TWAS Science and Diplomacy Workshop
29 November - 4 December 2015
Trieste, Italy
Sustainable Water Management
THE WORKSHOP
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) – for the advancement of science in developing countries –
Trieste, Italy is seeking candidates to participate in a Workshop on Sustainable Water Management to
be held in Trieste, Italy, from 30 November until 4 December 2015.
The event is organized in the framework of the TWAS Science Policy / Science Diplomacy Programme
that focuses on developing a framework for open discussions between the scientific and policymaking
communities with a view to apply scientific knowledge to solve real-life problems in developing
countries.
The aim of the workshop is to bring together young scientists with relevant research experience;
government representatives; and other key players to discuss challenges and policies in the water
sector, particularly in relation to sustainable water management policies.
PARTICIPANTS
TWAS is looking for outstanding young scientists with some experience in water related issues as well
as policymakers from different regions world. A TWAS ‘Science Diplomacy Ambassador’ will also be
selected from applicants in the policy / diplomacy area with expertise in water-related issues.
This is an exciting opportunity for upcoming scientists to receive recognition and become involved in
the increasingly important discussions between scientists and policymakers especially with regard to
transboundary water issues.
The participants are sought as follows:
1. At least 1 policymaker or diplomat involved in the water sector of his/her country or in policies
with relevance in this area. This ‘Science Diplomacy Ambassador’ will:
 Be from a developing country;
 Hold a government position in a developing country;
 Ideally have experience with relevant policy issues.
2. Young scientists from developing countries. The young scientists shall:
 Be maximum 40 years of age;
 Be enrolled in a PhD programme or have recently completed a PhD in the natural sciences;
 Be conducting research in a relevant field;
 Show a genuine interest in science policy and communication;
 Have demonstrated leadership and communication skills;
 Have the ability, desire or personality to represent the scientific community well when
interacting with the policymaking and diplomatic professionals who will be attending the
workshop;
 Have published results of their own scientific research in peer-reviewed international
journals, preferably as first author, and preferably on issues related to the theme of the
workshop;
 Be fluent in English.
Demand for these courses has been strong. Therefore, although TWAS has limited funding for
supporting young scientists and has support for a single ‘Science Policy Ambassador’, applicants able
to cover their entire costs (travel and accommodation) or partial costs (travel) should indicate this on
the application form. Being able to cover such costs increases the chances of selection. Such
applicants should decide whether they fit in the young scientist category or the ‘Science Policy
Ambassador Category’ and complete the relevant section of the application form accordingly.
In addition, TWAS will invite suitable experts who will help guide the discussions.
The workshop will include:
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30 November – Introduction on aims of the workshop, including keynote presentations;
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3 December – Plenary feedback and conclusions.
1-2 December – Breakout groups and Roundtable discussions to analyse how to use the best
and most recent scientific knowledge to develop ‘best practice’ policies of relevance to the
water sector’s needs of developing countries, a field trip to a local water purification plant;
4 December – Optional site visit to a commercial water purification plant in Graz, Austria.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
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The application form is available online ONLY
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The completed application should be sent by e-mail, fax or post to:
Women are especially encouraged to apply.
TWAS will cover 80% of travel costs of young scientists plus full, accommodation and visa.
A limited number of places are available for fully or partially self-funded applicants.
Deadline for sending applications is 16 August 2015. Successful candidates will be informed
by early September.
TWAS Science Policy / Science Diplomacy Programme
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for the advancement of science in developing countries
ICTP Campus, Strada Costiera 11
34151 Trieste, Italy
Phone: +39 040 2240-687/493
Fax: +39 040 2240-689
e-mail: sciencediplomacy@twas.org
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For more information on the workshop, please see http://twas.org/science-diplomacy