EDITORIAL

t the TWAS officers meeting, held in Trieste, Italy, on 7 May 2000, José I. Vargas, TWAS NEWSLETTER who had been President of TWAS since 1996, read a statement announcing his PUBLISHED QUARTERLY WITH A resignation. What follows is an extended excerpt from the letter. The TWAS THE SUPPORT OF THE KUWAIT council accepted his resignation with deep regret and sincere thanks. They wished their FOUNDATION FOR THE

president well in the new challenges he will face as the Brazilian ambassador to the ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCES (KFAS) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). BY THE THIRD WORLD

ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (TWAS) Dear Colleagues, C/O THE ABDUS SALAM I wish to inform you that I have been nominated by the Brazilian government to head INTERNATIONAL CENTRE its permanent delegation to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). FOR THEORETICAL PHYSICS UNESCO and the Italian authorities are presently negotiating provisions for a law to STRADA COSTIERA 11 be submitted to the Italian parliament, similar to the one generously enacted for the 34014 TRIESTE, ITALY

Abdus Salam International Centre for PH: +39 040 2240327 Vargas steps down Theoretical Physics (ICTP). The law shall FAX: +39 040 224559

hopefully assure the financing of TWAS future TELEX: 460392 ICTP I activities on a more sustainable and predictable basis. The new generous Italian com- E-MAIL: [email protected] mitment was communicated to TWAS by Ambassador Gianfranco Facco Bonetti, director WEBSITE: WWW.TWAS-ONLINE.ORG general for cultural promotion and cooperation of the Italian Foreign Ministry, during

the opening session of our meeting at Trieste in December 1998. The announcement EDITOR

serves as the basis for the ongoing negotiations. DANIEL SCHAFFER To ensure the desirable advances in the implementation of this initiative, Academy ASSISTANT EDITOR/SET UP members were recently asked to approve amendments to the statutes so that TWAS’s tru- GISELA ISTEN ly international status could be recognized. This change was deemed indispensable by the TWAS SUPPORT STAFF Italian legal advisers to expedite the preparation of the pertinent national legislation. HELEN GRANT, HELEN MARTIN, Despite the generous contributions that the Italian government and UNESCO (as well as Brazil, China, India, Kuwait, Nigeria, Sweden, and others) have made to TWAS pro- LEENA MUNGAPEN, grammes and administrative activities, the Academy shall only fulfil its high role when SANDRA RAVALICO the target set in its endowment fund and a more permanent generous contribution re- DESIGN & ART DIRECTION

sulting from Italy’s proposed law are attained. SANDRA ZORZETTI, RADO JAGODIC [CONTINUED PAGE 3] (LINK, TRIESTE)

PRINTING CONTENTS 2 EDITORIAL 4 INTERACADEMY PANEL 6 GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY MOSETTI TECNICHE GRAFICHE

8 SOUTH AFRICA’S NEW ACADEMY 11SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY IN AFRICA 14 CENTRES UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED,

THE TEXT OF THIS NEWSLETTER

OF EXCELLENCE 17TWOWS RECEIVES SIDA-SAREC GRANT 18GOAT BUSTERS IS WRITTEN BY ITS EDITOR AND MAY

BE REPRODUCED FREELY WITH DUE

20NEWEST TWAS MEMBERS 22PEOPLE, PLACES, EVENTS CREDIT TO THE SOURCE With a view to further contributing to these objectives, I have invited, on your behalf, a distinguished member of our Academy, President Cardoso of Brazil, to lend his presti- gious support by addressing, personally and in writing, the former Prime Minister of Apr-Jun 2000 Italy, Romano Prodi, and the Italian Foreign Minister, Lamberto Dini, on TWAS’s future needs. Cardoso expressed Brazil’s recognition for the most valuable and generous initia- tives taken by Italy on TWAS’s behalf and, more generally, for Italy’s support for inter- national cooperation, which Brazil also pursues. President Cardoso is also a signatory of the renewed appeal for contributions to the TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2, TWAS endowment fund. With the fund thus far receiving support only from developing countries, President Cardoso on several occasions expressed the view that it is time for the industrial countries to generously make their contributions. To assist in reaching these objectives and in addition to its own past contribution of $500,000, Brazil made a new contribution of $89,000 in 1998, to help TWAS meet administrative expenses, particu- larly those arising from efforts made in promoting the fund. The assistance of Brazilian diplomatic missions, first in Italy and later in France, Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic and Hungary, was extended in good grace to the president of TWAS and, at times, to its executive director. Such assistance facili- tated our contacts, both with high-level national administrations and national acade- mies, to deal with TWAS programme extensions (Sweden); with institutional and finan- cial matters (Italy); and with all of them on issues related to fostering the endowment fund. Some of these activities were reported to you following our Budapest meeting. In light of the above and in view of the special administrative subordination of TWAS to UNESCO, the presidency of TWAS is incompatible with that of permanent delegate for a member state of UNESCO. In addition to this pressing legal consideration, ongoing bilateral negotiations be- tween UNESCO and the Italian government on the future status of TWAS should in no way be affected by the participation of third party — namely, Brazil. For these reasons, I kindly invite you to accept my resignation as president of TWAS. Allow me to warmly thank all colleagues of TWAS who so kindly have extended their trust and friendship to me while I tried, to the best of my limited capacity, to honour the impossible burden of succeeding our most illustrious founding father, the late Abdus Salam. While I remain certain that I have not achieved for TWAS the high aims dreamed of by our founders — dreams that I myself ardently wished to have been fulfilled — I’m sure that these noble objectives shall be attained at a much faster pace, thanks to your collec- tive endeavours under the competent and farsighted leadership of our most distinguished president-elect, scientist and world science statesman, our friend C.N.R. Rao. ■

> José I. Vargas Trieste, Italy

3 IN THE NEWS

INTERACADEMY PANEL COMES TO TRIESTE

TWAS WILL HOST THE SECRETARIAT OF THE INTERACADEMY PANEL (IAP), A GROUP OF 80 SCIENTIFIC ACADEMIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD. GLOBAL INFORMATION EXCHANGE AND ACADEMY CAPACITY BUILDING ARE AMONG IAP’S MAJOR OBJECTIVES.

he Third World Academy of eration, networking and capaci- cern to such international organi- Sciences (TWAS) has been ty-building among academies zations as the United Nations, T chosen to host the secretari- and to strengthen the voice of the World Bank and the Interna- at of the InterAcademy Panel academies in discussions of sci- tional Monetary Fund. Council (IAP). The decision was made at ence-related issues in both na- expertise will also be made avail- the IAP’s General Assembly on 19 tional and international settings. able to governments, again upon May, following the Conference of IAP membership currently request. The IAC will be located the World’s Scientific Academies, consists of 80 academies world- at the Royal Netherlands Aca- “Transition to Sustainability in wide. For the past five years, the demy of Arts and Sciences in the 21st Century,” held in Tokyo, secretariat has been located at Amsterdam. Japan, from 5-18 May. The Royal Society in London. A close working relationship is The purpose of the IAP, which At the same meeting, the IAP expected to develop between the was launched at the United voted to create the InterAcademy IAP and the IAC. One of the two Nation’s Population Summit held Council (IAC), which will be re- co-chairs of the IAC, for example, in New Delhi, India, in 1993, is sponsible for providing, upon re- will serve as an ex-officio member “to act as an international forum quest, expert scientific advice on of the IAP General Assembly and that brings together academies of issues of global con- Executive Committee (the all nations to discuss prob- two chairs may either split lems of global concern.” the responsibilities or The panel also pur- one chair may serve in Apr-Jun 2000 sues strategies for both capacities). The promoting “the role IAP, in turn, will nom- of science and tech- inate scientists to nology in address- serve on the IAC’s ing these problems.” study groups created In effect, the IAP to provide expert in-

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2, seeks to foster coop- formation and de-

4 tailed reports to international or- ing, particularly in the South. ment has generously agreed to ganizations and governments. In Tokyo, Eduardo Krieger provide both operational money To date, the IAP has focused (TWAS Fellow), president of the and a home for the IAP. We are its energy on building a forum Brazilian Academy of Sciences currently negotiating both in which science academies and Yves Quéré, foreign secre- arrangements through discus- throughout the world could ex- tary of the French Academy of sions with local, regional provin- change information and ideas. To Sciences, were elected new co- cial and national authorities, and that end, the IAP has participated chairs of the IAP. Members of the we expect the plans to be final- in two United Nations (UN) con- IAP also agreed to appoint a tem- ized in the months ahead. ferences: one devoted to global porary executive committee to Refurbishing one of the pro- population in 1993 and another draft an IAP constitution and op- posed sites for IAP’s and TWAS’s to megacities in 1996. The con- erating procedures. The commit- permanent headquarters will ference in Tokyo, which focused tee consists of the two IAP co- take time. Meanwhile, the Abdus on scientific issues related to sus- chairs and representatives of the Salam International Centre for tainability, was IAP’s third inter- academies of India, China, the Theoretical Physics has agreed to national gathering. Caribbean, Sweden and the provide temporary quarters for The IAP also periodically “is- United Kingdom. In addition, a the IAP — a gracious gesture on sues statements on major global representative of TWAS and one the part of the ICTP that helps to issues.” In Tokyo, for example, a of the co-chairs of the IAC were ensure that the panel will get off statement signed by representa- made ex-officio members of the to a quick start. tives from 60 science academies executive committee. It’s only fitting to find TWAS called for “applying the values of Representatives have put into and the ICTP working closely to- scientific and technological com- motion a strategy for transform- gether on this project. As many of munity to build sustainability ing the loosely woven organiza- you know, both scientific organi- through international under- tion into a tightly knit entity with zations were products of the fer- standing and cooperation.” a clearly defined agenda and de- tile mind of Nobel Laureate Abdus In addition to serving as inter- tailed procedures for achieving Salam. Indeed it was Salam, national forum for scientific the IAP’s goals. The framework founder and then long-term presi- academies and as a vehicle for created during the next few dent of both ICTP and TWAS, who raising the voice of academies in months and the energy and re- sometimes responded to calls for discussions of critical global is- sources applied to transforming changing the name of the Third sues, IAP will also seek to: that framework into a solid and World Academy of Sciences with • Promote cooperation be- enduring structure over the next this refrain: The only name tween academies through the de- year or two will likely determine change that I would seriously con- velopment of bilateral, regional the IAP’s long-term impact on sider for TWAS is to the “One and global links forged largely global science and international World Academy of Sciences.” through workshops, symposia decision making. We still have a long way to go and conferences. As members of the IAP go to realize Salam’s vision. But he Apr-Jun 2000 • Assist scientific communi- about their business of strength- would be pleased to know that ties, particularly those in devel- ening the panel’s internal mecha- organizations which he created oping countries, to create acade- nisms and structures, TWAS, as and nurtured are now playing mies where they do not exist and IAP’s host, will be busy at work major roles in a larger effort to to strengthen them where they seeking to create a nurturing en- help realize the noble cause to do. A critical function of the IAP vironment for its new neighbour which he devoted much of his ■ TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2, will be academy capacity build- and partner. The Italian govern- life.

5 FEATURE

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY

THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, LU YONGXIANG, TALKS ABOUT HIS ORGANIZATION’S STRENGTHS AS WELL AS ITS HOPES FOR THE FUTURE.

Beijing, China. The Chinese Academy of Sciences Newsletter: “Ever since its inception, the Academy has (CAS) celebrated its 50th anniversary last November. served as one of the cornerstones of China’s efforts to What began as a small organization created soon after improve agricultural and industrial productivity. More the Revolution has evolved into China’s largest scien- specifically, CAS has shouldered three major responsi- tific association. Today the Academy oversees the work bilities: to contribute to China’s economic and social of 122 institutes employing some 60,000 researchers development; to recognize and honour the nation’s who are involved in virtually all fields of scientific best scientists and engineers; and to promote the inquiry. growth of cutting-edge high-technology industries. In The Academy’s most distinguished institutes short, the Academy has sought to boost scientific and include the Institute of Physics, which has gained an technological innovation in China through the support international reputation for research in high-tempera- that it has given scientists engaged in basic and ture superconductivity, nano-metre science and con- applied research.” densed matter physics; the Institute of Geology and To date, 633 of China’s most distinguished scien- Apr-Jun 2000 Geophysics, which has acquired prominence in miner- tists have been elected members of the Academy. CAS alization theory and quaternary research; and the members include Zhao Zhongxian (TWAS Fellow Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, which has 1987) who was awarded the 1986 TWAS Prize in made significant contributions to the fields life organ- Physics for his research on liquid nitrogen high-tem- isms and computer chemistry. perature superconductors; Chen Shupeng (TWAS As Lu Yongxiang, the President of the CAS, noted in Fellow 1992), who received the nation’s 1995 Special

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2, a recent interview with the editor of the TWAS Gold Award for Environmental Science for his work on

6 A STRONG FRAMEWORK FOR CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES AND TWAS IS ALREADY IN PLACE: 64 MEMBERS OF TWAS ARE FROM MAINLAND CHINA. THAT IS MORE THAN 10 PERCENT OF TWAS’S MEMBERSHIP.

remote sensing and geographic information systems promotion of research (GIS) for use in environmental monitoring, natural and development, the disaster assessment, biomass estimates and resource training of engineers and management; and Chen Zhu (TWAS Fellow 1999), an technologists, and the internationally renowned biologist who has identified development of effective cellular and molecular mechanisms for the treatment legal and regulatory of acute leukaemia and the characterization of gene frameworks.” expression profiles in hematopoietic stem/progenitor “The Academy,” Lu Lu Yongxiang cells. Yongxiang states, “has As we enter the next millennium, Lu Yongxiang focused its recent efforts on issues of critical impor- notes that the Academy faces a host of challenges. On tance to China’s economic and ecological future: for the “issue front,” he says that CAS “must continue to example, strategies for the reduction of carbon dioxide embrace effective measures both to promote economic pollution associated with the burning of coal (the development and to protect the prime source of energy in China for environment. The government and the generation of electricity and the public,” he adds, “realize that The Chinese Academy heat); development of biodegrad- long-term sustainable development of Sciences (CAS) able materials for use in manufac- depends on avoiding strategies that oversees the work of turing processes and consumer achieve growth today at the expense 122 institutes and some goods; fostering of new agricultural of the nation’s future environmental 60,000 researchers. techniques and hybrid seeds for well-being. The Academy must be boosting crop yields in semi-arid and attentive to these concerns.” arid lands (with increasing emphasis That is why, Lu Yongxiang observes, the Academy on advances in biotechnology); and conservation of has stepped up its research on science-based strategies tropical rain forests through the development of sus- for protecting the nation’s habitat and biological diver- tainable practices that remain economically viable sity, improving water quality and management, con- through the sale of forest-related products.” trolling air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, Lu Yongxiang also was recently elected a vice pres- Apr-Jun 2000 and reducing industrial and household wastes. ident of TWAS. In this capacity, he hopes “to promote Lu Yongxiang acknowledges that “scientific international exchanges and co-operation among sci- research alone cannot advance these goals.” He entists from the developing world, particularly those declares that “the findings of basic scientific research living and working in northeast and southeast Asia.” must be integrated into technological solutions that As a first step in advancing these goals, CAS, in co- make sense for industry, commerce and other sectors operation with TWAS, organized an international con-

of the economy. That requires sufficient funds for the ference on dryland grass ecosystem management. The Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2,

[CONTINUED PAGE 8]

7 SOUTH AFRICA’S NEW ACADEMY distinguished career as a scientific Such problems should come as no Cape Town, South Africa. While researcher and administrator in surprise. The Academy was estab- the Chinese Academy of Sciences South Africa, faces a host of down- lished in 1996 after public officials draws on 50 years of experience to to-earth logistical problems as he in the newly created democracy real- help China’s scientific institutions and the Academy’s council seek to ized that neither of the nation’s meet new challenges, the Academy build a strong foundation for his long-standing academies, the Royal of Science of South Africa, which is fledgling institution. Society of South Africa or the South just 5 years old, is seeking to estab- “The Academy, which currently has African Academy for Science and lish an identity for both itself and some 140 members, can play a Arts, “could inclusively represent the South Africa’s scientific community major role in promoting social equi- whole of the South African scientific in a nation that has recently experi- ty and economic development,” community.” enced an inspiring revolution in Gevers notes, “particularly through The nation’s new post-apartheid racial relations and democracy. As its international connections and society, they concluded, would need Wieland Gevers, the Academy’s pres- partnerships.” But he acknowledges a new science academy as part of a ident, explains: “We are in our that “the Academy has been plagued larger effort to build credibility and infancy and there is still quite a way by a weak infrastructure and an confidence among institutions in to go before our infrastructure is unresolved place in the South South Africa and throughout the well established.” African science system. We are hop- rest of the world. Gevers, who was educated in South ing that these weaknesses can be During the post World War II era, Africa, Great Britain and the United addressed over the course of the next South Africa developed a strong States and has enjoyed a long and few years.” foundation in scientific research in

conference, which took place in August 1999 in ly altered global communications in general and scien- Xilinholt, Inner Mongolia, China, drew nearly 100 par- tific research more specifically. Moreover, they ticipants from six countries (Australia, China, Japan, explored what measures developing countries — both Mongolia, Russia, and the United States). Discussions individually and collectively — should pursue to take focused on improving science-based full advantage of the “digital revolu- management practices for dryland tion.” ecosystems that cover vast expanses The Academy has In the near future, CAS plans to of the developing world. In China, focused its recent efforts organize a workshop examining sci- for example, dryland grass ecosys- on issues of critical ence-based strategies for the pro tems stretch over nearly 20 percent importance to China’s tection of habitat and biodiver of the land mass. Among the issues economic and sity in tropical rain forests and discussed at the conference were ecological future. another workshop exploring current global change and sustainable grass- research initiatives designed to land management, conservation of ensure adequate quantities of clean Apr-Jun 2000 grassland biodiversity, grazing management tech- drinking water in the developing world. “All of niques and the role of women in pasture development. these activities,” notes Lu Yongxiang, “are driven In addition, the Academy, again in co-operation by our desire to promote South-South co-ope- with TWAS, held a symposium in Beijing, China, in ration.” November 1999, on the impact of digital technology. In the final analysis, Lu Yongxiang believes that the More than 500 participants from 27 countries exam- most important step that developing nations can take

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2, ined the ways in which digital technology has radical- to close the science and technology gap existing

8 several fields, including palaeontol- nation’s scientists,” Gevers observes. of critical importance to South ogy, clinical medicine and ornitholo- “Our membership includes such Africa’s future economic and social gy. These efforts nurtured the devel- world-renowned scientists as Ma- well-being. opment of several internationally legapuru Makgobae (immunolo- As Gevers notes, “the scientific fields recognized experts, including ana- gy), Kanti Bhoola (pharmacology), viewed as most critical to South tomist Raymond Dart of the Uni- and Daya Reddy (applied mathe- Africa’s future are those linked to versity of the Witwatersrand in matics).” such national needs as information Johannesburg and anthropologist While continuing to honour the technologies to improve education, Phillip Tobias, who succeeded him, work of these accomplished scien- biotechnology to enhance the pro- and Len Eales of the University of tists, Gevers hopes that the Academy ductivity and safety of food supplies, Cape Town. can also help broaden the pool of health research to combat infectious However, like everything else under scientific talent in South Africa diseases, and hydrology research to South Africa’s oppressive apartheid through programmatic initiatives — improve both the quantity and qual- system, opportunities for scientific for example, the granting of fellow- ity of the nation’s limited supplies of research and development, not to ships, travel stipends and awards — water.” mention the tangible benefits that have become characteristic of “The value of scientific research in derived from these efforts, were con- scientific academies throughout the our democracy,” Gevers adds, “will fined to the nation’s white minority. world. He also hopes that the depend on our ability to address “The South African Academy of Academy can serve as a valuable issues of public concern. That’s why Sciences will promote both excel- source of information and insight I think the Academy’s broad view of lence and opportunity for all of our for addressing science-related issues science, ranging from the natural to

[CONTINUED PAGE 10]

between the North and South is to put more money “International scientific exchanges,” Lu Yongxiang into scientific research and development. asserts, “could prove productive in several areas criti- “Today,” he observes, “China invests about 0.7 per- cal to our global well-being. Such areas include envi- cent of its gross domestic product on science and tech- ronmental protection, public health and the efficient nology. That commitment has already had a positive use of resources.” But for these exchange efforts to suc- impact on our economy, which has grown at an aver- ceed, he adds, “the North must provide assistance to age rate of nearly 10 percent over the past 10 years. the South for improving training and research pro- I’m not suggesting that our investment in science and grammes, particularly for young scientists, which give technology has been the only factor in our progress, them the skills and tools they need to pursue innova- but it is one of the underlying reasons for the sustained tive research projects in the future.” period of development that China has recently experi- “As we enter the next millennium, a nation’s long- enced.” term economic and social well-being depends less and At the same time, Lu Yongxiang acknowledges that less on its ability to provide conventional goods and adequate funding for research and development is not services, and more and more on its ability to innovate. Apr-Jun 2000 enough. “Many forces must come into play for a sci- The innovation gap, in fact, may be the largest gap ence-based economic development to succeed,” he that exists between the North and the South. As a notes. “Educational reforms, initiatives boosting public result, helping to close that gap through international support for science, adequate financial backing for assistance and co-operation, particularly in areas of innovation, and international scientific exchanges are scientific research and technological development, all essential elements of a broad-based, comprehensive may be the most valuable help that developed nations

strategy.” can provide to developing nations.” ■ Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2,

