On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the TWAS Arab Regional Partner (TWAS-AREP), hosted by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, held its annual Online Closed Meeting via Zoom. The virtual gathering brought together distinguished TWAS-AREP members, Young Affiliates, and Alumni from across the Arab region to discuss strategic initiatives and prospective actions designed to empower the next generation of Arab scientists.

The meeting started with opening remarks by Prof. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and TWAS-AREP Coordinator. Prof. Zayed emphasized the TWAS-AREP’s mission to support scientific capacity-building efforts across Arab region and empower early-career researchers by creating networking opportunities that connect them with regional and international research communities.

Ms. Esraa El-Fayoumy, Acting Head of the Researcher Support and Development Unit at the Center for Special Studies and Programs (CSSP), Bibliotheca Alexandrina, presented a comprehensive summary of TWAS-AREP’s activities. Additionally, Dr. Roula Abdel-Massih shared a recorded message highlighting new activities by the TWAS Young Affiliates Network (TYAN), with a focus on initiatives tailored for the Arab region.

Furthermore, H.E. Prof. Adel El-Beltagy, TWAS Fellow, Former Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, moderated a fruitful discussion addressing key issues. These included strengthening scientific integrity and fair evaluation standards, tackling obstacles facing young researchers, enhancing women's participation in science, and expanding funding opportunities and regional collaboration—particularly with Arab Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

The World Academy of Sciences’ Arab Regional Partner (TWAS-AREP), in collaboration with the Center for Special Studies and Programs (CSSP) at the Academic Research Sector of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, is pleased to share with you a special episode of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Podcast featuring 2021 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, Professor Guido W. Imbens! 🎙️✨

In this exclusive interview during his first visit to Egypt and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Prof. Imbens (Professor of Economics at Stanford University and Denning Co-Director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI) shares key insights on causality, artificial intelligence, and the future of scientific research.

🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube:

The TWAS Arab Regional Partner (TWAS-AREP) at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina honors the memory and enduring legacy of Prof. Ahmed Zewail (1946–2016), the distinguished Egyptian chemist, Nobel Laureate, and esteemed TWAS Fellow.

Widely recognized as the "Father of Photochemistry," Prof. Zewail revolutionized physical chemistry by developing ultra-fast laser techniques capable of capturing chemical reactions in real time. His breakthroughs enabled scientists to observe molecular bonds breaking and forming at the scale of femtoseconds a resolution where one femtosecond is to a second what a single second is to 32 million years.

Prof. Zewail’s work fundamentally transformed our understanding of chemical, physical, and biological processes while establishing him as a global ambassador for scientific research in the Arab world and the broader Global South.

TWAS-AREP hopes that his memory and pioneering spirit will continue to motivate and empower generations of Arab scientists to pursue research excellence and elevate regional contributions on the global stage.

📖 Read the full biography of Prof. Ahmed Zewail:

Within the framework of the enlightening mission of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina as a beacon of science and knowledge and a gateway connecting Egypt with the world, and under the gracious patronage of His Excellency the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Center for Special Studies and Programs (CSSP) is honored to invite your esteemed institution to submit nominations for the "Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Award" in its second edition for the year 2026.

2026 Award theme:

“Applications of Quantum Intelligence for Building a Sustainable Knowledge Society and Enhancing Human Well-Being”

This edition focuses on honoring research and innovative efforts that harness Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide practical solutions capable of addressing global challenges in health, education, climate change, and sustainable energy.

📋 Timeline and Award Details:

• Award Value: EGP 1,000,000, in addition to a gold medal and an official certificate of appreciation.
• Nomination Method: Official nomination letters and supporting documents must be submitted via the award's online platform, with a hard copy sent to the headquarters of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
• Deadline for Nominations: 31 August 2026.

Universities, research centers, and national and regional scientific academies are invited to nominate candidates whom they consider deserving of this prestigious international award.

🔗 For registration and for more information about the Award, its conditions, and the application process, please visit the following link: 

📅 Application Deadline: 30 November 2026

Applications and nominations are now officially open for the 3^rd edition of the prestigious UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize!

This global biennial prize recognizes outstanding young researchers, innovators, and educators whose work drives socio-economic progress and international cooperation.

💰 The Award:

Five laureates—one representing the Arab States—will each receive USD 50,000, alongside a UNESCO medal and diploma.

🧬 Eligibility Criteria

• Age Limit: Must be under 40 years of age at the time of the application deadline.
• Scope of Work: Must demonstrate significant, impactful contributions to STEM research, industrial innovation, education, or regional scientific cooperation.
• Gender Equity: nominations of qualified young women scientists are highly encouraged.

⚠️ Note: Self-nominations will not be considered.

Applications must be officially endorsed and submitted through an eligible nominating body.

Qualified entities include national ministries of higher education, national research councils, universities, scientific academies, and UNESCO chairs.

• Nomination Guidelines: Review the Detailed Guidelines
• Official Registration Portal: