevanović, IAP-YPL alumnus 2024, is co-author of a Mini Review article published in 'Frontiers in Public Health' on 27 May 2025, titled: 'Ensuring justice in global health education initiatives – a review of pearls and pitfalls'. The article critically examines structural inequities in global health education initiatives (GHEIs), many of which are led by institutions in high-income countries and do not sufficiently invest in local educational capacities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The authors propose six areas for improvement: socioeconomic equity, gender equity, inclusiveness and disability justice, decolonisation principles, sustainability and environmental impact. They argue that addressing these dimensions is essential to create more just and effective educational opportunities in global health. Stevanović currently serves as a teaching assistant at the Institute of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, where he is also completing his PhD in Public Health and residency in Social Medicine. He has been actively involved in research on health inequalities, infodemic management and the social determinants of health. Read more here. |
PROGRAMME IAP Webinar Series: Latest session and past recordingsThe IAP Webinar Series continues to spotlight pressing global issues at the science-policy interface. The most recent session, 'Safeguarding Scientific Data in Times of Crisis,' brought together international experts to examine the risks to data integrity, security and accessibility during emergencies such as conflicts, pandemic and cyber incidents. As the pace of digital transformation accelerates, the discussion underscored the urgent need for resilient data infrastructure and proactive strategies to prevent irreversible loss. Participants explored models for secure storage, institutional preparedness, lessons learned from recent disruptions, and how to protect at-risk individuals. The video recording of the webinar is available on the IAP website and YouTube channel. Read about the IAP Webinar Series here and watch previous recordings here. |
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Advanced Training Course on Science Diplomacy in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern EuropeThe Central European Initiative (CEI), in collaboration with the University of Trieste and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, in cooperation with the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Scientific and Innovation System, has launched a call for participants for the upcoming Advanced Training Course on 'Challenges and Perspectives of Science Diplomacy in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe'. The course will take place from 25-28 November 2025 in Trieste and Gorizia, Italy. It is designed to build capacity in science diplomacy among stakeholders from the target regions, with a particular focus on the diplomatic community. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2025. Read more and apply here. |
2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International AwardsThe Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are pleased to invite nominations for the 2026 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards, which will honour five exceptional women researchers in the field of Life and Environmental Sciences. Since its inception in 1998, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science initiative has celebrated the achievements of 137 leading women scientists and supported over 4,500 young researchers across more than 140 countries, at both doctoral and postdoctoral levels. Deadline for the submission of applications is 4 July 2025. Read more and apply here. |
Video Contest: Let's Discover Female Scientists 2025The Inter-American Network of Academies of Science (IANAS), one of the four regional networks of IAP, is pleased to announce the 2025 edition of the 'Let’s Discover Female Scientists' Video Contest. This initiative aims to highlight the vital contributions of women scientists and technologists across Latin America and the Caribbean, while encouraging student and youth engagement in science communications. Deadline for the submission of applications is 11 July 2025. Read more and apply here. |
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News from IAP Regional Networks |
European Academies' Science Advisory Council (EASAC)In Spring 2025, the European Academies' Science Advisory Council (EASAC) launched two new reports addressing urgent and interconnected challenges for Europe’s future. 'Security of Sustainable Energy Supplies' (April 2025) warns of Europe’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and calls for a faster shift to sustainable, home-grown energy to improve resilience and sovereignty. 'Changing Wildfires: Policy Options for a Fire-literate and Fire-adapted Europe' (May 2025) examines the rising frequency and intensity of wildfires, urging a move from suppression to prevention. With severe fires set to become more common across southern Europe, the report calls for policies that help society adapt to living with fire. Both reports are available to read and download here. |
Inter-American Network of Academies of Sciences (IANAS)The Inter-American Network of Academies of Sciences (IANAS), the IAP regional network for the Americas, has launched a new lecture series under its Women for Science programme. Titled 'Women Who Share their Science', the series brings together women scientists from across the Americas to share their research, personal journeys and reflections on the evolving role of women in science. The inaugural lecture was delivered on 11 April by Dr Ana Belén Elgoyhen, Professor at the University of Buenos Aires and researcher at CONICET. Watch the video recording and read more on the project here. |
