World Science Forum

Europe’s research landscape strives for unity – yet divides between regions remain evident. In an age of misinformation and political polarisation, Professor Rowinski believes that academies of sciences and humanities must play a more visible role.

Interview with Professor Pawel Rowinski, President of ALLEA (the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities.)

Building a truly inclusive European Research Area – An interview with Professor Pawel Rowinski Europe’s research landscape strives for unity – yet divides between regions remain evident. Professor Pawel Rowinski, President of ALLEA (the European

The 2026 Global Conference of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development will take place from 15 to 17 July 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The conference will provide a high-level global platform to strengthen dialogue, coordination, and partnership among Member States and key stakeholders.

Learn more:

2026 global conference on the International Decade of Sciences for UNESCO welcomes you to join the first global conference of the International Science Decade, a hybrid event held from 15–17 July 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Trust in science for policy nexus: International Science Council (ISC), in collaboration with the European Commission’s EU Science Hub - Joint Research Centre and with co-sponsorship from the US National Science Foundation (NSF) co-organized a workshop to explore the complex dynamics of trust in science as it intersects with policy-making. Download the report here:

Trust in science for policy nexus - International Science Council Workshop report, “Trust in Science for Policy”, 12-13 September 2024, Ispra Italy

According to official scientific commentary of WSF partner organisation EASAC - European Academies Science Advisory Council, the European Union’s Nature Restoration Regulation is not merely a legal obligation.

Restoring nature and halting biodiversity loss are among the most important tools for mitigating the harmful effects of climate change, which can be measured in hundreds of billions of euros.

The implementation of EU directives at the national level represents a strategic investment that will pay off handsomely in terms of the security, well-being, health, ecological stability and economic resilience of Member States.

EASAC: Restoring Europe’s natural habitats would deliver a tenfold return on investment The European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC) has presented its official scientific opinion on the European Union’s Nature Restoration Regulati

The Academic Freedom Index Update 2026 provides a global overview of academic freedom across 179 countries. It examines teaching, research, institutional autonomy, and freedom of expression, based on insights from over 2,300 experts worldwide. The report highlights trends and patterns in higher education and academic rights around the world.

Read the full report here:

Academic Freedom Index The Academic Freedom Index (AFI) assesses de facto levels of academic freedom across the world. It is a collaborative effort between researchers at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), and the V-Dem Institute.

Science for climate action: 2026 is a challenging year given the complicated geopolitical context and the declining support and funding for science. Much will depend on how the scientific community rises to the challenge of continuing and reframing their crucial work in driving climate action.

Science for climate action: a 2026 agenda - International Science Council 2026 is a challenging year for science action given the complicated geopolitical context and the declining support and funding for science. Much will depend on how the scientific community rises to the challenge of continuing and reframing their crucial work in driving climate action.

IAP 2025 Highlights for Policymakers

Curious about how science academies around the world are shaping policy on climate, health, gender equality and sustainable development?

The IAP, InterAcademy Partnership 2025 Highlights offer a concise snapshot of IAP's global work — from key publications and initiatives to the impact of IAP regional networks and early-career researcher engagement.

IAP Releases 2025 Highlights for Policymakers InterAcademyPartnership (IAP) harnesses the expertise of the world's leading scientific minds to advance sound policies, improve public health, promote excellence in science education, and achieve other critical development goals.

Since taking office in January, Prof. Lise Øvreås has been leading EASAC - European Academies Science Advisory Council as President for the 2026–2028 term. A professor of Geomicrobiology at the University of Bergen and former President of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters (2022–2024), she brings a wealth of scientific and leadership expertise to the role. In her interview, she shares her priorities and thoughts on the challenges of science advice in Europe.

EASAC enters 2026 with new leadership EASAC is entering the new year with a change in its leadership, as Prof. Lise Øvreås, former EASAC Vice-President, takes office as new EASAC President for the term 2026–2028. A professor of Geomicrobiology at the University of Bergen, Norway, Lise...

Towards Gender Equality in Scientific Organisations: Assessment and Recommendations

International Science Council (ISC), in collaboration with the IAP, InterAcademy Partnership and the Standing Committee for Gender Equality in Science (SCGES), published a report offering the most comprehensive global review to date of gender equality in scientific organisations. On behalf of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (Magyar Tudományos Akadémia - MTA - hivatalos oldal), Professor Enikő Bollobás, Chair of the Presidential Committee on Women in Science, gave an interview at the request of the ISC.
The resulting case study presents the efforts of the Academy to advance women in scientific careers.

Download the report here:

Hungarian Academy of Sciences: Supporting women’s advancement through targeted grants On 11 February 2026, the International Science Council (ISC), in collaboration with the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) and the Standing Committee for Gende

A new global report by IAP, InterAcademy Partnership, International Science Council and SCGES shows that women remain underrepresented in scientific organizations. Their presence is still modest and uneven in leadership roles, governing bodies, and senior positions and awards.

Women remain underrepresented in scientific organizations, new evidence shows - International Science Council On 11 February 2026, marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the International Science Council, the InterAcademy Partnership and the Standing Committee for Gender Equality in Science are launching a new global report examining gender equality in scientific organizations. The rep...