Lead academy: The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS)

IAP helps build the capacities of young academies, particularly those in developing countries, to strengthen their role in providing independent advice to governments on issues of national and global concern. The programme has led to the creation of regional networks of science academies in Africa, the Americas and among member states of the OIC (Organization of the Islamic Conference).

Contact: iap@twas.org

Regional networks launched by IAP under this programme are:

Network of African Science Academies (NASAC)

Network of Academies of Science in OIC Countries (NASIC)

InterAmerican Network of Academies of Sciences (IANAS)

Other more established networks which are also supported by IAP under this programme, and are IAP observers, are:

Association of Academies of Sciences in Asia (AASA)

Federation of Asian Scientific Academies and Societies (FASAS)

The Caribbean Scientific Union (CSU)

Details on these observers can be found on the "members by country" page.

IAP will encourage these regional networks of academies to identify critical issues, within the general framework of their objectives as outlined in their statutes. The networks can also use part of the IAP fund allocation for website development or training, workshops, reports, office infrastructure, IT equipment, etc., to enable the network to function properly. Part of the funds will also be used for the organization of network meetings.

Link to activities under this programme which were run from 2001-2003