1 YEAR 2002 J AN-MAR VOL.14 NO.1

TWAS ewslette nTHE NEWSLETTER OF THE THIRD WORLD ACADEMY OF SCIENCESr

Published with the support of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences EDITORIAL

TWAS NEWSLETTER

he year 2001 was an eventful year for TWAS. A dramatic increase in international PUBLISHED QUARTERLY WITH

recognition, the continued growth in institutional partnerships, and the rising level and THE SUPPORT OF THE KUWAIT scope of our project activities have enabled TWAS to reach a new level of influence in T FOUNDATION FOR THE the global scientific community. ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCES (KFAS) Among the Academy’s noteworthy accomplishments are: TWAS/InterAcademy Panel (IAP) efforts at capacity building for science academies in Africa, marked by an influential meeting BY THE THIRD WORLD in Trieste in May, attended by scientists, scientific administrators and science ministers from ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (TWAS)

Africa and elsewhere, that was followed by the creation of a network of African science C/O THE ABDUS SALAM

academies under the auspices of the African Academy of Science (AAS) in Kenya, in December; INTERNATIONAL CENTRE TWAS/Third World Network for Scientific Organizations (TWNSO) activities associated with FOR THEORETICAL PHYSICS the Global Environment Facility (GEF) project on the conservation and wise use of biodiver- STRADA COSTIERA 11 sity in arid and semi-arid regions, marked An Eventful Year by an ‘all-participants’ meeting in Trieste in 34014 TRIESTE, ITALY April followed by the project’s first regional PH: +39 040 2240327

meeting in Mongolia in August; and the Academy’s partnerships with the International FAX: +39 040 224559 Council for Science (ICSU), World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), E-MAIL: [email protected] International Social Science Council (ISSC), and IAP in the preparation of the report, Role WEBSITE: WWW.TWAS.ORG and Contribution of the Scientific Community To Sustainable Development, which is one of nine ‘dialogue’ papers prepared for the upcoming World Summit for Sustainable EDITOR Development (WSSD) to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, this summer. TWAS also DANIEL SCHAFFER played a pivotal role in the development of SciDev.Net, which was officially launched in December. SciDev.Net is an internet portal for information on science, technology and devel- ASSISTANT EDITOR/SET UP opment in the South that is receiving editorial support from Nature and Science. All of these GISELA ISTEN

efforts have placed TWAS at the centre of some of the most significant developments in the in- TWAS SUPPORT STAFF ternational science and technology arena. HELEN GRANT, HELEN MARTIN, TWAS’s progress in 2001 – as virtually everything else – was interrupted and then over- LEENA MUNGAPEN, shadowed by the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 September and the war in Afghanistan that followed. These events forced the Academy to cancel its 8th General SANDRA RAVALICO Conference, scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India, in late October. It was an agonizing DESIGN & ART DIRECTION

decision both for the TWAS Council and the local organizers – one that was made after much SANDRA ZORZETTI, RADO JAGODIC

discussion and debate. However, I can ensure you that it was taken with the best interests of (LINK, TRIESTE) the Academy and its members in mind. [CONTINUED PAGE 3] PRINTING

STELLA ARTI GRAFICHE, TRIESTE

CONTENTS 2 EDITORIAL 5 CATCHING UP WITH TRIESTE 7WINNING THE UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED,

WATER BATTLES 11 AFRICAN ACADEMIES ASSEMBLE NETWORK 14 SCIENCE FOR THE TEXT OF THIS NEWSLETTER

IS WRITTEN BY ITS EDITOR AND MAY SUSTAINABILITY 19 MEDIA AND THE MESSAGE 22 RESEARCHERS GET MAIL BE REPRODUCED FREELY WITH DUE

24 IN MEMORIAM: ALBERT RAKOTO-RATSIMAMANGA 26 PEOPLE, PLACES, EVENTS CREDIT TO THE SOURCE I am happy to report that the 8th General Conference has been rescheduled for 19-23 October 2002. More than ever, we are eager for your attendance. We urge you to mark

your calendars and clear your schedule for what promises to be the most significant TWAS Jan-Mar 2002 meeting to date. About 400 people are expected to be there, including some of the most promi- nent scientists and science administrators in the South and North. As in the past, TWAS’s success is in part due to the synergistic resources and talents gen- erated by the Academy’s close relationship with TWNSO, the Third World Network for Women in Science (TWOWS) and IAP. The secretariats of all these organizations are located in Trieste.

The Academy’s involvement in science and technology cutting-edge activities have taken Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, place side-by-side with efforts to strengthen TWAS’s core responsibilities. These responsibili- ties have largely defined the Academy’s success since its inception nearly two decades ago and remain the most important aspects of both the Academy’s mandate and influence today. In 2001, the Academy awarded 102 research grants and 21 prizes. At the same time, TWAS helped finance 68 fellowship and associateship visits, cosponsored 38 scientific meetings, and sponsored 8 lectureships and professorships. As always, the Academy expresses its sincere thanks to the government of Italy, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) for their generous contributions. The fact is that the Academy would not exist without their financial support. We hope we have justified their in- vestment and we look forward to continuing our close relationships with these and other fund- ing organizations in the future. In 2002, TWAS also took steps to reinvigorate our endow- ment fund campaign with the publication of a new brochure that includes testimonials to the Academy’s value to scientific communities throughout the South from the presidents of Brazil, China, and Italy, the Amir of Kuwait, and the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Our US$10 million campaign is now two-thirds of the way towards its goal and we are firmly convinced that next year will bring additional good news for this initiative, which is the key to our long-term financial health and stability. The tragic events of 11 September remind us all just how uncertain life is. The events also remind us of how important science can be not just for the material benefits that are derived from scientific research but for the global community of mutual understanding and respect that is created through efforts to learn more about the natural world and the forces that make it so. TWAS has been instrumental in advancing the cause of science throughout the South and it has played an increasingly important role as a bridge between scientific communities in the South and North. As the events of last year show, the Academy’s role in the global scientific community has never been more significant. ■

> C.N.R. Rao President Third World Academy of Sciences Trieste, Italy

3 COMMENTARY

CATCHING UP WITH TRIESTE

hen the late Abdus Salam aspects of Salam’s dream. The Paolo Budinich (Nobel Laureate in Physics International Centre for Theore- W in 1979) first coined the tical Physics (an institution that term ‘Trieste System’ in the early now bears his name), which was 1980s, he envisioned the creation launched in 1964, has become one of a broad network of scientific in- of the premier training and re- stitutions in this picturesque sea- search centres in physics and side city in northeast Italy – all mathematics for scientists from dedicated to the advancement of the South. In 1983, Salam, still science and technology in the de- basking in the glow of the Nobel veloping world. Prize, spearheaded the drive to Once the major port and ship- establish the Third World Academy building centre of the Austro- of Sciences (TWAS), which has an organization with 154 mem- Hungarian empire, Salam called emerged as one of the most re- bers, largely ministries of science on Trieste to move beyond its de- spected scientific institutions in the and technology, research councils pendence on shipping and insur- world, recognized both for the ac- and science academies from the ance (Trieste is also the corporate complishments of its members and developing world. headquarters of Assicurazioni Ge- its efforts to support the work of • In 1988, the International Centre nerali) to embrace science not only young scientists in the South. Over for Science and High Technology as a source of knowledge but as a the next two decades, other (ICS), which designs training pro- fundamental tool for economic and Trieste-based scientific institutions grammes for the development of social development. would follow: public/private partnerships and the If Salam proved to be several • In 1984, the International Centre building of technology capacity, steps and 20 years ahead of most for Genetic Engineering and Bio- especially in the developing world. of his contemporaries in emphasiz- technology (ICGEB), which pro- • In 1993, the Third World Jan-Mar 2002 ing the critical role that science motes advanced research in molec- Organization for Women in plays in economic growth, he was ular biology and biotechnology Science (TWOWS), whose mem- even more prescient in his unwa- with a special regard to the needs bership now totals 2000 women vering focus on the need to pro- of the developing world. scientists from more than 80 devel- mote science and technology in the • In 1988, the Third World Net- oping countries, making it the developing world. work of Scientific Organizations largest organization for women

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, Trieste, in fact, has realized many (TWNSO), which has grown into scientists in the world.