9 tionship with scientists and scientif- Centuries of racism and apartheid ic academies in the rest of the world, have made the Academy’s relation- Wieland Gevers particularly in Africa. He points out ship with scientific communities in that “for many years, South Africa Africa particularly sensitive. Yet did not fully participate in interna- Gevers anticipates rapid progress on tional scientific research activities this front as well. and programmes, and it had virtu- “We expect that members of our ally no interaction with its neigh- Academy will soon be able to become bours to the North.” members of the African Academy of Such isolation is dangerous for most Sciences too. In addition, we hope endeavours, but it is especially wor- that as our Academy gains strength risome for science, whose universal and focus, we will be in a position to Malegapuru Makgoba values are advanced by a continual develop co-operative pan-African exchange of information and ideas programmes that examine scientific free of political, social and racial issues of common concern to the barriers. continent. We believe that our To address these potentially paralyz- expanding relationship with TWAS ing shortcomings, Gevers says that could prove particularly helpful in the Academy recently has forged our efforts to forge individual and promising relations with such lead- institutional partnerships with col- ing scientific institutions in the leagues and research centres developed world as the U.S. National throughout Africa.” Academy of Sciences and the Royal The challenges facing the South Kanti Bhoola Society in the United Kingdom. African Academy of Science may be “We also have signed protocol agree- daunting. Yet, they pale in compari- the social and human sciences, close- ments for co-operation and exchange son to the challenges South Africa ly linked to technology and engi- with the Royal Swedish Academy itself faced when putting an end to neering, will allow us to make major and French Academy. A memoran- apartheid. The successful resolution contributions to our nation’s pro- dum of understanding has been to what seemed intractable racial gress.” reached with the Russian Academy of and political problems, hardened by The success of the Academy’s efforts Sciences and discussions for future deep-seated hatred and violence, will depend in part on its ability to co-operation have taken place with offers hope for the future of the address issues related to its internal representatives from scientific acade- Academy as its seeks to find a place administration and its primary mies in Brazil, China and India as for itself both in South Africa’s new Apr-Jun 2000 functions and responsibilities within well.” society and the international scien- South Africa’s scientific community Gevers hopes that “these efforts will tific community. and larger society. allow the Academy of Science in That hope is driving Gevers’ strategy Yet there is another dimension to the South Africa to become a fully par- to make the Academy a respected Academy’s work that Gevers main- ticipating member of the interna- player in his nation’s and the world’s tains could prove equally important tional community of scientific acade- overall efforts to create a more equi-

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2, to the institution’s future: its rela- mies.” table and prosperous society. ■

10 FEATURE

SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY BUILDING IN AFRICA

PARTICIPANTS AT A MEETING IN TRIESTE EXPLORE NEW OPTIONS FOR GETTING AFRICA’S SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH EFFORTS BACK ON TRACK.

The newly created Science Institutes Group (SIG) recent- options for strengthening science and technology in ly met at the TWNSO secretariat in Trieste, Italy, to dis- Africa through the MSI.” cuss ways to increase scientific knowledge in Africa. SIG’s MSI, launched in 1998 with help from the World ultimate goal is to build centres of excellence for research Bank, is seeking to promote world-class science and and training throughout the South. scientific talent, especially in the developing world, through programmes that “foster innovative research A planning meeting to explore the possibility of and applications of value to the host country or extending the Millennium Science Initiative (MSI) to region.” Specifically, MSI hopes to help train future Apr-Jun 2000 Africa was held in Trieste, Italy, on 5-6 May. The meet- generations of scientists and spur efforts to build insti- ing, organized by the Science Institutes Group (SIG), tutional networks of excellence. was hosted by the Third World Network of Scientific SIG was created in 1999 with assistance from the Organizations (TWNSO). David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The grant con- “The purpose of the meeting” explains C.N.R. Rao, stituted the foundation’s first foray into international president of the Third World Academy of Sciences science programmes. SIG’s purpose is to provide

(TWAS) and SIG board member, “was to examine “strategic direction” and guidance for MSI. Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2,

[CONTINUED PAGE 12]

11 In addition to Rao, who serves as president of the 1999 World Development report, which strongly sug- Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific gested that the Bank was redirecting its corporate Research in India, other SIG board of directors include strategy from one based on ‘bricks and mortar’ to one Phillip A. Griffiths, chair and director of the Institute based on ‘knowledge.’ for Advanced Studies, USA; Arlen K. Hastings, SIG sec- “The MSI idea,” notes Crawford, “took off at a 1998 retary; François Gros, secrétaire perpétuel (permanent meeting in Chile, where both the Chilean president secretary), Académie des Sciences, and the minister of science and tech- France; Jacob Palis, TWAS fellow nology suggested their nation would (1991) and director of the Institute ”Each country, be interested in receiving World of Pure and Applied Mathematics no matter how poor, Bank assistance for programmes (IMPA), Brazil; and Chung W. Kim, needs to develop its designed to increase the scientific president of the Korea Institute for own science.“ knowledge and technical capacity in Advanced Studies (KIAS). Each of Chile. The three Mercosur countries their institutions are charter mem- — Chile, Brazil and Argentina, with bers of the SIG. Chile in the lead — had been discussing how to devel- “The Millennium Science Initiative,” notes Michael op innovative new strategies for advancing science and Apr-Jun 2000 F. Crawford, who represented the World Bank at SIG’s technology in their countries for some time. Trieste meeting, “began in the late 1990s when Jim Chile, in fact, became the first nation to join the Wolfensohn, president of the World Bank and an IAS MSI when it received a small loan from the World Bank trustee, was seeking ways for the Bank to become “to get the ball rolling.” A larger loan is expected to be more involved in science and technology capacity issued in the near future. Meanwhile, Venezuela, building in developing countries.” This new approach Argentina, Brazil and Romania have expressed interest

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2, was signalled by the publication of the Bank’s 1998- in participating in the programme. “The goal,” notes

