TWAS Newsletter Vol. 19 No. 2

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Editorial: Northern Exposure, Southern Light

(pages 2-5, 312 K) As TWAS approaches its 25th anniversary, which will take place in 2008, we have a great deal to celebrate. Over the past quarter century, the Academy has emerged as one of the world's pre-eminent institutions for honouring scientific accomplishment and for building scientific capacity in the developing world. TWAS's status in the international scientific community should serve as an enormous source of pride for all academy members and for all those who have supported the academy over the years.

AAAS Looks South

(pages 6-7, 80 K) The world is facing major challenges that threaten long-term societal stability and development. International cooperation in science is key to meeting the challenges that are before us, says Nobel Laureate David Baltimore, president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Trieste Science Prize Winners 2007

(pages 8-9, 216 K) An eminent Mexican biologist, whose research helped to spur the creation of the first genetically modified plants, and an internationally renowned Indian chemist, whose innovative laboratory techniques have led to the synthesis of more than 50 natural products, have been awarded the Trieste Science Prize for 2007. The prize, administered by TWAS and funded by illycaffè, provides international recognition to outstanding scientists living and working in the developing world. Winners share a US$100,000 cash award.

Prize Winners Talk Shop

(pages 10-17, 440 K) The awards ceremony for the Trieste Science Prize took place in the Politeama Rossetti theatre in Trieste on 19 May 2007 as part of the first-ever FEST, Fiera dell’Editoria Scientifica Trieste (international science media fair). Officials in Trieste hope to make FEST a yearly event and to have the annual ceremony of the Trieste Science Prize as an ongoing part of the festivities.

Eyes on Trieste

(pages 18-24, 664 K) On 10-12 May 2007, the international scientific and educational organizations in Trieste hosted a world forum on 'Education, Research and Innovation: New Partnership for Sustainable Development'. The meeting was held under the auspices of the G8 and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

African Academies Call on G8

(pages 25-27, 536 K) This spring, the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), represented by Mohamed H.A. Hassan, president of the African Academy of Sciences and executive director of TWAS, presented a statement to Angela Merkel, chancellor of Germany and current head of the G8, a group of the world’s richest countries, outlining NASAC's concerns on such critical issues as sustainability, energy efficiency and climate change.

DRY. Living Life Without Water

(pages 28-41, 1.6 M) Up to a billion people live in the drylands of the developing world. They are invariably among the world’s poorest and isolated people. Many belong to some of the world’s oldest cultures, struggling to come to terms with modernity.

Heavy Metal Action

(pages 42-45, 248 K) TWAS is currently supporting nine research units in least developed countries that are carrying out excellent research under difficult conditions. Patrick Edorh, head of the Toxicology of Environment Unit at the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin, has received funding from TWAS since 2006 to conduct research into heavy metals in aquatic environments and marine products.

People, Places and Events

(pages 46-47, 128 K) Brief news about honours, appointments, awards and events.