4 • In 2000, the InterAcademy Panel ‘city of science’ in Trieste. And all companied the directors of Trieste’s on International Issues (IAP), owe a deep debt of gratitude to the leading international science orga- which consists of some 85 science Italian government, which has nizations to Tunisia for a two-day academies from around the world. served as the primary source of meeting with their counterparts in IAP, whose secretariat moved from their funding since their inception. this north African nation. The pur- The Royal Society in London to But the very existence of these pose of the meeting was to discuss Trieste two years ago, is dedicated organizations does not mean that potential avenues of bilateral and to increasing the involvement and Salam’s vision has been realized. In international cooperation. The re- visibility of science academies in sult was the signing of memoran- discussions of international policy dum of agreement that will foster issues related to science. greater cooperation between Tu- Other scientific institutions that nisia and Trieste’s scientific com- have helped expand the reach and munity, especially in the areas of scope of the Trieste System include laser physics and science educa- the AREA Science Park, a collection tion. of laboratories dedicated to the Some eight months later, in transfer of scientific innovations to March 2002, President Ciampi and industry; the Synchrotron Radia- Trieste’s international scientific tion Laboratory ‘Elettra’, an ad- community were on the road vanced electron accelerator that again, this time to South Africa, to enhances investigation into such sign another set of agreements for fields as material science and biol- fact, as each of these institutions bilateral and international cooper- ogy; and the International School has grown in size and stature, it ation. On this occasion, Ciampi met for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ has become increasingly difficult with Thabo Mbeki, President of ISAS), an Italian degree-granting to focus on the system as a whole. South Africa, symbolizing the criti- Jan-Mar 2002 research institution for postgradu- Events over the past several cal importance of the event. The ate students in the fields of theo- years, and particularly over the resulting ‘Cape Town Declaration’ retical physics, mathematics, bio- past several months, may now be that was signed at the conclusion physics and cognitive sciences. reversing these long-standing of the meeting calls for greater co- All of these organizations owe trends. operation between the two coun- at least a part of their existence to In October 2001, Carlo Azeglio tries, particularly on issues related

Salam’s tireless efforts to build a Ciampi, the President of Italy, ac- to science-based sustainable eco- Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1,

[CONTINUED PAGE 6]

5 nomic devel- poverty, humili- entific knowledge to recognize, opment that ation and hope- assess, utilize and develop tech- are likely to lessness in the nologies that are appropriate to be at the centre South and, conse- their own circumstances and you of discussions at quently, serving as a will send them on the path of sus- the World Summit means for easing ten- tainable economic growth. on Sustainable Devel- sions between the devel- This was the principle that opment (WSSD) scheduled to take oped and developing world. drove Salam’s thinking when he place in Johannesburg in late sum- But I would contend that dis- fought so hard to create ICTP, mer. cussions taking place even before TWAS and the other international In both Tunisia and South 11 September – at governmental scientific institutions that now Africa, emphasis was placed on the meetings, diplomatic get-togeth- form the Trieste System. And this is Trieste System as a whole instead ers, economic development work- the principle that has recently of on its individual components. shops and foundation strategy ses- resurfaced on a global scale to give And in both instances, the work of sions – were all raising the same new life and purpose to his 30 these international alphabet agen- issues and all pointing in the same year-old dream. cies – TWAS, TWNSO, TWOWS, direction. The recent endorsement The momentum that has re- ICS, ICGEB and IAP – was cited as of the Trieste System by the Group cently been generated, if sustained instrumental both for the concrete of 77, the most important voice for in the months and years ahead, impact that they have had on the developing countries within the could prove beneficial to both development of science in each of United Nations system, provides a Trieste and, more importantly, the these countries and for the credi- critical confirmation of this grow- developing world. In today’s global bility that these organizations have ing consensus. environment, that could prove a lent to Italy's growing interest in Successful strategies for sus- boon to the security and well-being North-South cooperation in sci- tainable economic development in of the developed world as well. ■ ence and technology. the South will depend on wise in- What accounts for the new- vestments in capacity building > Paolo Budinich found visibility and strength of the both for individuals and institu- Founding Director Trieste System? Certainly, the tions. And no elements of this Abdus Salam International Jan-Mar 2002 events of 11 September have been strategy are likely to prove more Centre for Theoretical Physics a factor. The subsequent war in useful than those promoting scien- Associate Fellow (1992) Afghanistan and the ongoing vio- tific knowledge and training. To Third World Academy of Sciences lence in the Middle East have only paraphrase an old adage, give peo- Trieste, Italy strengthened calls for greater ple access to someone else’s tech- North-South cooperation as a nology and you might help them

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, means of addressing the ills of for a brief time; give them the sci-

6 FEATURE

WINNING THE WATER BATTLES

TWNSO’S NEWEST INSTITUTIONAL NETWORK FOCUSES ON ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST CRITICAL PROBLEMS: ACCESS TO SAFE DRINKING WATER.

The Third World Network of Scientific 29 case studies. Topics ranged from the Organizations (TWNSO) and the World development of a simple, yet cost effec- Meteorological Organization (WMO), in tive, “sugar and water” treatment in close cooperation with the United Bangladesh to combat acute dehydra- Nations Educational, Scientific and tion, especially among young chil- Cultural Organization (UNESCO), dren, to the launching of sophisticat- has published TWNSO’s newest ed data-collecting satellites in Brazil ‘case-study’ monograph, Promoting for dealing with a host of resource- Best Practices for the Conservation, management issues related to air, Management and Sustainable Use water and soil. of Water Resources in the South. The second volume, published in 2001, concentrated on successful appli- The volume, focusing on critical water- cations in the conservation and use of management issues in the developing world, is medicinal and indigenous plants. This volume based largely on presentations made at a workshop consists of 12 case studies, including an examination held in Trieste, Italy, in November 2000 (see “To the of the uses of medicinal plants in Madagascar for the Last Drop,” TWAS Newsletter, January-March 2001). treatment of diabetes and a government-led initiative Promoting Best Practices for the Conservation, in South Africa to commercialize the Buchu plant that Management and Sustainable Use of Water Resources in has led to the creation of new profitable ventures with Jan-Mar 2002 the South is the third TWNSO volume in an ongoing the potential to reach global markets. series of publications focusing on successful applica- Both of these volumes were published in partner- tions of science and technology in meeting critical ship with the United Nations Development Programme social, environmental and economic problems in the (UNDP) Special for Technical Cooperation among developing world. Developing Countries (SU/TC-DC), which also provid-

The first volume, published in 1998, consisted of ed funding for the workshops and publications. Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1,

[CONTINUED PAGE 8]

7 “Water is a fundamental constituent of life and the The nine case studies Promoting Best Practices for environment,” says G.O.P. Obasi, secretary-general of the Conservation, Management and Sustainable Use of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in Water Resources in the South deal with a wide variety commenting on the most recent case- of water-management issues faced study monograph. “It plays a major by institutions in diverse settings role in the history, culture and civi- Water is a throughout the developing world. lization of humankind.” As a result, fundamental For example, there are chapters on Obasi notes, “water conservation and constituent of life and water conservation policies in China, use impacts all aspects of sustainable the environment. water management strategies in socio-economic development.” Mexico, sustainable water use in “The reality,” adds Mohamed H.A. Tunisia, and water-irrigation initia- Hassan, secretary general of TWNSO, “is that many tives for agriculture in Kuwait (see “Strawberries in developing countries lie in water-scarce arid and semi- Kuwait” below). arid regions, many depend on agriculture as mainstays The project, notes Obasi, is intended to allow of their economy, many have suffered food deficits, countries from the South to examine “the best prac- and many have experienced unprecedented urban tices for sustainable water use” in the developing growth over the past two or three decades. All of these world that are based largely on “indigenous solutions factors have placed mounting pressures on the South’s to the problems.” At the same time, Obasi maintains, fragile resources.” the overall effort is designed to foster “collaboration

STRAWBERRIES IN KUWAIT ration of the quality of the groundwater due to rising lev- You don’t need to be a climatologist to know that arid els of dissolved solids. That, in turn, increases the countries suffer from low rainfall and scorching temper- groundwater’s salinity. If left unchecked, rising salinity atures. And you don’t need to be a soil scientist to know levels sap the soil of its fertility and ultimately renders it that such conditions create poor soils. lifeless. Yet, even the world’s most arid countries can develop pro- Kuwait, a country known more for oil than agriculture, Jan-Mar 2002 ductive irrigated agricultural land within their borders. provides a case in point. Annual rainfall in Kuwait aver- Sparse rainfall, however, means that these regions must ages less than 115 millimetres. Compare that to Italy rely on groundwater aquifers as their primary source of where average annual rainfall exceeds 800 millimetres water. per year or Brazil where it is more than 1100 millime- Over time – and time and again – the ability of these tres per year. regions to keep their agricultural lands fertile and pro- Despite being water-challenged, in the early 1960s,

