The Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) is a global science academy that aims to promote scientific excellence in developing countries. The academy has been working towards this goal since its inception in 1983 and has made significant progress towards building scientific capacity in the South. One of the initiatives launched by TWAS to achieve this goal is the TWAS Voice for Science in the South (TWAS-VoSS) program. This article will provide an overview of the TWAS-VoSS program, its objectives, and the impact it has had on strengthening scientific research in developing countries.
What is TWAS-VoSS?
TWAS-VoSS is an online platform that aims to provide a voice to scientists in the developing world. It aims to create a space where scientists from developing countries can share their research findings, discuss scientific issues, and connect with other scientists from around the world. The platform was launched in 2013 and has since grown to become a vibrant community of scientists from over 100 countries.
Objectives of TWAS-VoSS
The TWAS-VoSS program has several objectives that are aimed at strengthening scientific research in the South. These include:
- Creating a platform for scientific exchange: TWAS-VoSS provides a space for scientists from developing countries to exchange ideas and share their research findings with other scientists from around the world. This helps to create a collaborative environment that fosters scientific innovation and promotes the growth of scientific research in the South.
- Supporting capacity building: The TWAS-VoSS program supports capacity building in developing countries by providing access to scientific resources and training opportunities. This helps to build the skills of scientists in the South and promote the development of scientific research in the region.
- Promoting science communication: The TWAS-VoSS program aims to promote science communication by providing a platform for scientists to engage with the public and communicate their research findings to a wider audience. This helps to promote scientific literacy and create a greater understanding of the importance of science in society.
Impact of TWAS-VoSS
The TWAS-VoSS program has had a significant impact on strengthening scientific research in developing countries. Some of the key impacts of the program include:
- Building a global network of scientists: TWAS-VoSS has created a global network of scientists from developing countries who are able to share their research findings and collaborate on scientific projects. This has helped to promote scientific innovation and advance research in the South.
- Supporting capacity building: The TWAS-VoSS program has supported capacity building in developing countries by providing access to scientific resources and training opportunities. This has helped to build the skills of scientists in the South and promote the development of scientific research in the region.
- Promoting science communication: The TWAS-VoSS program has helped to promote science communication by providing a platform for scientists to engage with the public and communicate their research findings to a wider audience. This has helped to promote scientific literacy and create a greater understanding of the importance of science in society.
The TWAS-VoSS program has played a significant role in strengthening scientific research in developing countries. By creating a platform for scientific exchange, supporting capacity building, and promoting science communication, the program has helped to build a global network of scientists and promote scientific innovation in the South. With the continued support of TWAS and other organizations, the TWAS-VoSS program has the potential to make an even greater impact in the future by promoting scientific excellence and building scientific capacity in developing countries.