12 Crawford, “is to enable countries to reap the benefits the economy while simultaneously enhancing the of science and technology. region’s scientific capacity.” Mshigeni asserts that “a Under the umbrella of SIG, proponents of the similar strategy could be successfully applied to sea- Millennium Science Initiative have now turned their weed, berries and algae — all of which have a poten- attention to Africa. “Each country, no matter how tial market value of millions of dollars if developed in poor,” notes SIG board member Rao, “needs to devel- a scientifically sound way.” op its own science.” SIG, he adds, “hopes to serve as a A.P. Nanyaro, Director-General of the Tanzania catalyst for building such capacity and knowledge Industrial Research and Development Organization, throughout Africa.” pointed to his organization’s modest track record of All participants at the Trieste meeting agreed that success in the application of science and technology as science in Africa over the past two decades has been proof that Africa has the potential to “build a strong battered by political turmoil, paltry funding, deterio- framework for S&T” if additional assistance is given rating working environments both in universities and “to those institutions that are having an impact today research institutes, and the migration of talented despite their limited resources.” He cited the work African scientists to institutions in the of Tanzanian research centres in such North. areas as the production of natural “Yet,” as G.B.A. Okelo, secre- dyes and tannin-based wood tary-general and executive act- adhesives, the conservation of ing director of the African marine resource, and the effi- Academy of Sciences in cient use of energy as encour- Nairobi, Kenya, observes, aging initiatives worthy of “pockets of scientific excel- additional financial support lence exist in Africa despite (see “Towards Centres of these trying conditions.” He Excellence in Africa,” p. 14). cites the International Li- V.P.K. Titanji, professor of vestock Research Institute chemistry and deputy vice- in Kenya (funded by the Con- chancellor of the University of sultative Group for International Buea in Cameroon, expressed a Agricultural Research), and the similar sentiment when he observed International Institute of Tropical that the biotechnology initiative in his Agriculture in Nigeria, as prime examples of country, launched in 1986, has made modest institutions that are conducting excellent — and, in a progress on the research front since then. The effort, few cases, internationally recognized — research. A he added, has been handicapped “by inadequate fund- critical aspect of the problem, he says, is that these ing and an isolated environment that makes it difficult centres remain isolated within Africa. “In fact, they are for researchers to keep abreast of the latest advances often more closely tied to institutions beyond Africa’s in the field.” Titanji noted that additional funding for borders.” Cameroon’s biotechnology centres “would help place Keto E. Mshigeni, pro-vice-chancellor of Academic the effort on more solid ground and increase its Affairs and Research at the University of Namibia, con- chances for sustained success.” Apr-Jun 2000 curs with this assessment. He notes, for example, that Despite examples of modest progress, all partici- African researchers working in domestic universities pants at the conference agreed that the basic sciences and research centres have gained “a great deal of in Africa are in desperate trouble and that efforts to knowledge in the cultivation of mushrooms. If funding build on existing institutions “may not work” because for additional research were made available, this of the poor state of institutional research and training knowledge could be shared” and put to use “to devel- throughout the continent. As Titanji noted, “virtually

op a valuable agricultural commodity that would boost all assessments indicate that the state of the basic sci- Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2,

[CONTINUED PAGE 14]

13 ences in Africa is worse today than it was 30 years ago which, in the near term, would devise a blueprint for — there are declining numbers of professors produc- upgrading Africa’s best research centres, and in the ing fewer publications for international journals; long term would provide support for a few new centres abysmal pay and working conditions; and a dearth of dedicated to basic science.” The latter, Palis maintains, top-quality students who often choose to pursue med- “could ultimately make a big difference for the whole icine and engineering, instead of math or physics, continent.” because the rewards are more substantial and immedi- The conversation, initiated in Trieste, Italy, will ate.” continue in Nairobi, Kenya, this fall when SIG plans to For these reasons, participants agreed it may be hold a follow-up meeting hosted by the African necessary to build new centres of excellence in the Academy of Sciences that will seek to turn the con- basic sciences or at least “virtual centres” with inde- cepts outlined during the May planning session into a pendent oversight boards that would monitor the blueprint for action. ■ progress of the existing centres as they seek to improve the state of their research and teaching. These insti- For additional information about the Sciences tutes, Palis claims, “could stand out like big towers in Institutes Group, contact each country or region.” > Arlen K. Hastings, But the participants acknowledge that such a strat- Secretary of the SIG Board, SIG at the Institute egy won’t be easy. Crawford notes that the World for Advanced Study, Einstein Drive, Princeton, NJ Bank, under its “knowledge capacity” initiatives, has 08540, USA, e-mail: [email protected]; “moved away from such complicated, expensive fax: +609 683 7605; phone: +609 734 8202, efforts.” or visit the SIG homepage: www.msi-sig.org. That’s why Palis suggests SIG and the participants at the Trieste meeting “consider a two-step strategy,

TOWARDS CENTRES OF ment. Specifically, TIRDO promotes nation to (1) assess the cost of elec- EXCELLENCE IN AFRICA “the use of indigenous raw materials tricity use in relation to overall pro- by A.P. Nanyaro that can be processed with equip- duction costs, and (2) to revise The Tanzania Industrial Develop- ment built by local machinists in strategies for improving energy effi- ment Organization (TIRDO), creat- local workshops.” ciency. ed in 1979, is a government-spon- Research projects sponsored by TIRDO also provides services to local sored industrial research facility TIRDO include the production of industries on instrumentation main- whose modest success has often been natural dyes from mangrove trees; tenance and repair (assistance obscured by the chronic wave of bad the manufacture of caustic soda involves calibration and diagnosis of news associated with science and from lime deposits; the creation of generators, oscilloscopes and semi- Apr-Jun 2000 technology in Africa. tannin-based wood adhesives; and conductors); chemical analyses of Today, TIRDO, with an 80-person the development of blackboard chalk water, minerals, foodstuffs and soils staff that includes some 40 scientists from gypsum deposits. (assistance involves use of spec- and engineers, runs on an annual In addition, TIRDO, working under trophotometres and calorimetres); budget of US$500,000. Its main contract with the Tanzania Electric and material testing (assistance areas of activity have been industri- Supply Company (TANESCO), has involves radiography, ultrasonic,

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2, al research and technology develop- surveyed industries throughout the tensile and magnetic testing).

14 Despite the success of these worth- energy and the environment, food while endeavours, TIRDO’s progress and biotechnology, information has been handicapped by a lack of technology and instrumentation, Apr-Jun 2000 resources and an insufficient num- chemical and environmental marine ber of trained personnel. In a 1998 sciences, and marine education and proposal that T.K. Mahuly and I pre- extension development. pared, calling for the creation of the In addition to carrying out long- International Centre for Industrial standing responsibilities in industri- Technology and Marine Sciences al research and the marine sciences,

(ICITEMS), we noted that “although ICITEMS has helped co-ordinate the Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2, many scientists, engineers, and tech- activities of a dozen affiliated cen- nologists have been trained in tres housed in research facilities and Tanzania since independence, the universities throughout Tanzania. critical mass needed to spearhead Among the centre’s most noteworthy effective scientific and technological accomplishments are the develop- development in the country has not ment of the Marine Park on Mafia yet been realized.” Island and the completion of a com- We went on to note that this critical prehensive survey of the coastal shortfall could be overcome in part resources around Zanzibar island. by allowing “interrelated institutes The centre has also continued to to be developed as satellites, which strengthen its ties with universities could then be interlinked through in Sweden and Canada, including physical, computer and telecommu- Uppsala University, Memorial nications networks.” The networks, University of Newfoundland and in turn, could then “be developed as Guelph University, and such inter- multidisciplinary centres of excel- national organizations as the lence.” Swedish Agency for Research Co- To advance the strategy outlined in operation (SAREC), the Norwegian the 1998 report, the Tanzania gov- Agency for Development Co-opera- ernment has formed the tion (NORAD), the Canadian International Centre for Industrial International Development Agency Technology and Marine Sciences (CIDA), the German Technical (ICITEMS) comprised of TIRDO and Agency (GTZ) and the United the Institute for Marine Studies Nations Environment Programme (IMS). The effort is designed to (UNEP), International Development “establish a focal point for industri- Research Centre (IDRC), World al technology and marine research Association of Industrial Techno- in the country and neighbouring logical Research Organizations regions,” and to build “a national (WAITRO), and the United Nations framework for undertaking joint Industrial Development Organiza- research” that would take full tion (UNIDO). Moreover, ICITEM’s advantage of “the nation’s meagre industrial research initiatives have resources.” attracted interest — and limited ICITEMS concentrates on research funding — from private industry. areas of vital importance to the Despite such efforts and enthusiastic nation’s future well-being, including governmental support, funding