Network of African Science Academies (NASAC)The Annual Meeting of African Science Academies (AMASA) 2025 will be graciously hosted by the Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology in Rabat, Morocco from 17 to 20 November 2025. This year’s Conference theme is ‘Water and Green Hydrogen’, which promises to cultivate and inspire insightful discussions on the significant roles of water security, renewable energy, innovative technologies, and scientific excellence in accelerating sustainable development in Africa. Read more here. Meanwhile, the report from AMASA 2024 has just been made available. Read it here. |
News from IAP Member Academies |
Académie des Sciences The Académie des Sciences (Institut de France) released a major report on polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution, providing a comprehensive review of current scientific knowledge and the societal implications of these persistent chemicals. The report, produced by a dedicated working group, underscores urgent environmental and public health challenges tied to PFAS exposure in France and beyond. Read and download the report (in French) here. |
Académie Nationale des Sciences, des Arts et des lettres du Burkina Faso (ANSAL-BF)The Académie Nationale des Sciences, des Arts et des lettres du Burkina Faso (ANSAL-BF) finalised an updated study on the environmental, social, health, food security and now also security impacts of gold mining in the country. Initially launched in 2018, the study was delayed due to external factors but resumed with an added focus on the security context in 2023. Led by Prof. Yvonne Bonzi, the updated report integrates data from five studies and involved collaboration with state agencies, mining actors and local authorities. The findings have been submitted to the Head of State, the President of the Transitional Legislative Assembly, the Prime Minister and other key stakeholders to support evidence-informed policy on mining governance. Read more here. |
Academy of Medical Sciences UK (AcMedSci)The Academy of Medicals Sciences UK (AcMedSci) will host the 2025 FORUM Sir Colin Dollery Lecture on 7 July in London, featuring Professor Adrian Thrasher FMedSci on the topic 'Engineering the future through cell and gene therapies'. A global leader in the field, Professor Thrasher will explore how these cutting-edge therapies are reshaping treatment for rare and previously untreatable diseases. The event, chaired by Academy President Professor Andrew Morris, will also include a panel discussion on overcoming the regulatory, economic and delivery challenges to making such therapies accessible. The lecture will be held both in person and online. Read more here. |
Academy of Sciences of AlbaniaThe Academy of Sciences of Albania, in collaboration with George Mason University, USA, is organising the 3rd International Conference on Public Health and Environment in Tirana, Albania, from 30 June to 1 July 2025. This conference will explore the critical links between environmental quality and public health, covering a wide range of topics, including air and water pollution, food safety and the broader health impacts of environmental degradation. It will also delve into public health policies, strategies for mitigating environmental risks, and the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Read more here. |
African Academy of Sciences (AAS)The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) have announced a new partnership aimed at promoting the transformative agenda of Science4Peace in Africa. The collaboration seeks to harness the power of science, technology and innovation to build sustainable peace and accelerate progress toward the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Read more here. |
Australian Academy of ScienceThe Australian Academy of Science took part in the inaugural Tri-Academy Partnership on Indigenous Engagement, held in Vancouver from 4–6 November 2024. Hosted by the Royal Society of Canada alongside the Royal Society Te Apārangi (New Zealand), the summit brought together Indigenous scholars, academics and allies from across the three countries. The Australian delegation, including several emerging Indigenous researchers, shared insights on how academia can move from extractive relationships to genuine partnerships with Indigenous communities. The event kicked off a three-year collaboration focused on cross-border knowledge sharing and cultural understanding, with the next gatherings set to take place in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. Read more here. |
Austrian Academy of Sciences The Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) has appointed internationally acclaimed biochemist Georg Winter as Life Science Director of AITHYRA – the Artificial Intelligence and Theory for Human Research Advancement Institute, dedicated to AI in biomedicine. Founded in 2024 with support from the Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation, AITHYRA is the first institute of its kind in Austria and Europe. It aims to advance biomedical discovery by integrating artificial intelligence with cutting-edge research in life sciences. Winter, known for his pioneering work in targeted protein degradation, joins AI Director Michael Bronstein and Managing Director Anita Ender to lead the institute. Based at the Vienna BioCenter, AITHYRA will focus on AI-supported approaches to understanding protein function, accelerating drug development, and addressing major health challenges such as cancer. Read more here. |
Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) The Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) held its 2025 Magna Meeting from 6-8 May at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro. With the theme 'Amazon Now! No Time to Lose,' the event gathered scientists from Brazil, other Amazonian countries and abroad to address the region’s pressing challenges and discuss sustainable solutions for the Amazon region. During the event, the ABC and the European Academy of Sciences (EURASC) signed a MoU recognizing the importance of international scientific cooperation and aiming to promote joint initiatives. Read more here. |
