On September 8, 2023, Prof. Dou Xiankang, the President of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) met with Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, the President of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).

Prof. Dou welcomed the visit of President Karim and expressed appreciation for TWAS's significant role in promoting scientific research, talent cultivation, and collaborative exchanges in developing countries. He also provided an overview of NSFC’s project funding programs and international cooperation.

President Karim highly praised China's scientific achievements and the contributions of the NSFC, expressing her willingness to strengthen cooperation between NSFC and TWAS to advance talent cultivation in basic research and the role of science in sustainable development.

Other topics discussed by both sides include improving technology assessment indicators, promoting gender equality in scientific research, supporting sustainable development through basic research, and conducting joint funding programs.

Deputy Director General Dr. Zhang Yongtao, Deputy Director Dr. Yin Wenxuan from the Bureau of International Cooperation attended the meeting.