15 remains sparse (US$150,000 of ICITEMS has clearly come a long For additional information ICITEMS’ annual US$500,000 is way since its inception in 1994. But, about TIRDO, contact derived from the government; the just as clearly, it still has a long way > A.P. Nanyaro, Apr-Jun 2000 rest is generated from international to go — and it will need a great of Director-General, TIRDO, aid agencies, foundations and con- deal of help from both domestic and PO Box 23235, Osterbay, sultancy work). As a result, facilities external sources — to reach its ulti- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; are ill-equipped, salaries chronically mate destination. phone: +225 51 666034 or 668822; low; and the prospects for future In many ways, the centre’s experi- fax: +225 51 602339; improvement suspect at best. ence offers hope that Africa will be e-mail: [email protected];

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2, To bring ICITEMS’ infrastructure up able to build its own science and website: www.sdnp.undp.org/tirdo to international standards, in our technology infrastructure. But, as 1998 proposal we estimated that it the ICITEMS experience also shows, would cost several million dollars transforming that hope into reality for equipment upgrades and replace- will require patience, resources and ments and several million dollars political determination from all more for building construction and those concerned about Africa’s maintenance. future.

16 TWOWS

TWOWS RECEIVES SIDA-SAREC GRANT

ADDITIONAL FUNDING WILL ALLOW TWOWS TO EXPAND ITS EFFORTS TO ASSIST YOUNG WOMEN SCIENTISTS IN THE WORLD’S POOREST NATIONS.

he Department of Research Cooperation That’s why a portion of the additional funding will (SAREC) of the Swedish International Deve- be used to continue grants already in place and a T lopment Cooperation Agency (Sida) has portion will be used to fund new applicants.” awarded the Third World Organization for Women “The two features of this programme that make in Science (TWOWS) a three-year, US$285,000 it particularly valuable,” Scharp adds, “are its long- grant designed to assist young women scientists in term investment strategy and the fact that the train- sub-Saharan Africa and the world’s least developed ing will take place in the South. The first factor nations to pursue post-graduate training at univer- makes it more likely that students will complete sities and research centres in the developing world. their educational training; the second makes it The “fellowship” grant is a follow-up to the more likely that they will remain in a developing $150,000 grant awarded to TWOWS in 1998-1999. country after receiving their degree, hopefully in “We are delighted that Sida-SAREC has agreed their native countries.” both to extend and expand funding for this pro- In the initial grant cycle between 1998 and gramme,” notes Lydia Makhubu, President of 1999, some 25 students received grants. In the next TWOWS. “We can think of no better confirmation of grant cycle, to take place between 2000 and 2001, the positive impacts that the previous grant has had an additional 29 students have been added to the on higher education and scientific research in the awards’ list. The grants cover travel expenses to the sub-Saharan Africa.” host country and provide stipends for daily living “More importantly,” Makhubu says, “the grant expenses during the time of study, which can con- will allow us to continue to provide critical help to tinue for up to three years. Meanwhile, host insti- young African women scientists seeking doctorate tutions agree to waive tuition and research fees, degrees under trying conditions. In fact, the grant and, if possible, to provide free accommodation. will enable many of the recipients to complete their Only female students from sub-Saharan Africa and education and receive doctorate degrees instead of the least developed countries (LDCs) are eligible to having to cut their education short after earning apply. Apr-Jun 2000 their masters.” “An applicant,” Scharp notes, “can either be a “Sida-SAREC is pleased with the initial progress full-time student at an institution outside her coun- of the programme,” says Cecila Scharp, who is re- try or register as a Ph.D. student in a university in sponsible for overseeing the programme for the her country and then pursue a portion of her re- Swedish development assistance and capacity build- search at another institution in the South under a

ing organization. “Attaining a doctorate takes time. ‘sandwich programme.’ In the latter case, a student Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2,

17 will ultimately be required to receive her doctorate Ethiopia (which will host a student from Kenya); degree from her home-country institution.” and the Institute of Computer Technology, Sri Lanka Institutions that hosted students in 1998-1999 (which will host a student from Myanmar). Apr-Jun 2000 include the University of Witwatersrand, De- “The primary goal of the grant programme,” partment of Physiology in Johannesburg, South notes Scharp, “is to help women scientists from Africa (which hosted a student from Cameroon); some of the world’s poorest nations attain their doc- the India Institute of Technology, Department of torates and pursue productive careers in science in Chemistry (which hosted a student from Nigeria); their home countries. The programme, however, has the University of Karachi, H.E.J. Institute of the added benefit of increasing the diversity of uni-

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2, Chemistry (which hosted a student from Sierra versities and research institutes in the South. Both Leone); and Rhodes University, Department of goals will help strengthen the foundation for sci- Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, South Africa ence-based development throughout the developing (which hosted a student from Uganda). world.” ■ Institutions invited to host the next round of grants include the International Rice Research For additional information about the programme, Institute, Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory, and contact the University of Philippines, Plant Breeding, > Leena Mungapen Genetics and Biochemistry Division, Los Banos, Third World Organization for Women in Science Philippines (which will jointly host a student from (TWOWS), c/o ICTP, Strada Costiera 11, 34014 Trieste, Bangladesh); the International Center for Agri- Italy; phone: +39 040 2240321; fax: +39 040 224559; cultural Research in Dry Areas, Aleppo, Syria (which e-mail: [email protected]. will host a student from Ethiopia); the International The deadline for the next round of applications Livestock Research Institute in Addis Ababa, is 15 September 2000.

GOAT BUSTERS

TWOWS FELLOWSHIP STUDENT HOPES SCIENCE CAN BOOST

VALUE OF KEY COMMODITIES IN HER NATIVE ZIMBABWE Langelihle Simela

n 1996, Zimbabwe-born Langelihle Simela re- sultancy firm — perhaps as an assistant researcher ceived her masters degree from the University or project coordinator. In fact, that’s exactly the kind I of Zimbabwe in the nation’s capital city Harare. of work I did at the University of Zimbabwe and an Although she was a top student in her university agricultural consultant company for two years after and wanted to continue her education to attain a receiving my undergraduate degree.” doctorate in animal science, the prospects for reach- Today, Simela is on her way to earning a doctorate ing that goal were bleak. “I simply didn’t have at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, where enough money to pursue my education. I thought she is a Third World Organization for Women in my master’s degree could well be my final degree Science (TWOWS) “fellowship” student in the and that I would find work in a university or con- Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences. The