Islamic Academy of Sciences (IAS)The Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS), held the 6th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Science, Technology and Innovation (OIC STI) Agenda 2026 Steering Committee Meeting, from 22-24 April in Islamabad, Pakistan. The academy showcased concrete contributions to science-led development across the Islamic world, including advancing collaborative research platforms, increasing investment in AI, biotech, and clean energy, and has promoted ethical frameworks for emerging technologies. Read more here. |
Latin American Academy of Sciences (ACAL)The Latin American Academy of Sciences (ACAL) has established a book editing programme in the Latin American Studies series of Springer-Nature Publishing, opening possibilities for Latin American scientists to publish books containing their experiences in topics within their areas of interest. These publications are composed of about 10 articles as individual chapters, written by ACAL members and other Latin American scientists that show the progress that has been made in any scientific discipline in Latin America in Exact Sciences, Health Sciences, or Natural Sciences. To date, the book Emerging Viruses in Latin America (in English) has been produced, whose editors are Flor Helene Pujol and Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi. Likewise, three volumes of the book titled Genetics in Latin America, coordinated by Janet Joenika, are underway. Read more here. |
National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines During March, the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) marked 2025 National Women’s Month by joining the nationwide campaign “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society.” Under this year’s sub-theme, 'Empowering Women Across All Sectors for a Brighter Future in the New Philippines', NAST PHL organised a month-long series of activities highlighting women’s contributions to science, engineering and research, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive national development and gender equality in STEM. Read more here. |
Nigerian Academy of ScienceThe Nigerian Academy of Science hosted a strategic dialogue on 'Lessons Learned for Antimicrobial Resistance' (LL4AMR) on 28-29 April in Lagos, Nigeria. The workshop was held in collaboration with the U.S. National Academy of Medicine and Boston University. The event brought together experts from around the world to contribute to the organizations' efforts in establishing an independent scientific panel for addressing antimicrobial resistance. Read more here. |
Palestine Academy for Science and TechnologyThe Palestine Academy for Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Quebec Research Fund, has awarded scholarly research grants to 30 Palestinian researchers from the West Bank, as well as to Gazan researchers both inside and outside Gaza. These grants support scientific research projects to be conducted at universities in Quebec. This initiative is part of the Palestine–Quebec Cooperation Program (Palestine–Quebec Science Bridge 2017–2027). The initiative is funded by the local government of the Quebec district in Canada. Read more here. |
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), is enabling local research through targeted grants. In Togo, plant physiologist Benziwa Johnson is using TWAS funding to advance conservation of the Kosso tree (Pterocarpus erinaceus), vital for biodiversity, soil health, and livelihoods. With new equipment and training programmes at the University of Lomé, Johnson's work is fostering sustainable forestry and empowering young researchers in the face of climate change. Read more here. |
The World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS)The World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS), together with the European Academy of Science and Art and the Club of Rome, launched the Global Peace Offensive, a timely, interdisciplinary initiative aimed at fostering peace through dialogue, education and collaboration. Rooted in academia but reaching across civil society, the initiative champions localised solutions, trust-building partnerships, and iterative dialogue to counter rising global polarisation and violence. With a strong focus on inclusivity, ethical transparency and peer learning, it seeks to build a cross-cultural, intergenerational network for sustained peace efforts worldwide. Read more here. |
U.S. National Academy of SciencesOn 3 June 2025, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences will host the second annual State of the Science Address in Washington, D.C., delivered by NAS President Marcia McNutt. The address will provide an overview of the current state of the U.S. research enterprise and outline strategies for navigating today's shifting scientific landscape. A panel discussion moderated by former White House science adviser Kelvin Droegemeier will follow. The event is part of the NAS Strategic Council for Research Excellence, Integrity and Trust, and will be livestreamed globally. Read more here. |
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The IAP Secretariat in Trieste is hosted by:
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) ICTP Campus, c/o TWAS
Via Beirut 6
34151 Trieste, Italy
The IAP Secretariat in Washington DC is hosted by:
The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine
500 Fifth St. NW
Washington, DC 20001, United States |
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© 2025 InterAcademy Partnership |
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