“Colleagues, thank you for the congratulatory messages, but I feel more satisfied thinking that this is a recognition to our institution. It is the CIGB who has made possible any of the results that can be attributed to our authorship. From my modest position I will continue to contribute everything I can for the good of this institution and of Cuban science, for the benefit of our island.”
On November 14, 2024, the World Academy of Sciences for the Advancement of Science in Developing Countries (TWAS – www.twas.org) took place. The annual meeting of its more than a thousand members from 112 countries, where 84 % are notable scientists from the Global South and prestige membership of this Academy 13 Nobel laureates in different sciences. The conference, which took place virtually, addressed important issues such as science and technology priorities, programs and funding, the importance of supporting young scientists and greater participation of women in the promotion and development of research in less developed countries in science and technology.
The President of TWAS, Dr. C. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, opened the Assembly by highlighting the challenges facing the Academy, the lack of progress in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the need for the voices of scientists to be heard on the need to solve the different conflicts, the need for peace and the care of scientists displaced or even living in war zones. One of the participants asked for the protection of professors, scientists and academics who are still under siege in the Gaza Strip.
Ten academicians participate in the Cuban Chapter of TWAS. Dr. Lilliam Alvarez, as Secretary General of TWAS, gave an account of all the activities, programs, statistics, awards and opportunities provided by this Academy to scientists from developing countries.
Every year, the Cuban Academy of Sciences sends nominations of different scientists from 5 branches of science and by going through a very rigorous process and demonstrating the excellence of their science, Cuban academicians of very high scientific level have been elected, little by little. The requirements are very demanding, some of them are to be a member of the National Academy, to be younger than 70 years old, to demonstrate high impact publications, awards, recommendations of experts from the 5 continents, since it is a world Academy.
On this occasion, during the General Assembly, TWAS announced the entry of 79 new members, 14 from Latin America, including two Cubans.
This is very relevant news, they are Vladimir Besada Pérez, research chemist at CIGB and Rafael Bello Pérez, professor-researcher of Computer Science at the Universidad de Ciencias de Las Villas (UCLV).
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