18 focus of her research is the development of tech- orientation,” says Lydia Makhubu “One student, for nologies designed to improve the quality and mar- example, is investigating the causes of hypertension ketability of goat meat. — both genetic and environmental — among Apr-Jun 2000 “My studies,” she recently observed, “combine sci- women in South Africa. Another is exploring ways ence and economics in ways that I hope will in- to improve water resource management in Lake crease the value of a commodity that is plentiful but Chilwa in Malawi. Still another is examining the historically undervalued in the marketplace. The re- prospects for applications of solar energy in sults could have implications not only for Zimbabwe Tanzania.” but many other developing nations with large pop- “Yet, what’s important about these research exercis- ulations of goats.” es is not whether they lead to technological break- Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2, Her dissertation, which Simela plans to complete throughs,” declares Makhubu, “but the growth in in- over the next two years, examines the scientific para- tellectual capacity and problem-solving ability that meters that may be used in determining chilling and takes place among students during their studies and storage regimes for goat carcasses. The ultimate goal laboratory experiments. The legacies created by is to make goat meat more marketable by improving such experiences will not only help the young its appearance and extending its shelf life through women who participate in the programme; it will agreed-upon mechanisms that enable livestock farm- also enhance the learning environment of the insti- ers, meat processors and retailers to rely on quality tutions hosting these efforts and boost the technical science-based standards that the public can trust. expertise of the villages, regions and nations in “Many of the research initiatives being pursued by which these young women choose to live for our fellowship recipients have been applied in their decades to come.” ■

19 TWAS

THE ACADEMY’S NEWEST MEMBERS

IN 1999, 31 FELLOWS AND 4 ASSOCIATE FELLOWS HAVE BEEN ELECTED AS MEMBERS OF THE THIRD WORLD ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (TWAS). THAT BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TWAS MEMBERS TO 546. BELOW ARE NAMES AND INSTITUTIONAL AFFILIATION OF THE ACADEMY’S NEWEST MEMBERS.

TWAS FELLOWS 1999

• Samir F. Atweh, Chairman, Department of • Koussay Dellagi, Director General, Institut Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Pasteur de Tunis, Tunisia Lebanon • Carlos Augusto Di Prisco, Instituto Venezolano de • Francisco Bolívar-Zapata, Instituto de Investigaciones Cientificas, Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Matematicas, Caracas, Venezuela Mexico (UNAM), Morelos, Mexico • Dong Shaojun, Changchun Institute of Applied • Ana Maria Cetto Kramis, Consultant, UNESCO, Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Paris, France and Instituto de Fisica, Universidad Changchun, China Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico René Favaloro City, Mexico • , Fundacion Favaloro, Buenos Aires, Argentina • Srinivasan Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Avílio A. Franco Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute • , EMBRAPA-Agrobiologia, of Science, Bangalore, India Seropédica RJ, Brazil Otto Richard Gottlieb • Eduardo H. Charreau, Instituto de Biología y • , Departmento de Fisiologia Medicina Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina e Farmacodinâmica, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil • Chen Yun-tai, Director, Institute of Geophysics, Guo Jing Kun China Seismological Bureau, Beijing, China • , Director, Shanghai Research Center on Advanced Materials, Shanghai, China • Chen Zhu, Shanghai, China • Mashooda Hasan, Department of Chemistry, • Shashikumar M. Chitre, Department of Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan Astronomy & Astrophysics, Tata Institute of Seyed E. Hasnain, Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India • Director, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, • Sushanta Dattagupta, Director, S.N. Bose India National Centre for Basic Sciences, Calcutta, India

[CONTINUED PAGE 21]

TWAS Newsletter, Vol. 12 No. 2, Apr-Jun 2000

20 • Reuben Jih-Ru Hwu, Institute of Chemistry, • Thavamani J. Pandian, School of Biological Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, India • M. Shamim Jairajpuri, Vice-Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, India • Palle Rama Rao, Chairman, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), Mumbai, India • Sudhanshu S. Jha, Director, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, India • Maurice Tchuente, Rector, Université de Dschang, Faculté des Sciences, Département d’Informatique, • Ricardo M. Lantican, Department of Agronomy, Dschang, Cameroon UPLB College, Laguna, Philippines • Marcelo M. Viana da Silva, Instituto de • Li Yiyi, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Matematica Pura e Aplicada (IMPA), Rio de Janeiro Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, China RJ, Brazil • Lin Qun, Institute of Systems Science, Chinese • Wang Zhi-Xin, Institute of Biophysics, Academia Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China Sinica, Beijing, China • Ahmadou L. Ndiaye, Rector, Université Gaston Berger, Saint-Louis, Senegal

• Nguyen Van Dao, President, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam

TWAS ASSOCIATE FELLOWS 1999

• Louise N. Johnson, Head, Laboratory • David D. Sabatini, New York University School of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, New York NY, USA United Kingdom • Daniel C. Tsui, Department of Electrical • David A. King, Department of Chemistry, Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton NJ, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United USA Kingdom

For a detailed description of their scientific accomplishments and contributions, see > http://www.twas-online.org/Elected99.html

TWAS Newsletter, Vol. 12 No. 2, Apr-Jun 2000

21 PEOPLE, PLACES, EVENTS

CARLOS CHAGAS 1919-2000 1991. In addition to biophysics, his communication and dissemination • TWAS Founding Fellow Carlos major research fields encompassed of research results, refine methods Chagas Filho died earlier this year cytology, pharmaco-chemistry and for evaluating the impact of after a long illness. Chagas, one of pharmaco-physics. In 1997, Chagas research, or enhance management Apr-Jun 2000 Latin America’s most accomplished was bestowed the honour of Patron capacities for research. Applica- and honoured scientists, was born of TWAS’ 9th General Meeting, held tions are invited from institutions in Rio de Janeiro and educated in in Rio de Janeiro. In what was to be in Africa, Latin America, the Brazil and France. In 1945, soon his final appearance before Caribbean, south and southeast after receiving his doctorate, he Academy members. Chagas obser- Asia, China, the Pacific islands, founded the Institute of Biophysics ved that “TWAS’ role in stimulating Middle East, and eastern and cen- at the Federal University of Rio di scientific research knows no tral Europe. Award winners will be Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2, Janeiro, and then served as the bounds.” Yet, he also noted, “the announced at the International institute’s director for the next 20 Academy must now shoulder an Conference on Health Research years. Under Chagas’s leadership, added responsibility... to preserve for Development to be held in the institute emerged as one of the the cultures of individual nations in Bangkok, Thailand, in October. For most respected scientific research light of the levelling power of tech- additional information, contact the facilities in the developing world — nology and global communication.” Awards Selection Council Secreta- a centre of excellence that served as He urged “each nation in the devel- riat, c/o the College of Public a model for others. In appreciation oping world to continue to build its Health, Chulalongkorn University, of his endless contributions, the own national scientific infrastruc- Phya Thai Road, Bangkok, 10332 ture... in ways that not only Thailand; fax: 4122 7914169; e- enhance science but protect each mail: [email protected]; in- nation’s historic identity and cul- ternet: www.rreach.ch. ture.” With the vigorous participa- tion of TWAS, Chagas expressed confidence “that scientific progress ATTA-UR-RAHMAN MINISTER and cultural preservation would • Atta-ur-Rahman (TWAS Fellow emerge as compatible — indeed 1985) has been appointed Minister complementary — goals in the 21st of Science and Technology in century.” It was a fitting description Pakistan, with lead responsibility Carlos Chagas Filho not only of the Academy he helped for designing and overseeing the institute has been named in his to create, but of his own unique nation’s science and technology honour. Chagas served as President contributions to science and society. policies. During his decade-long of the Brazilian Academy of tenure as director of the H.E.J. Sciences from 1964-1966; Brazil’s Research Institute of Chemistry in Ambassador to the United Nations NEW HEALTH AWARDS Karachi, Pakistan, the institute Educational, Scientific and Cultural • The Rockefeller Foundation has became one of the most prestigious Organization (UNESCO) from announced that it is sponsoring a in the developing world. During his 1966-1970; President of the Pon- new international awards scheme five-year tenure as coordinator gen- tifical Academy of Sciences from to support cooperation in health eral of COMSTECH (ministerial 1972-1988; and President of the research development. The scheme standing committee on scientific Latin American Academy of will provide 10 grants, each and technical cooperation for the Sciences from 1982-1991. His totalling about US$250,000, to Organization of Islamic Conference many awards included honours regional and national partnerships {OIC}), the committee emerged as from Belgium, Canada, Chile, that seek to strengthen health one of the most influential voices France, Portugal, Spain, the United research agendas, increase aware- for the advancement of science and States, and, of course, his native ness of the importance of health technology in the Islamic world. country, Brazil. Chagas was also research among stakeholders, pro- Atta-ur-Rahman was educated at Vice President of TWAS from 1985- mote ethical practices, improve the University of Karachi in

