As part of our ongoing commitment to advancing scientific excellence in the Arab region, we are proud to announce the official relaunch of the TWAS-AREP website.

As we celebrate 20 years of partnership between the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and The World Academy of Sciences, we’ve renovated our digital home to serve you better.

What’s New?

• A user-friendly interface
• Updated lists of grants and opportunities
• Prestigious Awards & Recognition

We remain dedicated to supporting the Arab scientific community and look forward to seeing your contributions shape the future of science for sustainable development.

🔗 Visit the new website here:

Applications are now open for the prestigious annual Science Diplomacy Summer Course, organized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). Recognized as one of the world’s leading programs in the field, the course is scheduled to take place in person from 20–23 July 2026 in Trieste, Italy. The organizers are currently seeking motivated candidates eager to explore the intersection of scientific research and international policy.

This intensive program offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage with global experts and build the skills necessary to address complex cross-border challenges through scientific cooperation.

Extended Deadline: 04 February 2026

Learn more:

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the Conrado Wessel Foundation (FCW) have officially launched the "Through Southern Lenses: Science in Focus" Award, a prestigious international competition celebrating the intersection of art and scientific communication.

This year’s theme, "Glaciers and Deserts," invites photographers to submit compelling photo essays that capture the stark contrasts and ecological vulnerabilities of these extreme environments.

Photographers are encouraged to document the critical relationships between climate change, ecology, and human resilience within the Global South.

The winner will receive a $20,000 award and have their work showcased in an international exhibition.

Submissions are open until 15 February 2026.

For more information or to submit your portfolio, visit the official portal or contact contact@southernlenses.org

Learn more and submit here:

The Mustafa Prize, a premier global award celebrating scientific breakthroughs and innovation, has officially opened the nomination cycle for its 2026 edition. This prestigious biennial prize honors the outstanding achievements of Muslim scientists, providing a global platform to highlight contributions that push the boundaries of knowledge and address critical societal challenges.

Winners of the Mustafa Prize receive one of the world's most significant scientific honors, which includes a $500,000 cash prize, a commemorative medal, and an honorary certificate. Beyond the monetary award, the prize aims to foster international scientific cooperation and inspire the next generation of researchers within the Islamic world and beyond.

Nomination Requirements & Eligibility:

In accordance with the prize's rigorous standards for scientific credibility, self-nominations and individual applications are not accepted. Candidates must be formally introduced to the Secretariat by recognized nominating bodies, including:

• Accredited Universities and Research Centers
• Academies of Sciences and Technology Parks
• World-renowned Scientists and Distinguished Scholars

Each scientific work must be submitted individually via the official registration portal by the authorized nominating institution or figure.

The deadline for all submissions is 20 February 2026.

More info:

Nominations are now open for the Virchow Prize for Global Health, a prestigious international award recognizing individuals and organizations who have made significant strides in health equity, innovation, and sustainability.

The Virchow Foundation is officially inviting nominations for the 2026 Virchow Prize for Global Health. This prestigious international award recognizes outstanding achievements that address the complex health challenges of our time, particularly those aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

• Award: €500,000
• Eligibility: Global (including the Arab region); individuals or organizations.
• Deadline: February 28, 2026.
• Note: Self-nominations are not accepted; submissions must be made by qualified nominators (e.g., university leaders, scientific academies, or senior health officials).

If you know a deserving candidate, we encourage you to coordinate with a qualified nominator to ensure their work receives the global recognition it deserves.

Full details on the nomination process, criteria, and forms can be found at:

Application Deadline: 2 March 2026

Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS) fellowship program is currently offering 12 individual fellowships to outstanding scholars and artists from across the globe, providing a unique environment for interdisciplinary collaboration and independent research.

The HIAS fellowship provides recipients with the total freedom to pursue their own research projects or artistic endeavors while residing in the vibrant city of Hamburg. The program aims to foster a diverse and stimulating community by bringing together thinkers from various disciplines and cultural backgrounds.

• Duration: 3 to 10 months (on-site in Hamburg).
• Support: Fellows are provided with a stipend or reimbursement for teaching replacements, fully equipped workspaces, and administrative support for family-related logistics.
• Interdisciplinary Focus: Open to all academic disciplines and artistic fields.

Eligibility and Requirements

Academic Applicants: Must hold a PhD and be at the postdoctoral level or beyond.

Artistic Applicants: Must be outstanding professionals in their respective cultural fields.

Profile: Candidates should demonstrate international visibility, creativity, and a willingness to engage with both the academic community and the general public through lectures and events.

Language: A high level of proficiency in English is essential.

Official Website:

Deadline: 15 March 2026

The UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in the Basic Sciences Prize aims to reward young scientists who have demonstrated excellence in research, education, and international cooperation. It focuses on the "Basic Sciences"—including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology—as the foundation for innovation and the improvement of human life.

The prize is awarded annually to two individual winners, each receiving:

• A monetary reward of USD $250,000.
• A UNESCO gold medal.
• An official diploma.

Eligibility & Candidate Profile

This prize is highly inclusive and is open to researchers from all Arab countries.

• Age Requirement: Candidates must be under the age of 40 at the time of the application.
• Focus Areas: Outstanding achievements in basic science research, the popularization of science, or the promotion of regional/international scientific cooperation.
• Impact: Candidates should demonstrate how their work contributes to socio-economic development on a regional or global scale.

Nomination Process

Please note that candidates must be officially nominated; self-nominations are not accepted. Nominations can be submitted by:

1. National Commissions for UNESCO of the respective Member States.
2. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in official partnership with UNESCO.
3. UNESCO Chairs and Category 2 Centers.

Official Link:

Deadline for applications: 31 March 2025

The UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize honors the efforts of individuals, groups of individuals, institutions, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have made outstanding contributions through research in the life sciences. It aims to encourage research and the dissemination of scientific knowledge to address global challenges and enhance human well-being.

Funded by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the Prize, which has a monetary value of US$ 300,000, is divided equally among up to three laureates.

Nomination Categories

Nominations are open to:

• Individuals or groups of researchers.
• Scientific institutions and research centers.
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working within the field of life sciences.

🔗 Learn more and apply:

Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators (SG-NAPI) is now accepting applications for the 2026 cycle. This prestigious program, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), is designed to empower early-career scientists across Africa by providing the necessary resources to establish independent research labs and launch their own research groups.

The SG-NAPI grant aims to strengthen scientific capacity and foster innovation across the continent. It provides substantial financial support for researchers returning to their home countries after completing their doctoral studies abroad.

• Funding: Up to USD 67,700 for the purchase of scientific equipment and consumables.
• Eligible Disciplines: Agriculture, Physics, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Fusion, Climate-Neutral Energy, and other related STEM fields.
• Strategic Goal: To support the next generation of research leaders and mitigate "brain drain" by facilitating high-level research within Africa.

Eligibility and Geographic Focus

The program specifically targets scientists from African countries identified as Science and Technology Lagging Countries (STLC). We particularly encourage applications from the following Arab-African countries:

• Sudan, Mauritania, Somalia, Djibouti, and Comoros.

Key Requirements:

• Applicants must have obtained their PhD degree outside their home country within the last five years.
• Applicants must have returned to their home country within the last 36 months or be in the process of returning to a permanent position.
• Applicants must be aged 40 or under.

Application Deadline: 31 March 2026

Inquiries: For specific questions regarding the application process, please contact sgnapi@twas.org.

Apply Online: