The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), headquartered in Italy, says it is actively seeking new opportunities for collaboration with Nigerian research institutions and universities.
The academy’s new Executive Director, Prof. Marcelo Knobel, disclosed this in an email interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.
Knobel, speaking on his strategies to achieve the organisation’s objectives and goals, said the academy would focus on expanding fellowship and research grant programmes to developing and least developed countries.
According to him, TWAS has developed a comprehensive approach to support knowledge expansion in developing countries like Nigeria.
“Specifically for Nigeria, we intend to build upon our successful existing programmes while actively seeking new opportunities for collaboration with Nigerian research institutions and universities.
“Our vision encompasses strengthening research funding opportunities specifically designed for scientists in developing nations.
“We recognise the importance of advanced training and equipment access, which we facilitate through our fellowship and grant programmes.
“A crucial component of TWAS’ strategy involves creating robust mentorship connections between established scientists and early-career researchers.
“We are also committed to supporting the establishment of centres of excellence in developing countries and facilitating seamless technology transfer and knowledge sharing between institutions,” Knobel said.
On safeguarding sensitive research and collaborative projects, the executive director reiterated the academy’s commitment to protecting personal data in line with its principles on Personal Data Protection and Privacy.
Knobel said it would maintain a strong commitment to ensure the security of research data and collaborative projects.
“When necessary, we also provide advisory support to help researchers and institutions to effectively maintain productive international collaborations,” he said.
He recapped the organisation’s vision to grow scientific strength in the Global South with significant emphasis on nurturing early-career researchers.
“We plan to expand our Young Affiliates Programme to create more opportunities for emerging scientists while developing new grant programmes tailored to their specific needs.
“Our comprehensive approach includes establishing strong mentorship systems that connect young scientists with experienced researchers.
“We are committed to supporting their participation in international conferences and workshops, providing specialised training in grant proposal writing, and ensuring access to advanced research facilities and equipment.
“This holistic support system aims to build a strong foundation for the next generation of scientists in the Global South,” he said.
He said the academy remained dedicated to gender inclusivity and equity in science as reflected in its multifaceted approach to supporting women scientists.
Knobel said the academy would, however, foster deep scientific collaborations and science diplomacy initiatives with the world’s developed nations.
According to him, he envisions a transformative approach to providing strategic and operational strengthening of TWAS, following the academy’s mission and leadership of the academy’s council.
The council, he said, set the academy’s broad policy and programmatic direction as a global advocate for science in developing countries.
Knobel said the academy would continue to leverage digital technologies to create a more inclusive scientific network transcending geographical and disciplinary boundaries.
“Furthermore, we will intensify our efforts to strengthen TWAS’s partnerships with international organisations and funding bodies to maximise our impact across the developing world.
“I am eager to collaborate with both existing and new partners to ensure that science underpins global development,” he said.
NAN reports Knobel joined UNESCO-TWAS as its executive director, succeeding Atish Dabholkar, who served as interim executive director from Dec. 1, 2023, till Dec. 8, 2024.
Knobel, a Brazilian physicist, is an experienced academic leader and a strong advocate for science communication and higher education.
