Marcelo Knobel joins UNESCO-TWAS as executive director

The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS), is pleased to welcome Marcelo Knobel as its new Executive Director. Knobel succeeds ICTP Director Atish Dabholkar, who served as interim executive director from 1 December 2023 until 8 December 2024.

“Marcelo Knobel’s exceptional track record as a scientist, educator, and advocate for science communication makes him a stellar addition to TWAS. His visionary leadership at Unicamp, Brazil, and his commitment to fostering international scientific collaboration will undoubtedly propel TWAS’s mission to new heights. I am confident that under his leadership, TWAS will continue to empower scientists in the global South and champion the transformative power of science,” said UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences Lidia Brito. 

“I am very pleased that Dr. Knobel has been appointed as TWAS’s new executive director. His extensive work on higher education and the public perception of science are proof of his commitment in raising awareness and defending the crucial role they play in our societies. I am sure he will continue with such positive endeavors in his new role. Italy in fact firmly believes and invests in multilateral scientific diplomacy. It is for this reason that we host and continue to support and promote TWAS and that we also look favorably on the possibility of investing in knowledge sharing, partnership building, and the advancement of societies on a mutual basis of friendship and partnership,” said Minister Giuseppe Pastorelli, deputy director general for the promotion of Italy at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).

"I am honoured to join an organization with a 40-year track record of building critical scientific capacity in the global South,” said Marcelo Knobel. “I look forward to helping TWAS bring more opportunities to scientists throughout the global South, as well as bring to light how science is our greatest ally in the pursuit of a fairer, safer, and happier world."

"As TWAS President, I am delighted to welcome Professor Marcelo Knobel as TWAS executive director. Knobel is a familiar figure to TWAS members and staff given his long relationship initially as a Young Affiliate, active participation in TYAN, TYAN Alumnus and his more recent election as TWAS member. Knobel’s academic leadership, commitment to science excellence and use of science for betterment of society aligns well with TWAS values and vision. The TWAS Council looks forward to working closely with Knobel in amplifying voices and scientific contributions from the global South in accelerating the attainment of sustainable development that ensures a legacy for future generations and leaves no one behind," said TWAS President Quarraisha Abdool Karim.

Born in Argentina, Knobel immigrated to Brazil with his family in 1976, at the age of 8, when his father was expelled by the military dictatorship from the position he held at the University of Buenos Aires. As a scientist, Knobel is a pioneer in the field of magnetism, having led an internationally recognized research group whose research had applications ranging from magnetic recording systems to nanomedicine.

"Without science we have no future. It is science that can give us the tools to fight climate change, biodiversity loss and new and old diseases," said Knobel.

Knobel was the 12th rector of the University of Campinas (Unicamp), in Brazil. He is also dedicated to science communication, having founded Unicamp’s Science Exploratory Museum and conducted research on the public perception of science and higher education. He is a member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Sciences of São Paulo State (ACIESP).

He has received the José Reis Prize for Science Popularization (CNPq); the CBMM Prize for Science and Technology; the Young Scientist Prize from TWAS Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Partner; and has been awarded the Brazilian Commander of the Order of Scientific Merit, among others. He was a TWAS Young Affiliate (2007–2011) and is now a TWAS Alumnus. In November 2024 he was named a TWAS Fellow, and his election will be effective starting on 1 January 2025.

As executive director, Knobel will be responsible for providing intellectual, strategic and operational leadership for the Academy, as well as the development, management, planning, and execution of TWAS programmes, which leverage international cooperation to grow scientific strength in the global South. He will serve under the authority of the UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, and with the guidance of the TWAS Steering Committee and TWAS Council.

He will also be responsible for coordination with the associated organizations hosted by the Academy—the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP).

For 40 years, The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS) has been a leading force in developing crucial scientific capability in some of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. A global science academy founded in 1983 in Trieste, Italy, TWAS supports sustainable prosperity through research, education, policy, and diplomacy. With its partners, it has graduated over 1,100 PhDs and awarded more than 2,300 postdoctoral fellowships to developing world scientists. The Academy also bestowed over 1,200 prizes, awarded over 2,700 research grants, trained over 750 individuals in science diplomacy, and supported over 1,400 exchange visits. From the start, the Academy had essential support from Italian scientists and political leaders. TWAS is a programme unit of UNESCO.

Note to editors

Marcelo Knobel is available for interviews. For more information, contact:
Giovanni Ortolani, TWAS Public Information Officer, office: +39 040 2240-324, 
email: gortolani@twas.org 
Cristina Serra, TWAS Staff Writer, office: +39 040 2240-429, cell +39 338 430-5210, 
email: cserra@twas.org 

This press release was originally published on the TWAS website here.