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, ductive has been placed at risk by the increasing deterio- Kuwait successfully developed two regions – Wafra in the

8 among centres of excellence in the Third World that With the help of WMO, UNESCO and the institu- have expertise in hydrology and water resources man- tions participating in this project, TWNSO hopes to agement.” bridge the information and knowledge gap that cur- One of the project’s primary long-range goals is to rently exists in addressing one of the developing create, under TWNSO’s administrative umbrella, an world’s most critical issues: the conservation, manage- international network of water-management institu- ment and sustainable use of water resources in the tions to foster a continuous exchange of information South. ■ and ideas on how to effectively manage and sustain- ably use water resources in developing countries. For additional information about this and other Participants at the conference have signed a declara- TWNSO projects, please contact > Helen Martin, tion voicing their support for the creation of such a TWNSO secretariat, c/o the Abdus Salam network. Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), “Development of sound science-based management 34014 Trieste, Italy, phone: +39 040 2240 683; programmes for the conservation and use of water fax: +39 040 2240 689; or e-mail: [email protected]. resources in the South has never been more impor- A copy of the monograph tant,” observes Hassan. “Yet successful programmes Promoting Best Practices in the Conservation, are likely to remain isolated examples of progress Management and Sustainable Use unless mechanisms are put in place for the sharing of of Water Resources in the South may also be information and experiences.” obtained by contacting the TWNSO secretariat.

G.O.P. Obasi

South and Abdally in the North – as major agricultural rapid decline in groundwater quality in both regions. In areas. Cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes and even straw- fact, in some places dissolved solids skyrocketed to levels berries all have been cultivated using brackish ground- that reached 7000 parts per million. Such high levels of water that contains about 300 parts per million of dis- salinity undermined the fertility of the soil and forced solved solids – a level just about right for the cultivation many farmers to abandon the land. Experts estimated of fruits and vegetables. As a result, the desert nation of that if these trends continued, agriculture within the two Jan-Mar 2002 Kuwait had become self-sufficient in the production of a regions would grind to a salty halt within a decade. wide range of food commodities. Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity and Water acknowledged This encouraging situation, however, proved unsustain- the seriousness of the problem and launched a major able. A fragile environment conspired with poor irriga- study to examine the causes and likely remedies to tion practices, improper well designs, and insufficient reverse the regions’ groundwater quality deterioration. awareness of the detrimental effects of evapotranspira- For the government of Kuwait, the problem extended well

tion – the loss of water to the atmosphere – to cause a beyond questions of ecosystem preservation – however Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1,

[CONTINUED PAGE 10]

9 worthy that goal may be. First of all, the government To advance these efforts, researchers first drew and then had spent hundreds of millions of dollars drilling wells analysed samples from more than 100 wells in Abdally and constructing irrigation systems in both Wafra and and Wafra. In addition, more than 20 monitoring wells Abdally. If rising levels of groundwater were installed in the lower aquifer – salinity wound up forcing farmers to the Dammam Formation – for the pur- abandon the area, this large investment pose of pinpointing the leaks. Finally, a of public funds would have been wasted. comprehensive mathematical model Second, the loss of the nation’s most pro- was developed to identify current ductive agricultural areas would have groundwater ‘dry spots’ and anticipate forced Kuwait to turn to other countries future environmental problems. to meet its domestic demands for essen- Kuwait’s insufferable summer tempera- tial food items. No nation likes to tures and sandy terrain are constant become dependent on others to meet the reminders of how fragile the nation’s nutritional needs of its people. In fact, ecosystem is. As a result, all Kuwaitis – many nations view food security as a and particularly the nation’s farmers – national defense issue. have been receptive to the govern- Government studies showed that ment’s water-management initiatives. Kuwait’s two-tiered aquifer system (a Irrigation wells built since the study’s top aquifer known as the Kuwait Group findings were first published have con- and a lower aquifer known as the formed to new, more environmentally Dammam Formation) was plagued by rigorous, design standards. Highly vul- significant leakage, particularly at the nerable zones within the agricultural point where hydraulic connections regions have been placed off-limits to enabled water within each aquifer to be additional irrigation. And future plans exchanged. Researchers determined that have been put in place for the con- better designed wells, particularly at the struction of irrigation systems that point of the hydraulic connections, draw on an ecologically sound mixture would help minimize water loss due to of clean- and waste-water – a strategy leakage. At the same time, new smart designed to reduce water use without ‘water-withdrawal’ technologies could jeopardizing public health. also help tap ‘good’ groundwater by The most important measure of suc- bypassing the pockets of salty water. Such cess, however, has resided in the high readily available solutions would make annual yields that continue to charac- more efficient use of the available terize Kuwait’s ‘fruit and vegetable belt’ groundwater and thus curb both the in Wafra and Abdally. Virtually all aquifer’s drawdown and the water’s salt environmental indicators suggest that content. That, in turn, would stem the the long-term environmental health of rising levels of salinity. this at-risk agricultural zone is Government studies also showed that the improving. That’s good news for regions’ irrigation systems, despite being state-of-the-art Kuwait’s farmers and citizens alike. Science has made the Jan-Mar 2002 facilities, were plagued by evapotransportation loss. Put desert bloom here – and science is now working to allow another way, much of the systems’ irrigated water was the desert to bloom for many more years to come. ■ not reaching the plants’ roots but instead was being lost to the atmosphere. Sub-surface, drip and night irriga- For additional information about Kuwait’s agricultural tion, as well as mulching, could help reduce such water initiatives, please contact > Khaled M.B. Hadi, losses, slowing the rate of groundwater quality deterio- The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, PO Box 24885,

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, ration. 13109, Safat, Kuwait, email: [email protected].

10 FEATURE

AFRICAN ACADEMIES ASSEMBLE NETWORK

AFRICA’S SCIENCE ACADEMIES HAVE JOINED FORCES TO PROMOTE SCIENCE-BASED DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT THE CONTINENT.

At a meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, on jects – produced not as academic reports 13 December 2001, eight of Africa’s nine but as part of a larger effort to help pol- science academies (subsequently joined icy makers better understand and by the South African Academy of Scie- address the challenges that they face nces) agreed to form an institutional from an authoritative scientific point of network – aptly named the ‘Network of view.” African Science Academies’ (NASAC). NASAC will operate under the A key goal, as broadly outlined in the G.B.A. Okelo umbrella of AAS, which signed a six-year network’s statutes, is to bring “together agreement to serve as the network’s host. African academies of sciences to discuss...problems of “The arrangement,” says G.B.A. Okelo, AAS executive common concern.” In addition, the statutes declare director and the network’s secretary general, “ensures that the network will seek to prepare “statements on that the network will have a stable and secure home major issues relevant to Africa and provide mutual during its early years of development and growth.” support to member academies.” “NASAC’s roots,” notes Hassan, “lie in a meeting “NASAC, “explains Mohamed H.A. Hassan, presi- focusing on capacity building among science aca- dent of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), who demies in Africa sponsored by the InterAcademy Panel was chosen as the network’s first president, “will International Issues (IAP) in Trieste, Italy, which took attempt to bring African scientific expertise to bear on place in May 2001 (see “Academies in Africa,” TWAS some of the continent’s most critical problems, includ- Newsletter, April-June 2001, pp. 8-14). At the meeting, Jan-Mar 2002 ing food security, poverty eradication, the spread of participants agreed that the creation of a network of such infectious diseases as AIDS and malaria, and the African science academies could help strengthen the development of more efficient and sustainable water capacity of academies in African nations where they do management strategies.” exist and spur the creation of academies in nations Hassan, who also serves as the executive director of where they do not. TWAS, adds that “As a major part of this effort, the net- As Hassan noted at the IAP meeting in May: “Africa,

work plans to publish research papers on these sub- a continent with nearly 1 billion people, has less than Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1,

[CONTINUED PAGE 12]

