Marcelo Knobel

TWAS executive director

Marcelo Knobel serves as Executive Director of The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS), a position he assumed in December 2024. A distinguished physicist and science advocate, Dr. Knobel brings more than three decades of experience in higher education leadership, scientific research, and science communication. He previously served as Rector of the University of Campinas (Unicamp) in Brazil from 2017 to 2021, where he has been a faculty member for more than 30 years. With more than 300 scientific publications and numerous prestigious awards—including Brazil's most distinguished science and technology honor—Dr. Knobel is internationally recognized for his contributions to physics research, educational innovation, and science popularization.

Past talks

Fri. 25 September

at 18:00 - 19:15

18:00 - 19:15

Friday 25 September

Area Talk 2
Piazza Unità d'Italia, 34121, Trieste, TS

TRIESTE

NETWORKS AS CHANNELS OF SCIENTIFIC DIPLOMACY

In a world facing complex global challenges, scientific knowledge increasingly emerges through networks rather than isolated actors. This TWAS-IAP-OWSD session examines how international scientific networks —including academies, researchers from the global South and women scientists— serve as channels of science diplomacy. The event explores how networks shape scientific and policy discourse, build trust, and foster South–South cooperation through long standing relationships, inclusive dialogue and collective intelligence.

Intervengono

Samiya Abi Jaoude

neurosurgeon Adolphe de Rothschild Fondation Hospital Paris

Kleinsy Bonilla

researcher and consultant in development economics and science diplomacy

Marcelo Knobel

TWAS executive director

Lamberto Maria Moruzzi

vice director general for growth and export promotion, director for scientific, space and sports diplomacy, directorate-general for Economic Cooperation, Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Modera

Giovanni Ortolani

TWAS public information officer