TWAS Newsletter Vol. 20 No. 3

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Editorial: A TWAS Jubilee

(pages 2-8, 416 K): TWAS will be 25 years old this year. A gala celebration, supported by the Mexican government and hosted by the Mexican Academy of Sciences, will take place in Mexico City from 10 to 13 November. More than 300 scientists will be in attendance.

Twenty Plus Five

(pages 9-15, 384 K): Since its 20th anniversary, TWAS has sought to strengthen and expand its role as a key international player in building scientific capacity and promoting science-based development in the developing world.

China's Scientific Opening

(pages 16-21, 312 K): The TWAS Second General Conference, held in Beijing from 14 to 18 September 1987, opened the eyes of the international scientific community to the China that was about to be. Mohamed H.A. Hassan, who was then executive secretary and is now the Academy's Executive Director, played a key role in organizing the meeting.

Science in Mexico: Progress Ahead

(pages 22-25, 232 K): This November, Mexico will host the 25th anniversary celebration of TWAS. In the following article, Rosaura Ruíz-Gutiérrez and Juan Pedro Laclette, the current and immediate past presidents of the Mexican Academy of Sciences, examine the problems and promise of science in Mexico -- a nation that boasts a world-class scientific community in a variety of fields. The community however remains woefully underfunded, has too few researchers and is overly concentrated in Mexico City.

Rwanda On The Move

(pages 26-33, 368 K): In less than two decades, Rwanda – one of Africa’s smallest, most densely populated and resource-poor countries – has emerged from the depths of genocide to become a beacon of progress on the continent, thanks in large measure to its investment in science and technology (S&T).

Research Grants Programme

(pages 34-40, 384 K): A lack of basic equipment, laboratory supplies and scientific literature often hampers the work of many creative and talented young scientists in developing countries. Indeed it is a lack of support that often discourages many young scientists from remaining in their native countries.

Serving Youth

(pages 41-49, 448 K): TWAS is increasingly committed to recognizing and assisting young scientists in the developing world. It is all part of the academy’s larger efforts to help build a strong and enduring foundation for science-based development across the South.

People, Places and Events

(pages 50-51, 128 K): Brief news about honours, appointments, awards and events.