Trieste, Italy / São Paulo, Brazil – The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS) and the Conrado Wessel Foundation (FCW) have joined forces to launch a pioneering international science photography award: Through Southern Lenses: Science in Focus. This groundbreaking initiative aims to celebrate scientific excellence in the developing world through the lens of photography.
TWAS is a programme unit of UNESCO, dedicated to supporting scientific capacity and excellence in the global South. The Conrado Wessel Foundation promotes art, culture, and science through awards granted to individuals and institutions that excel in their fields.
Set to launch its inaugural edition in 2025, the award will spotlight scientific achievements, challenges, and human stories emerging from developing countries—all UNESCO Member States—using photography as a dynamic tool for science communication.
“This initiative recognizes photography as a powerful medium that can inspire public interest and engagement in science, while also strengthening the connection between science and society through compelling and accessible narratives,” said Marcelo Knobel, TWAS Executive Director.
Carlos Vogt, CEO of the Conrado Wessel Foundation, emphasized the importance of the collaboration: “This award is not just about capturing images; it’s about revealing the soul of science in the global South—its beauty, urgency, and transformative potential. We are proud to help bridge the worlds of art and science, fostering a culture of curiosity and engagement.”