11 30,000 African-born scientists living and working In addition, virtually all of the academies have there. At the same time, of the 53 nations that make up established an awards programme for young, promis- the continent, only nine have established merit-based ing researchers – either under their own auspices or in Jan-Mar 2002 science academies.” cooperation with other organizations like TWAS. The oldest among these academies is Madagascar’s As part of their mandate, Africa’s science acade- National Academy of Arts, Letters and Sciences, which mies also have sought to promote public appreciation will celebrate its centennial anniversary this year. The and understanding of science. The Kenya National youngest African science academy is the Uganda Academy of Sciences, for instance, has launched a joint National Academy of Sciences, initiative with the nation’s Center for

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, which held its first scientific confer- Science and Technology Innovation ence, ‘Sciences for Sustainable The oldest science that is aimed at improving science Development,’ last October. academy in Africa is education in primary schools. The Each of Africa’s science aca- centrepiece of the programme is the in Madagascar, the demies is dedicated to two critical development and distribution of youngest in Uganda. interrelated goals: improving the “science kits” to classrooms through- research environment in which out Kenya. The Cameroon National scientists work and, more generally, Academy of Sciences, meanwhile, advancing the role of science in society, especially in has begun publication of the Journal of the Cameroon areas that will boost economic development. Academy of Sciences, which is intended to highlight the Academy membership, consisting of the nation’s work of its scientists, both among policy makers in most accomplished scientists, is at the heart of each Cameroon and the global scientific community beyond institution. The Nigerian Academy of Sciences, for its borders. And the Madagascar National Academy of example, has 96 members; Ghana’s science academy Arts, Letter and Sciences has produced a series of 74; and Cameroon’s 45. memoirs designed to highlight the accomplishments of its most noteworthy members in a style that is accessi- ble to citizens interested in learning more about their nation’s scientific community. The often modest efforts of Africa’s scientific academies have been dictated by the institutions’ modest, often unstable, budgets. In fact, “one of the goals of NASAC,” says Hassan, “will be to raise the profile of academies in dis- cussions of science-related issues to illustrate the critical role that science plays in development. We hope that such efforts will ultimately lead to increased government funding for scientific institutions throughout the continent.” After two decades of neglect, several African nations, including Algeria, Tunisia, and Senegal, have taken encouraging steps to reinvigorate their scientific capacity and infrastructures. Among the most encourag- ing signs was the announcement last summer by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, President of

12 AFRICA’S NINE ACADEMIES. The nine academies that comprise the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) represent the total number of merit- Nigeria, that his government based science academies in Africa, a not now have such institutions would allocate 3.7 billion naira continent with 53 countries. One of the in place.” (US$28 million) to the Ministry major goals of NASAC will be to help “The fact is, “Okelo obse- Jan-Mar 2002 of Science and Technology in create science academies in nations rves, “science academies in 2002, representing a six-fold where they do not currently exist. Africa must continue to impro- increase in funding for the min- NASAC membership roster includes: ve their capacities before they istry compared to 2001. At the the Cameroon Academy of Sciences, the will be able to offer critical ser- same, he announced that Nige- Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, vices to their governments, com- ria would provide a US$5 mil- the Kenya National Academy of munities and the public. They lion grant to the African Aca- Sciences, the Madagascar National must also ultimately diversify Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, demy of Sciences for the pro- Academy of Arts, Letters and Sciences, their funding base not only to motion of inter-African scientif- the Nigerian Academy of Sciences, the increase their meager budgets ic cooperation and joint pro- Senegal Academy of Sciences, the but to wean themselves from jects. Obasanjo also stated that Uganda National Academy of Sciences, government financial sources Nigeria was establishing an the South African Academy of Science, that now serve as their sole international scientific advisory and the African Academy of Sciences. source of revenue. Only then council to help guide and pro- can the academies gain a mea- mote science-based develop- sure of independence that will ment in Nigeria, marking the first time an African be essential for forthright evaluations of critical prob- nation had sought external expert advice on science- lems. In short, the battle for sustainable science-based related issues on a consistent and broad basis. (see development must be fought on several fronts. We are “Nigeria’s Science-Based Plans for Development,” hopeful that NASAC will soon make important contri- TWAS Newsletter, July-September 2001, pp. 3-5). butions to this worthwhile campaign.” ■ “While these unprecedented steps represent a new era in the history of science in Africa,” says Hassan, For additional information about NASAC, please “everyone recognizes that much more needs to be contact > the African Academy of Sciences, done. Not only must we continue to invest in scientif- PO Box 2145, Nairobi, Kenya; ic capacity building among science academies that cur- phone: + 254 2 723460; rently exist, but we must also find the will power and fax: + 254 2 884406; funding to create academies in African nations that do or email: [email protected].

13 FEATURE

SCIENCE FOR SUSTAINABILITY

TWAS AND HARVARD UNIVERSITY'S KENNEDY SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT RECENTLY HELD A WORKSHOP IN TRIESTE TO EXPLORE THE ROLE OF INSTITUTIONS IN PROMOTING LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

The Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), in col- advance this goal? These are the kind of broad, com- laboration with Harvard University’s Kennedy School of plex issues that workshop participants were seeking to Government, held a three-day workshop in early explore from their diverse perspectives. February focusing on a broad range of institutional The initiative on science and technology for sus- issues related to “sustainability science.” More than 50 tainability is driven by a growing concern that the experts from around the world, including university most critical issues that we face researchers, science administrators, community activists today demand a new approach and private sector employees, participated in the work- to the applications of science shop, which is part of a larger “initiative on science and and technology to develop- technology for sustainability” funded by the David and ment. Such an approach must Lucille Packard Foundation. be interdisciplinary (incorpo- rating both the natural and What exactly does sustainability science mean? social sciences), multiscaled Does it represent an effort to make science more sus- (local, regional and global in tainable? Hardly. After all, science has been making its orientation), integra- steady, sustainable progress ever since Galileo dropped tive (appreciative of two cannon balls, as legend has it, from the Tower of the contributions Pisa some 400 years ago. of indigenous Jan-Mar 2002 Alternatively, do sustainability science advocates and modern seek to meld scientific research and discoveries to issues related to sustainable economic and social development? Well, sort of. But what precise measure- ments would then apply to science-based sustainable development and, equally important, what concrete

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, institution-based strategies should be put in place to

14 science) and synergistic (attentive to the multi-layered pant list included Lilliam Alvarez, director of sciences, relationship between science and technology). It must Cuba’s federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and also focus on the critical contributions that vibrant for- Environment; Gilberto Carlos Gallopin, regional advi- Jan-Mar 2002 ward-looking institutions play in the process. sor, Environmental Studies, Environment and Hu- As William Clark, Harvey Brooks Professor of man Settlements Division, UN Economic Commission International Science, Policy and Human Development for Latin America and the Carribean, Chile; Anil at Harvard University and one of the primary project Gupta, founding director, Honey Bee Network and organizers notes: “Participants at the Trieste workshop Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable were particularly interested in examining factors that Technologies and Institutions, India; Lydia Makhubu, help explain why some science and technology institu- vice chancellor, University of Swaziland, Swaziland; Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, tions dedicated to sustainable devel- Damian Miller, rural operations ma- opment are able to function at a high nager, Shell Solar B.V., The Nether- level of effectiveness over time while A key aspect of lands; Thomas Tomich, principal others experience an initial burst of sustainability lies in economist and global coordinator, energy but then often stall and stag- long-term institutional Alternative to Slash and Burn Pro- nate.” capacity building. gramme, Kenya; and Grace Williams, “A key aspect of sustainability,” former vice chancellor, University of adds Clark, “lies in long-term institu- Lagos, Nigeria. tional capacity building. Our thinking has been that if “Successful institutions come in many shapes and we can distill the lessons learned by successful institu- sizes,” notes Calestous Juma, Director of the Science, tions, we could provide a general framework for the Technology and Innovation Program at Harvard promotion of sustainable growth. A critical principle University and a key conference organizer. “As a result, behind this and the other workshops and conferences it is important to draw on the experience of as many that we are organizing is that the transition toward institutions as possible when trying to outline a gener- sustainability will be cut short without sustainable al framework for long-term institutional productivity. institutions dedicated to the advancement of science That’s why we made sure we had a diverse group of and technology.” participants involved in the Trieste workshop.” Project organizers invited individuals with a broad “One valuable lesson to be learned from our varied array of experience derived largely from the adminis- experience,” notes workshop participant Anil Gupta, tration and management of science- and technology- “is that good news travels slowly and bad news travels based institutions in the South and North. The partici- fast. For this reason, it’s essential for all institutions —

