2025 IAP Conference and General Assembly

Overview

Bridging Science, Policy, and Society in an Era of Transformation

Every three years the member academies of the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) and its regional networks get together to elect IAP leadership, welcome new members and discuss how science can help advancing sound policies, improve public health, promote science excellence and achieve other critical development goals. The 2025 Triennial Conference and General Assembly of the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) will take place from 8-11 December 2025 in Cairo, Egypt, hosted by the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT). Online participation will also be possible.

Cairo, Egypt: 8-11 December 2025

I. The Triennial Conference (Opening late afternoon on 8 Dec, continuing 9 and 10 Dec):

The conference theme is ‘Bridging Science, Policy, and Society in an Era of Transformation’. The Programme Organising Committee comprising IAP and ASRT representatives will develop an agenda that addresses various topics within this overarching theme. A call for session proposals will be announced shortly to IAP member academies, regional networks, and like-minded organizations.
Academies are asked to consider topics related (but will not limited) to the following broad areas and questions:

Trust and Resilience in Science Systems: What strategies are being implemented – or can be devised – to bridge political divides, combat misinformation, and rebuild public trust in science as a tool for societal progress?
The Shifting Social Role of Academia: How are the expertise and financial sustainability of universities and academia being challenged and re-invented? What might the future role of universities and academies in society look like? How might we get there?
Innovation for Sustainable Development: How can breakthrough innovations (including through open innovation) catalyse sustainable economic development by addressing such critical challenges as energy transitions and food security, while creating opportunities for sustainable prosperity? How could academies help nurture (open) innovation-based economies?
Technological Advances and Ethical Challenges: How can we ensure the equitable and ethical governance and accessibility of current and emerging technologies?
Climate Mitigation, Resilience and Sustainability: What science-driven and nature-based solutions can be promoted to tackle climate and environmental crises?
Science Advice: How can we ensure the autonomy and effectiveness of academies as trusted advisors to decision-makers and the public? How can such advice be transdisciplinary, integrating the sciences, humanities and social sciences? How can academies promote and support transdisciplinary research?
Science Diplomacy: How can science be leveraged as a bridge to foster collaboration and equitable partnerships across borders to address shared global challenges?

The Conference will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions and interactive sessions, providing a platform for dialogue among global scientific leaders, policymakers and society.

II. Side events

On Monday 8 December, space will be made available to IAP member academies and observer organisations to host their own side events – which may be closed (invited participants only) or open to participants arriving early for the IAP Triennial Conference. The selection of side events will also be based on a proposal submission process.

Read and download the Call for Proposals here.

III. The IAP General Assembly (11 Dec)

The IAP General Assembly (GA) is open exclusively to representatives of IAP member academies and invited observer organisations. It provides a platform for IAP members to review progress and shape the future direction of IAP’s projects and programmes, to meet the newly elected leadership, and to welcome new members.

Read and download the Participation Guidelines and Travel and Funding Policies here.