22 PEOPLE, PLACES, EVENTS

Applicants must be citizens of and most renowned statisticians. The carry out research in a developing National Award in honour of C.R. country. They also should work at a Rao, given every other year, recog- Apr-Jun 2000 university or national research nizes outstanding work conducted institution in a developing country during the preceding three years in (countries in Europe, including any field of statistics. Rao, who was Turkey and Cyprus, or the former born in India and educated in India Soviet Union, as well as Argentina and the United Kingdom, is one of and Uruguay do not qualify for sup- port). In addition to being under 40 Atta-ur-Rahman

TWAS Newsletter, Vol.No. Newsletter, 12 TWAS 2, (under 30 for applicants from Pakistan and King’s College in the China) and at the start of their United Kingdom. He serves on research careers, candidates must numerous editorial boards, includ- have an academic degree that ing Current Medicinal Chemistry, should be at least an MSc or equiv- Studies in Natural Chemistry, and alent. IFS supports projects dealing Combinatorial Chemistry and High with the management, use and con- Throughput Screening, and he is the servation of biological resources. recipient of many awards, includ- The foundation organizes its activi- C.N. Rao ing the UNESCO Science Prize, ties into six research areas: animal TWAS Medal Lecture, Kuwait production, aquatic resources, crop the world’s foremost mathemati- Foundation for the Advancement of science, food science, forestry/ cians and statisticians. His contri- Sciences’ Islamic Organization agroforestry and natural products. butions to mathematics and to sta- Prize for Science, and Pakistan For additional information and an tistical theory and applications Academy of Sciences Gold Medal application form in English and have become part of graduate and Award. Atta-ur-Rahman’s French write to — IFS, Grev courses in statistics, econometrics major fields of research include Turegatan 19, S-114 38 Stockholm, and electrical engineering through- synthesis of bioactive natural prod- Sweden, fax: + 46 8 54581801; e- out the world. He is a fellow of the ucts, studies of marine and terres- mail: [email protected]; web address: Royal Society (U.K.) and Indian trial natural products, and nuclear www.ifs.se. National Science Academy, Indian magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Sciences, India; a C.N. RAO HONOURED member of the U.S. National IFS GRANTS • C.N. Rao (TWAS Founding Academy; foreign member of the • The International Foundation for Fellow), Holder of the Eberly Lithuanian Academy of Sciences; Science (IFS), a non-governmental Family Chair in Statistics and and honorary fellow of the organization founded in 1972 and Director of the Center for Multi- American Academy of Arts and headquartered in Stockholm, Swe- variate Analysis at Pennsylvania Sciences. Rao’s major fields of den, supports young scientists in State University (USA), has been research include linear algebra, developing countries by awarding honoured by the government of theory of estimation and multivari- research grants and providing India as the namesake of a national ate analysis. grantees with additional services award to be presented to the coun- such as travel grants. Research try’s most outstanding young statis- grants are awarded to a maximum ticians. India’s Department of of US$12,000 for 1 to 3 years and Statistics and Program Implemen- may be renewed twice. These tation, under the federal Ministry of grants are intended to be used for Planning, created the awards in the purchase of equipment, ex- memory of P.V. Sukhatme and in pendable supplies and literature. honour of C.R. Rao, two of India’s

23 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 NATIONAL ORGANIZATION THAT PROMOTES SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY AND EXCELLENCE a variety of grants and fellowships. To find out more about these opportunities, check out IN THE SOUTH. FOUNDED IN 1983 BY A GROUP OF EMINENT SCIENTISTS UNDER the TWAS web-pages! Our main page is at: www.twas-online.org THE LEADERSHIP OF THE LATE NOBEL LAUREATE ABDUS SALAM OF PAKISTAN,

TWAS WAS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN TRIESTE, ITALY, IN 1985 BY THE FELLOWSHIPS Want to spend some time at a research SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS. institution in another developing country? Investigate the South-South Fellowships: www.twas-online.org/SS-fellowships_form.html At present, TWAS has 545 members from 77 countries, 63 of which are devel- oping countries. A Council of 13 members is responsible for supervising all Academy affairs. It is assisted in the administration and coordination of pro- GRANTS grammes by a small secretariat of 9 persons, headed by the Executive Director. Need funding for your research project? Take a look at the TWAS Research Grants: The secretariat is located on the premises of the Abdus Salam International www.twas-online.org/RG_form.html Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. UNESCO is responsible for TWNSO runs a similar scheme, for projects carried out in collaboration with institutions the administration of TWAS funds and staff. A major portion of TWAS funding is in other countries in the South: provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy. www.twnso.org The main objectives of TWAS are to:

• Recognize, support and promote excellence in scientific research in the South. EQUIPMENT • Provide promising scientists in the South with research facilities necessary for But that’s not all TWAS has to offer. the advancement of their work. For instance, do you need a minor spare part for some of your laboratory equipment, • Facilitate contacts between individual scientists and institutions in the South. no big deal, really, but you just can’t get it • Encourage South-North cooperation between individuals and centres of schol- anywhere locally? Well, TWAS can help: www.twas-online.org/SP_form.html arship. TWAS was instrumental in the establishment in 1988 of the Third World Network of Scientific Organizations (TWNSO), a non-governmental alliance of 155 scien- TRAVEL tific organizations from Third World countries, whose goal is to assist in build- Would you like to invite an eminent scholar to your institution, but need funding for ing political and scientific leadership for science-based economic development his/her travel? Examine these pages, then: in the South and to promote sustainable development through broad-based www.twas-online.org/Lect_form.html www.twas-online.org/Prof.html partnerships in science and technology. TWAS also played a key role in the establishment of the Third World Organiza- tion for Women in Science (TWOWS), which was officially launched in Cairo in CONFERENCES 1993. TWOWS has a membership of more than 2000 women scientists from 87 You’re organizing a scientific conference and would like to involve young scientists Third World countries. Its main objectives are to promote the research efforts from the region? You may find what you and training opportunities of women scientists in the Third World and to are looking for here: www.twas-online.org/SM_form.html strengthen their role in the decision-making and development processes. The secretariat of TWOWS is currently hosted and assisted by TWAS.