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15 and especially those with small staffs and budgets — promotion of scientific discovery and technological to prepare their agendas with care and skill. In today’s innovation over the long term.” fast-paced environment, a key question is how can “Most funders prefer to invest in programmes Jan-Mar 2002 resource- and staff-starved institutions find the time rather than infrastructure — and for good reason,” and money to devise a methodical, comprehensive notes Clark. “Yet, while it’s true that progress towards plan of action that attains immediate results. Being a sustainable development must take place on the short- and long-distance runner at the same time is no ground and not just in office buildings, there’s easy task.” nonetheless a growing need both to “Two important concepts lie at recognize and value the important

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, the centre of the initiative on science role that institutions play in sustain- and technology for sustainability sci- Research motivated by able development. Among other ence initiative,” says Clark. “The first scientific curiosity and things, strong institutions help is that research motivated by scien- research motivated by reduce uncertainty, resolve conflicts, tific curiosity and research motivat- development problems coordinate action and provide conti- ed by development problems are are often shaped by nuity.” often shaped by different questions different questions. “Overall,” observes Juma, “the and different agendas. The former initiative on science and technology advances basic knowledge, while the for sustainability science represents latter addresses economic and social a response to UN Secretary General concerns.” Kofi Annan’s observation, made in the UN’s “The second notion that has been shaping our dis- Millennium Report to the General Assembly, that the cussions on sustainability science is that funding agen- world in the 21st century will likely face three great cies have sometimes placed too much emphasis on spe- challenges: freedom from want, freedom from fear, cific programmes and the freedom of future generations to sustain their and not enough lives on this planet.” on building While notable progress has been made on the first and sustain- two fronts (at least in terms of developing reasonably ing the insti- systematic approaches to addressing these concerns), tutional ca- advocates of science and technology for sustainable pacity that is development maintain that we are only just beginning essential for the to examine the methodologies and infrastructure that

16 must be put in place to address issues related to sus- SUSTAINABILITY’S MANY SHAPES AND SIZES tainability. As the Trieste workshop illustrated, successful institu- “Our goal,” Juma notes, “is to develop science- tions come in many shapes and sizes. Here’s a sampling based institutional infrastructures for sustainability of the institutions that were represented. that compare favourably to the institutional infras- tructures that now exist for national defense and food • African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), security systems.” Nairobi, Kenya, was created in 1988 to conduct policy “The upcoming World Summit on Sustainable research and contribute to the creation of knowledge Development (WSSD), scheduled to take place in needed for Africa’s development. The overall mission is Johannesburg, South Africa, 26 August to 4 to enlarge the range of policy choices available for sus- September 2002,” adds Mohamed Hassan, TWAS tainable development in Africa through technological Executive Director, “offers an important forum for pre- change and environmental management. Major focus senting the principles of sustainability science to a has been placed on the policy-related provisions of large, influential, yet diverse group of political and Agenda 21 and effective implementation of the inter- corporate leaders, science administrators and national conventions on biological diversity, climate researchers and grassroots and labor union activists.” change and desertification. Today the African Centre “The international scientific community,” Hassan for Technology Studies, which has four member states continues, “is eager to lend its voice to the discussions (Kenya, Malawi, Malta and Uganda), has a staff of 20 that will take place in Johannesburg and, equally as well as a dozen research associates. It has emerged important, to help shape the follow-up activities that as one of Africa’s most prominent policy ‘think tanks.’ are likely to be outlined at the conclusion of this glob- For additional information, see www.acts.or.ke. al event. The ideas emanating from the workshops and conferences on science and technology for sustainabil- • Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, founded in ity over the next six months could prove instrumental 1984, is dedicated to the building of individual and in meeting these goals.” institutional capacity for sustainable development on A follow-up meeting, focusing on financial issues, national, regional and international scales. Its wide- will take place at Harvard University’s Weatherhead ranging national programs have focused, for example, on Center for International Affairs on 10-12 April. agriculture’s impact on water quality, sustainable fish- Meetings focusing on regional issues are also being eries strategies, entrepreneurship, and flood control man- conducted in Abuja, Nigeria; Chiang Mai, Thailand; agement; regional programmes have focused on climate Bonn, Germany; Santiago, Chile; and Ottawa, Canada. change; and international programmes on the relation- ship between environmental degradation and poverty. [CONTINUED PAGE 18] The centre has organized a continuous series of work- shops, most recently on arsenic contamination of drink- ing water in Bangladesh and photovoltaic technology development in southeast Asia. It also oversees an exten- sive training and publication programmes. For more information, see www.bcas.net/org_profile/index.html. Jan-Mar 2002 • Comité Regional de Recursos Hidráulicos/Sistema de la Integracion Centroamericana (CRRH/SICA), Costa Rica, has developed a ‘virtual’ climate centre that takes advantage of the new tools provided by the internet and advanced information technologies to supply up-to-date climate and weather forecast information

and services throughout the seven-nation Central Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1,

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17 America region. While climate- and weather-related And a “synthesis” workshop information in the past was largely used to assist designed to bring together agricultural production, today it increasingly the wide ranging ideas focuses on providing timely information to offi- discussed in the previous cials in emergency management agencies, espe- get-togethers, as well as cially during such extreme weather events as ideas and issues raised Hurricane Mitchell in 1998, which upended the at activities organized by lives of more than 3.5 million people and caused TWAS and the Interna- more than US$6 billion in damage. The result was tional Council for Science a 2.5 percent decline in the region’s annual gross (ICSU), will take place in domestic product. For additional information, see Mexico City in May. www.sgsica.org/institucionalidad-regional/crrh.html. All of these events are designed to help create an intellectual pathway for directing sci- • Honey Bee Network and Society for Research and ence and technology issues towards sustainable devel- Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institu- opment issues at the upcoming World Summit on tions (SRISTI), in Gujarat, India, seek to promote and Sustainable Development meeting in late summer. protect the economic value derived from the work of local “Our hope,” says Clark, “is to turn scientific knowl- innovators and inventors, especially in fields related to edge into action for addressing critical economic and the conservation of biodiversity. The organizations place environmental issues related to sustainability.” ■ special attention on the protection of intellectual proper- ty rights, the sharing of successful experiences, and the For additional information, contact development of strategies that integrate traditional cul- > William C. Clark, John F. Kennedy School tural values with modern science. What began modestly of Government, Harvard University, 79 JFK Street, in the early 1990s has expanded into a global network Cambridge, MA 02138, USA, currently operating in more than 70 nations. For addi- phone: + 1 617 495 3981, fax: + 1 617 495 8963; tional information, see www.sristi.org. email: [email protected] or visit the initiative’s • Shell Solar B.V.’s Rural Operations Division, head- website at sustainabilityscience.org. quartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, specializes in the selling and servicing of solar photovoltaic sys- tems in developing countries. The consumer base con- sists of rural homes and businesses without electricity or with chronic and lengthy power shortages. The divi- sion has established local subsidiaries in India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, which sell directly to rural customers through a network of trained door-to-door sales agents and technicians. In South Africa, it has created a joint venture with a local utility to provide up to 5000 solar home systems on a fee-for-service basis. Jan-Mar 2002 In Xiangian, China, it has forged a local partnership under a Dutch funded aid project to supply some 78,000 solar home systems. The most successful operation to date is in Sri Lanka, where the sale of small 40- to 50- watt peak units, costing from US$400 to US$500, now reaches more than 8000 customers. For more informa-

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, tion, see www.shell.com.

18 FEATURE

SCIENCE, MEDIA AND THE MESSAGE

AN IAP WORKSHOP ON SCIENCE AND THE MEDIA, ORGANIZED JOINTLY WITH SCIDEV.NET, EXPLORES THE COMPLEX AND OFTEN CONTENTIOUS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCIENTISTS AND SCIENCE COMMUNICATORS.

