The World Academy of Sciences for the Advancement of Science in Developing Countries' Arab Regional Partner (TWAS–AREP) at Library of Alexandria wishes you a blessed Ramadan. May this holy month be full of peace, happiness, and prosperity.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the TWAS Arab Regional Partner (TWAS-AREP), the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) has released a featured podcast episode hosting Professor Marcelo Knobel, the Executive Director of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).

The episode serves as a high-level reflection on the enduring collaboration between the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and TWAS, which has worked to strengthen scientific capacity across the Arab region for two decades. Throughout the conversation, Professor Knobel shares his vision for the role of science in addressing global challenges and its ability to act as a unifying force in an increasingly complex world.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Role of Science Diplomacy: Prof. Knobel highlights how scientific inquiry serves as a "universal language," enabling international cooperation and bridging geopolitical gaps through shared knowledge.
• Sustainability and Leadership: The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for scientific leadership in the Global South to tackle climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Empowering Young Arab Scientists: A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to early-career researchers in the Arab region, providing a powerful call to action for them to lead regional efforts in innovation and climate resilience.

This milestone episode underscores the commitment of both the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and TWAS to fostering an equitable scientific future.

The full episode is available for viewing on the BA YouTube channel: 

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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:

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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:

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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: