TWAS Newsletter Vol. 23 No. 3

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Making opportunity happen now

(pages 2-5, 429 K): Now more than ever, aspiring young scientists in the developing world need opportunities to learn and work, says Romain Murenzi, executive director of TWAS.

Will science blossom in the Arab spring?

(pages 6-11, 838 K): Science could be both a source and beneficiary of the dramatic changes taking place in the Arab region, but only if the movement stays true to its abiding principles of democracy and transparency.

In brief

(pages 12-15, 180 K): Recent news from the TWAS Public Information Office based on research and capacity-building activities that are being pursued by TWAS members and partners.

India: Where vision counts

(pages 16-21, 568 K): It owes its existence to an unusual alliance between an internationally renowned ophthalmologist, who has specialized in microsurgery and corneal diseases, and a famous Indian film producer, who has found fame and fortune in the 'dream world' of Bollywood. Thirty years on, the LV Prasad Eye Institute has become one of the developing world's leading centres for eye research and care.

Quantum steps

(pages 22-28, 484 K): The next big step in quantum physics could well come from a developing country, says Luiz Davidovich (TWAS Fellow 2002), professor of physics at the federal university of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Lights on Africa

(pages 29-35, 468 K): A recently published report by the African Science Academy Ievelopment initiative, "Turning Science On: Improving Access To Energy In Sub-Saharan Africa", outlines what it will take to bring electricity to all Africans.

Science for people in Botswana

(pages 36-43, 626 K): As Africa's economy continues to grow and the continent shows promising signs of progress, scientific centres of excellence have become even more critical for ensuring that these trends can be sustained. The Okavango Research Institute (ORI) offers hope that Africa's demand for scientific knowledge, focused on society's most critical problems, can be met.

A disease neglected no more

(pages 44-49, 585 K): TWAS has joined forces with the Malaysia-based International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC) in an effort to identify research findings in the developing world that have been successfully converted into new products, processes and services. The winner of the first 'ISTIC-TWAS Award for Entrepreneurship' was Rahmah Noordin of the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia. Noordin was honoured for her work on diagnostic kits for lymphatic filariasis, a neglected disease of poverty.

People, Places and Events

(pages 50-51, 175 K): Brief news about honours, appointments, awards and events.