What would you do? A nongovernmental grassroots and the Media, organized jointly with SciDev.Net, organization (NGO) has challenged a recent government which took place from 26 to 28 February in Trinidad report assessing arsenic levels in the city’s drinking water. and Tobago, West Indies. The event, which was hosted The organization charges that, contrary to government by the Caribbean Academy of Sciences, received fund- declarations, arsenic levels far exceed public health stan- ing from the IAP, TWAS, SciDev.Net, TWAS, the US dards for safe drinking water. Worse yet (at least from a National Academy of Sciences, the Knight Science political perspective), a subsequent NGO ‘leak’ to the Journalism Fellowships at the Massachusetts Institute press claims that the report had been prepared by the of Technology (MIT), the French Academy of Sciences mayor’s brother, who was under contract with the city, and CARISCIENCE (a network of research and devel- and that the mayor, who faces re-election in just four opment and postgraduate programmes in the basic sci- Jan-Mar 2002 weeks, may have deliberately withheld and then distort- ences in the Caribbean). ed the information. As the ‘mock media event’ unfolded, the city’s abil- ity to mount a credible defense seemed beyond hope. That was the scenario presented to a group of After all, the NGO press release contended that gov- scientists, science journalists and public information ernment officials had cynically misled the public to officers at a ‘mock media event’ held as the centrepiece improve the mayor’s chances for re-election. And the

of an InterAcademy Panel (IAP) Workshop on Science leak appeared to confirm this viewpoint. Nepotism, in Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1,

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19 the form of a “brotherly” contract, only darkened the faces. Given the rea- city’s public relations nightmare. It appeared as if ctions of some of the elected public officials were handing out lucrative participants that is favours to their relatives at the expense of the public’s exactly what happened. health and that the city’s scientific advisors were either As Abiodun Raifu, edi- being duped or playing the role of willing accomplices. tor, Saturday Tribune, Ibadan, Yet, the event turned out much different than what Nigeria later observed: “For too long, the you might have expected. The journalists proved relationship between scientists and journalists has unwilling to accept the NGO’s been characterized by mutual suspi- unsubstantiated claims, hesitating cion. Yet, it is clear that journalists to publish news stories until they For too long the and scientists must come to terms were able to obtain information relationship between with their symbiotic relationship — from additional independent not only because journalists serve as scientists and journalists sources. Meanwhile, city officials, a mediating influence between the has been characterized assuming that they would be “blast- scientific community and the larger ed” by the media, decided they had by mutual suspicion. society but because scientists and no choice but to hold a news con- journalists share a mutual goal of ference “to get ahead” of the story. advancing the frontiers of science in Deftly turning scientific complexity and uncertain- the public’s quest to fully understand the global envi- ty into an art form that created a successful smoke- ronment and to apply science to help solve current and screen which the journalists were unable to penetrate, future problems. The Tobago workshop made it clear Nobel Laureate Sherwood Rowland, playing the part to both sides that misunderstanding each other’s roles of the mayor’s brother, cast enough doubt on the statis- may be due largely to misconceptions and a communi- tics to suggest that the truth would have to await addi- cation gap. The workshop was helpful in bridging this tional research. A black-and-white story of political gap. But more such initiatives are needed.” Jan-Mar 2002 misconduct had been transformed into a science story In all, about 50 participants from some 25 coun- marked by shades of gray complexity. tries attended the workshop, including Yves Quéré, By encouraging scientists, journalists and public IAP co-chair; Boyce Rensberger, director, Knight information officers to enter each other’s work worlds, Science Journalism Fellowships at MIT; David Dickson, even under circumstances that were a bit contrived, director, SciDev.Net; and Susan Turner-Lowe, former workshop organizers hoped that participants would communications director, U.S. National Academy of

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, gain greater appreciation for the challenges that each Sciences. Harold Ramkissoon, foreign secretary and

20 immediate past president of the • While it is by no means clear that science journalism Caribbean Academy of Sciences necessitates greater know-how and skills than, say, (and a member of IAP’s execu- reporting on political or economic issues, it is clear Jan-Mar 2002 tive committee), headed the that the relationship between science journalists and organizing committee and scientists remains somewhat different than the rela- served as the local host. tionship that journalists have with other groups they In addition to the “mock report on. Scientists continue to believe that journal- event,” participants also lis- ists rarely get it right. Journalists, on the other hand, tened to presentations on the often come to view scientists as a protected elite fer-

overall state of science and the vently believing that what they do is inherently in the Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, media in developed and devel- public’s interest and therefore requires little public oping countries; case-study explanation, let alone justification. The complexity of examinations of science com- this relationship finds its greatest expression in the munication in the United North. Nevertheless, many identical elements of the States, Nigeria and China; analyses of the state of sci- relationship can also be found in the South where an ence journalism in the United Kingdom, Argentina, already troubled relationship is usually exacerbated by and India; and an overview of the practical issues economic and political tensions. involved in preparing materials for the press and • While North/South differences in available resources addressing the needs of journalists, especially from the and levels of expertise in science communication can- perspective of public information officers. not and should not be ignored, the norms of practice The workshop, which was organized in response to of good science communication are universal and are IAP’s interest in exploring the evolving relationship guided by accuracy, fairness, balance, comprehensive- between science and the media, was driven by the fol- ness and clarity. lowing considerations: • Science communication in both the North and South • While the primary challenge of science academies can – and should – be improved. A key goal of IAP will continues to focus on building and maintaining nation- be to promote the capacity of science academies to al research capacities, these institutions can no longer work with professionals in the media to communicate ignore the challenges posed by science communica- more effectively with the larger public. tion. This is particularly true in a world where scien- Will better, more open communication among tific research and training activities are increasingly scientists, journalists and public information officers shaped by the potential impact that these activities will lead to better, more open science communication over- have on a nation’s economic and social well-being. As all? That is the abiding assumption behind the IAP sci- a result, more and more scientists throughout the ence and media initiative. The Tobago workshop indi- world are being asked to explain and justify the impor- cated that the assumption has merit but, like all other tance of their work to the larger societies in which they initiatives, success will depend on sustained commit- operate. In light of these trends, scientists also find ments of resources and personnel. ■ themselves frequently called upon to meet demands from both For additional information about politicians and the press to the IAP Science and Media Workshop, engage in public dialogue see the IAP webpage at on science-related issues. > www.interacademies.net/iap, Meeting such challenges section on ‘Science and the Media.’ requires high-level skills For additional reporting and texts of many in communicating both of the presentations, visit the SciDev.Net to government officials webpage at > www.scidev.net, dossier section, and the public. Communication of Science.

21 NEWS

RESEARCHERS GET MAIL

A NEW ELECTRONIC DELIVERY SERVICE PROMISES TO HELP SCIENTISTS IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD GAIN ACCESS TO THE MOST CURRENT LITERATURE IN THEIR FIELDS.

imited access to scien- created unprecedented op- tific literature has been portunities for bridging the “L a long-standing prob- North-South ‘information’ lem for researchers working in the divide. We simply did not developing world,” says Hilda have the wherewithal to take Cerdeira, who heads the Abdus advantage of this opportuni- Salam International Centre for ty. Like so many other ob- Theoretical Physics (ICTP)/Third servers, we were extremely World Academy of Sciences concerned that, in many in- (TWAS) Donations Programme. “That’s why the stances, the internet was mak- ICTP/TWAS Donations Programme, which has dis- ing things worse, not better, for scientists in the devel- tributed books and journals free-of-charge to institu- oping world.” tions in the South for the past two decades, was estab- Now through a series of agreements with Academic lished in the first place.” Press, the American Physical Society, and World “Equally important, well before the term ‘snail Scientific Co., the ICTP/TWAS Donations Programme mail’ was coined, we realized that our strategy had se- hopes to help close the scientific information gap rious shortcomings,” Cerdeira adds. “The effort was between the developed and developing world by pro- expensive and slow and the information provided of- viding easy cost-free access to a wealth of current sci- Jan-Mar 2002 ten did not fit the needs of the researchers that it was entific literature via email. The cooperative effort is designed to help. In other words, we had established a called eJournals Delivery Service. shotgun approach to a problem that, under ideal cir- “Scientific institutions in the South are increasing- cumstances, would entail a rapid-fire, carefully target- ly connected to electronic networks,” says C.N.R. Rao, ed response.” president of TWAS and TWNSO and Linus Pauling “Over the past decade, we have also recognized Research Professor and Honorary Director of the

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, that the advances in electronic communications have Jawarhalal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific

22 Research at the Indian Institute of Science in able to reach researchers who would otherwise not Bangalore, India. “The problem is that these connec- have either the technical or financial means to read ar- tions are both expensive and slow, making it virtually ticles in their journals in a timely fashion. And ICTP Jan-Mar 2002 impossible for researchers to access information and and TWAS will broaden their ability to assist scientists data in a reasonable way.” The value of the eJournals from the developing world” – this time by taking ad- Delivery Service is that it enables researchers with vantage both of new information technologies and a email addresses to download the texts even if their sys- growing willingness on the part the scientific commu- tems are handicapped by narrow bandwidths, which is nity to forge public/private partnerships for the ad- often the case. vancement of scientific knowledge. ■

“In short,” Rao notes, “internet connections for Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, many researchers in the developing work are pro- For additional information hibitively expensive and, for those who can afford it, about the ICTP/TWAS Donations Programme’s the process is painstakingly tedious and time-consum- eJournals Delivery Service, contact ing.” > eJournals Delivery Service Scientists from the developing world who are in- ICTP/TWAS Donations Programme terested in gaining access to eJournals Delivery Service c/o ICTP, Strada Costiera 11, 34014 Trieste, Italy must fill out an application form that is available phone: + 39 040 2240 636 through the ICTP website (see below). The project’s fax: + 39 040 2240 663 publishing partners, which have made the service pos- email: [email protected]. sible by signing extended off-site licensing agreements Or browse the website at with ICTP and TWAS, have established a set of criteria www.ictp.trieste.it/ejournals. for those who will be able to use the service. In addi- tion, they have set limits to the number of articles per journal that can be accessed each day (3), week (12) and year (100). The arrangement represents a delicate balance between the publishers’ need to generate ade- quate revenue flows through paid subscriptions and their desire to make information – the lifeblood of the global scientific community – easily available to all scientists. “Under the agreement,” Cerdeira adds, “everyone wins. Developing world scientists will now have access to a much wider range of current scientific information and findings than ever before. The publishers will be

23 IN MEMORIAM

ALBERT RAKOTO-RATSIMAMANGA

ALBERT RAKOTO-RATSIMAMANGA (TWAS FOUNDING FELLOW) POSSESSED A RARE COMBINATION OF SKILLS THAT ALLOWED HIM TO ACHIEVE UNPARALLELED SUCCESS AS A RESEARCHER, CLINICIAN AND DIPLOMAT.

lbert Rakoto-Ratsimamanga recently passed Médecine Exotique, Institut Pasteur, and the Ecole des away at the age of 94 in his home village of Hautes Etudes Internationales, while earning two doc- A Avarabohitra, on the outskirts of Antananarivo, torates at the Université de Paris – one in science in Madagascar, where he had spent most of the past half 1938 and another in medicine in 1939. century building the Malagasy After receiving these degrees, Institute of Applied Research (IMRA) Rakoto-Ratsimamanga entered the into one of most renowned scientific Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes and and medical research centres and the Centre National de la Recherche public health clinics in the develop- Scientifique, serving as one of four ing world. initial research directors. In this po- Rakoto-Ratsimamanga was born sition, he pursued innovative re- at Antananarivo in 1907. His grand- search projects in biochemistry, hor- father, Prince Ratsimamanga, uncle mone physiology and medicinal of the last Queen of Madagascar, plants, mainly from Madagascar. His Ranavalona III, was shot in 1896 on research focused on the presence of orders of the French military that hormones in food, their role in body had colonized Madagascar. Despite development and the existence of the difficult and often oppressive hepatic detoxification substances. conditions that followed these tragic events, Rakoto- Throughout his career, Rakoto-Ratsimamanga Ratsimamanga successfully completed his undergradu- proved successful as a therapy-oriented investigator ate degree at the School of Medicine in Antananarivo capable of translating research findings into medical in 1929. practice. His successes include the development of Rakoto-Ratsimamanga’s pathway to higher educa- Cortine, an adrenocortical extract for treating postsur- Jan-Mar 2002 tion was assisted by his musical talent. A skilled vio- gical shocks; Patelen for treating hepatitis and allergic linist, he was one of the artists and craft people who reactions; and Madecassol, a major cutaneous wound- represented Madagascar at the Paris Colonial healing agent isolated from the plant Centella asiatica. Exhibition of 1930. Taking advantage of this journey, In 1958, Rakoto-Ratsimamanga invested royalties Rakoto-Ratsimamanga decided to remain in France, from his discoveries to establish the Malagasy Institute where he spent a long period of hard work and intense of Applied Research (IMRA). The institute has focused

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, study, serving as a researcher at the Institut de on understanding the mechanisms by which local

24 medicinal plants and medical practices may serve as the basis of inexpensive, yet effective, treatments, especially for the poorest and least fortunate people of Madagascar. Over the last half century IMRA has developed numerous therapeutic preparations for curing malaria, leprosy, asthma, renal stones, arterial hypertension, respected both within his own country and abroad as hepatitis and other illnesses. The development of an a great patriot, having fought for Madagascar’s libera- effective and safe antidiabetic medicine from a tion from French colonial rule during the 1950s. After Jan-Mar 2002 Malagasy plant, Eugenia jambolana, which is now his nation gained independence in 1960, Rakoto- widely used, represents the institute’s most outstand- Ratsimamanga was appointed ambassador to France, ing success. the Federal Republic of Germany, the Soviet Union, IMRA is now a globally recognized research centre China, North Korea and Sierra Leone. comprised of an excellent team of scientists working A charismatic personality and fervent humanist in partnership with national and international orga- dedicated to the cause of humble and unfortunate peo- nizations under the direction of Suzanne Urverg ple, Rakoto-Ratsimamanga’s fellow citizens recently Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, Ratsimamanga (TWAS Fellow 1989), widow of Rakoto- designated him “Malagasy Man of the 20th century” in Ratsimamanga. honour of his unparalleled scientific achievements, his Rakoto-Ratsimamanga also applied his scientific life-long service to his community and country, and his curiosity and talents to anthropology, where his boundless tolerance – all of which were the driving research findings added evidence to arguments that passions of his life. the earliest inhabitants of Madagascar were of The deep love of Rakoto-Ratsimamanga for his Malaysian-Polynesian origin. country created an unbreakable bond between him Rakoto-Ratsimamanga published more than 250 and his fellow citizens – a bond confirmed during the scientific articles and 10 books. He was also awarded national funeral ceremonies held to honour his life and five patents. For many years, Rakoto-Ratsimamanga mourn his death. Thousands of persons from all walks served as dean of the Académie Nationale Malgache and of life – political officials, scientists, artists and, most professor emeritus of the Faculté de Médecine notably, common Malagasy people – came to pay their d’Antananarivo. He was one of the founders of the last respects to this humble and treasured person of Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the undeniably broad merits and accomplishments. African Academy of Sciences; vice-president of the ex- In today's world, few people are blessed with the ecutive council of United Nations Educational, range of skills and the glint of character to be a world- Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); and class scientist, humanitarian, and statesman. Rakoto- corresponding member of the French Académie de Ratsimamanga was one of those people. His death is Médecine and Académie des Sciences and of the everyone's loss but his life's work will continue to in- Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei in Italy. He was also an spire all of us. ■ expert consultant to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), World Health > Raoelina Andriambolona Organization (WHO) and Organization of African Director General Unity (OAU). Institut National des Sciences Beyond all of these scientific responsibilities and et Techniques Nucléaires (INSTN) accomplishments, Rakoto-Ratsimamanga was highly Antananarivo, Madagascar

25 PEOPLE, PLACES, EVENTS

CHARREAU HEADS CONICET granted in honour of Pal’s contribu- • Eduardo H. Charreau (TWAS tions to “pattern recognition, image Fellow 1999) has been elected di- processing and data mining in soft rector of Argentina’s National computing framework.” Pal, who Jan-Mar 2002 Research Council (CONICET). was educated at Calcutta Uni- Charreau, who is trained as a mo- versity, India, and Imperial College, UK, is a distinguished scientist and head of the machine intelligence group at the Indian Statistical Insti- tute, Calcutta. He is a recipient of Virulh Sa-yakanit

