The Arab Network of Networks for Science and Technology "ANNST" program  was an initiative raised  on April 14, 2008. During BioVisionAlexandria 2008 International Conference, held in Bibliotheca Alexandrina from 12 to16 April 2008, when a taskforce was initiated by the Chair and Panel of the "Problems Hindering Biotechnology Research in the Arab Region”, track to serve as a hub for building ANNST - a network to connect the scientific organizations in the Arab region to facilitate their collaboration.

    Later on , a meeting was held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina to inaugurate the task force and discuss an initial action plan and preliminary goals. Each participant present had an opportunity to express his views to define initial steps.

    It was decided by consensus that the task force would serve as a hub for building a “Network of Networks” for Science and Technology in the Arab Region and platform for international collaboration and understanding.

    The Network would be multidisciplinary and support dialogue and understanding about the significance of science and technology, support capacity building, science education, research and international collaboration in the Arab region and the rest of the world.

    In recognition of the multidisciplinary and multicultural mission of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the task force/network will be virtually based there and will regard the BioVisionAlexandria Conference as the venue for meeting and reporting progress.