Capacity building in basic sciences

Basic or fundamental research is driven by curiosity, which quite often leads to new discoveries, owing to its quest-based knowledge. Basic research has led to breakthroughs that have spawned not only new technologies but even entirely new fields of science, such as genomics. Some of the greatest scientific breakthroughs have been discovered accidentally through fundamental research.

UNESCO helps Members States build institutional and human capacities in basic sciences. This is done through a wide range of programmes and intiatives that target research institutes, scientists, and researchers, and the STEM programme that target schoolteachers and school students. They include activities such as Bootcamps, training workshops, seminars and webinars, and prizes.   

The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) is a driving force behind global efforts to advance scientific expertise in the developing world. Founded in 1964 by the late Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam, ICTP is a unique institution that explores fundamental scientific questions at the highest level, promotes active engagement with scientists in developing countries, and advances international cooperation through science. The impact of ICTP extends well beyond the Centre’s facilities to virtually every corner of the Earth.

Although operating with significant autonomy, the programmes of this institute are an integral part of the UNESCO Natural Sciences Sector programme.  Located in Trieste, Italy, ICTP hosts The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS), a UNESCO programme that works to support sustainable prosperity through research, education, policy and diplomacy.

Through almost four decades, the mission of The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS) has remained consistent, while its daily work continues to adapt to current circumstances and situations:

• Recognize, support and promote excellence in scientific research in the developing world
• Respond to the needs of young scientists in countries that are still developing in science and technology
• Promote South-South and South-North cooperation in science, technology and innovation
• Encourage scientific research and sharing of experiences in solving major challenges facing developing countries.

TWAS and its partners offer over 600 fellowships per year to scientists in the developing world who want to pursue a doctoral degree and postdoctoral research. TWAS prizes and awards are among the most prestigious given for scientific work in the developing world. The Academy allocates almost $1 million in research grants every year to individual scientists and research groups. It also supports visiting scientists and provides funding for regional and international science meetings.

TWAS hosts the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD).

The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) is the first international forum to unite eminent women scientists from the developing and developed worlds with the objective of strengthening their role in the development process and promoting their representation in scientific and technological leadership. OWSD provides research training, career development and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world at different stages in their careers.

OWSD acts through:

• Membership in the international OWSD network and in National Chapters in many countries, to unite women scientists in developing countries and provide information on opportunities, regional and local events and access to skills-building activities; 
• Fellowships, including scholarships for women scientists from least developed countries to study for Postgraduate (PhD) degrees  in another developing country, and grants for early career women scientists to support the purchase of equipment and other expenses needed to carry out their research; and
• Awards to recognise and celebrate early career women scientists who have made significant contributions to research and education in their scientific field.

OWSD is a programme unit of UNESCO, based at the offices of TWAS in Trieste, Italy.