the Bhatnagar Prize (1990), Bhasin Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, Award (1998) and G.D. Birla Award jor presentations were made by (1999) in India and the Khwarizmi David Carson, director of the World Award (2000) in Iran. His major Climate Research Programme fields of interest include computer (WCRP), and Peter Lemke, chair- science, pattern recognition, image man of the Joint Scientific Com- Eduardo H. Charreau processing, soft computing, fuzzy mittee of WMO/ICSU/IOC for the lecular endocrinologist, most re- logic, data/web mining, neural nets WCRP. The conference focused on cently served as director of the and genetic algorithms. multidisciplinary issues related to Institute of Biology and Experi- climate change. Conference partici- mental Medicine in Buenos Aries – pants explored problems related to an institute founded by Bernardo CLIMATE MEETING climate variability, anomalies and Houssay who, in 1947, became the • The First International Sympo- prediction. Participants also exam- first scientist from the developing sium for Physics-Mathematical Pro- ined the impact of climate change world to win a Nobel Prize in blems Related to Climate Modeling on economic and social develop- Medicine. Charreau, who received and Prediction, sponsored by the ment, especially in developing both his undergraduate and gradu- Chinese Academy of Sciences, countries. For additional informa- ate degrees from the University of TWAS, and the World Meteoro- tion about the symposium, contact Buenos Aries, where he is now a logical Organization (WMO), took the Division of International professor of biological chemistry, place in Beijing, 25-29 September Organizations of the Chinese has won numerous awards, includ- 2001. More than 200 scientists Academy of Sciences, e-mail: ing Argentina’s Academy of Me- from 20 countries were in atten- [email protected]. dicine Award (on five different oc- dance. Yong Xiang Lu (TWAS Vice casions), the Argentina’s Society of Endocrinology Award (1993), and ATTA-UR-RAHMAN HONOURED Argentina’s Chemical Association • Pakistan’s Minister for Science Award (1993). He was recipient of and Technology Atta-ur-Rahman the TWAS Award in Basic Sciences (TWAS Fellow 1985) has been (1997). awarded the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organiza- tion (ISESCO) Prize in Chemistry PAL HONOURED for 2001. The prize is given once • Sankar K. Pal (TWAS Fellow every two years to the most emi- Lu Yong Xiang Lu Yong 1998) has been given the Fede- nent scientists in the Islamic world. ration of Indian Chambers of President), President of the Chinese Atta-ur-Rahman was honoured for Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Academy of Sciences, and Virulh his original contributions to the 2000-2001 Award in Engineering Sa-yakanit (TWAS Fellow 1991) field of medicinal and natural prod- and Technology. The award was gave opening addresses. Other ma- ucts chemistry. In addition to his

26 PEOPLE, PLACES, EVENTS

ministerial responsibilities, Atta-ur- PALIS ELECTED Rahmanv serves as director of the • TWAS General Secretary Jacob H.E.J. Research Institute of Che- Palis, professor of mathematics at Jan-Mar 2002 mistry, Karachi, Pakistan, and coor- the Institute of Pure and Applied dinator general of the Organiza- Mathematics, Rio de Janeiro, and tion of Islamic Conference’s (OIC) president of the International Standing Committee on Science Mathematical Union, has been and Technology Cooperation elected a foreign associate of the (COMSTECH). Atta-ur-Rahman has French Academy of Sciences. His won several national and interna- primary research interests have Raghunath Anant Mashelkar

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 14 TWAS 1, tional prizes, including the Fede- focused on dynamic systems evolv- ration of Asian Chemical Societies ing from hyperbolic theory to ciation for Advancement of Science award and the Pakistani govern- chaotic systems and from typology (AAAS) meeting held in Boston, ment’s Hilal-I-Imtiaz prize, both in to a more probabilistic global ap- Massachusetts, in February 2002. 1997. In 1999, he became the first proach. As the citation highlighting Among those giving presentations scientist from the Muslim world to the reasons for his election into the were Peter Raven (TWAS Associate be given the prestigious UNESCO French Academy of Sciences notes: Fellow 1993), who serves as presi- Science Prize. “His vision, in constant evolution, dent of the AAAS and director the has considerable enlarged the Missouri Botanical Gardens, and field.” Palis, who has won numer- R.A. Mashelkar (TWAS Fellow TWAS, IAP MOBILE ous national and international 1993), director general of India's • Honda Automobili Italia has pro- awards, is one of the most influen- Council of Scientific and Industrial vided a new Honda Stream free-of- tial mathematicians in Latin Ame- Research (CSIR) and former vice rica and has gained additional president of the Indian Academy of stature as one of the most thought- Sciences. Raven spoke on issues re- ful advocates for the development lated to science-based global sus- of mathematics in the developing tainability and Mashelkar outlined world. He is a member of the Bra- the broadbased activities of CSIR’s zilian Academy of Sciences and a science and technology initiatives. foreign member of the Chilean, Indian, Mexican and U.S. acade- mies of sciences. NEW LOGO

charge to the Third World Academy TWAS AT AAAS of Sciences (TWAS) and Inter- • TWAS members were well repre- Academy Panel (IAP). The initial sented at the 2002 American Asso- agreement is for a 6-month period with provisions for an extension. Use of the van represents an un- • The TWAS Council recently ap- precedented partnership between proved a new logo for TWAS. The Trieste’s international scientific scripted logo, in which the itali- community and the private sector. cized initials of twas are presented Access to the van will improve in lower case, is designed to convey TWAS’s and IAP’s ability to provide a more modern, dynamic and holis- transportation to participants dur- tic look for the organization. TWAS ing the organizations’ research and will celebrate its 20th anniversary eter Raven training activities. P in 2003.

27 WHAT’S TWAS?

THE THIRD WORLD ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (TWAS) IS AN AUTONOMOUS INTER- WANT TO KNOW MORE? TWAS offers scientists in the Third World a NATIONAL ORGANIZATION THAT PROMOTES SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY AND EXCELLENCE variety of grants and fellowships. To find out more about these opportunities, check out IN THE SOUTH. FOUNDED IN 1983 BYAGROUP OF EMINENT SCIENTISTS UNDER the TWAS web-pages! Our main page is at:

THE LEADERSHIP OF THE LATE NOBEL LAUREATE ABDUS SALAM OF PAKISTAN, www.twas.org

TWAS WASOFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN TRIESTE, ITALY, IN 1985 BY THE FELLOWSHIPS SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS. Want to spend some time at a research institution in another developing country? At present, TWAS has 580 members from 76 countries, 62 of which are devel- Investigate the fellowships and oping countries. A Council of 14 members is responsible for supervising all associateships programmes: www.twas.org/Fellowships.html Academy affairs. It is assisted in the administration and coordination of pro- www.twas.org/AssocRules.html grammes by a small secretariat of 9 persons, headed by the Executive Director. The secretariat is located on the premises of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. UNESCO is responsible for GRANTS the administration of TWAS funds and staff. A major portion of TWAS funding is Need funding for your research project? provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy. Take a look at the TWAS Research Grants: www.twas.org/RG_form.html The main objectives of TWAS are to: TWNSO runs a similar scheme, for projects • Recognize, support and promote excellence in scientific research in the South. carried out in collaboration with institutions • Provide promising scientists in the South with research facilities necessary for in other countries in the South: www.twnso.org/TWNSO_RG.html the advancement of their work. • Facilitate contacts between individual scientists and institutions in the South. • Encourage South-North cooperation between individuals and centres of schol- EQUIPMENT arship. But that’s not all TWAS has to offer. TWAS was instrumental in the establishment in 1988 of the Third World Network For instance, do you need a minor spare of Scientific Organizations (TWNSO), a non-governmental alliance of 154 scien- part for some of your laboratory equipment, tific organizations from Third World countries, whose goal is to assist in build- no big deal, really, but you just can’t get it anywhere locally? Well, TWAS can help: ing political and scientific leadership for science-based economic development www.twas.org/SP_form.html in the South and to promote sustainable development through broad-based partnerships in science and technology. > www.twnso.org TWAS also played a key role in the establishment of the Third World Organiza- TRAVEL tion for Women in Science (TWOWS), which was officially launched in Cairo in Would you like to invite an eminent scholar 1993. TWOWS has a membership of more than 2000 women scientists from 87 to your institution, but need funding for his/her travel? Examine the Visiting Third World countries. Its main objectives are to promote the research efforts Scientist Programme, then: and training opportunities of women scientists in the Third World and to www.twas.org/vis_sci.html strengthen their role in the decision-making and development processes. The secretariat of TWOWS is hosted and assisted by TWAS. > www.twows.org Since May 2000, TWAS has been providing the secretariat for the InterAcademy CONFERENCES Panel on International Issues (IAP), a global network of 82 science academies You’re organizing a scientific conference and would like to involve young scientists worldwide established in 1993, whose primary goal is to help member academies from the region? You may find what you work together to inform citizens and advise decision-makers on the scientific are looking for here: aspects of critical global issues. > www.interacademies.net/iap www.twas.org/SM_form.html