Welcome

Science for humanity — more urgent than ever

The WFSW has, since 1946, provided a unique platform uniting trade unions, professional associations, and scientific workers from around the world, with the shared goal of ensuring that science and technology serve the well-being of humanity. As a global forum, it fosters dialogue and cooperation, allowing members and affiliated organisations to share experiences, develop initiatives, and help shape priorities that integrate ethics, social responsibility, and the promotion of peace and sustainable development.
Affiliated organisations play a central role in this collective endeavour. Their diverse perspectives and expertise enrich the Federation’s work, making it more representative and responsive to the challenges faced by the scientific community today. In return, the Federation offers institutional support, international visibility, and opportunities to participate in strategic forums, amplifying the voice of its affiliates on the global stage.
To strengthen this interaction and highlight the contributions of its members, the WFSW will invite affiliated organisations to share brief presentations of their activities and priorities, which will be featured in the newsletter. This initiative aims to improve internal communication, showcase local achievements, and foster even closer collaboration across the network.
By reinforcing these ties and showcasing the accomplishments of affiliated organisations, the WFSW affirms its role as a global forum for scientific workers committed to ethical, responsible science that advances social, economic, and environmental progress.

Latest from the website

How can science help defend peace and international cooperation?

Recent statements from the WFSW address growing global tensions and the urgent need to reinforce multilateralism and international law.

Article: Strengthen a Truly Democratic United Nations — Before It Is Too Late

3 Mar 2026

Strengthen a Truly Democratic United Nations — Before It Is Too Late
Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza, Venezuela — what
will come next?
Founded in 1946, the World Federation of Scientific Workers (WFSW) was created to ensure that science and technology serve peace and the well-being of all. Today, that founding purpose is under direct threat. Read more

 

Article: Israeli–American Attack on Iran

18 Mar 2026

Israeli–American Attack on Iran WFSW Statement

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the armed forces of the State of Israel and the United States of America attacked Iran, in blatant violation of international law and at a time when negotiations were underway to reach an agreement with this country on its nuclear programme. Read more

 

Visit the website

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Affiliates & Partners

Organização dos Trabalhadores Científicos, PORTUGAL

 

01 Mar 2026

 

Scientists against war: a collective call for peace

The Organização dos Trabalhadores Científicos (OTC), Portugal, has issued a powerful manifesto calling for peace, cooperation and development. At a time of increasing global tensions, this initiative highlights the responsibility of scientists to stand for dialogue, knowledge and the protection of life on our planet.

Read and support the manifesto

 

 

 

 

 

FESIDUAS – Federación de Sindicatos de Docentes Universitarios de América del Sur

(ASI BU – FESIDUAS – FEDUN – FedLaTCi)

10 & 11 Nov 2025

🎥 From our affiliates

Science, commitment and collective action: the work of the Organização dos Trabalhadores Científicos (OTC)

How do scientific workers act for society — in practice?

The Organização dos Trabalhadores Científicos (OTC) stands as a collective voice of scientific workers in Portugal, bringing together researchers, higher education professionals, engineers, and technical staff committed to advancing science as a public good.

Founded on principles of scientific responsibility, social progress, and peace, OTC affirms that science cannot be neutral in the face of today’s global challenges. It must actively contribute to building a more just, sustainable, and democratic society, particularly in addressing the climate crisis and environmental transformations that shape our collective future.

🎥  Watch OTC in action in the videos throughout this section.

 

A vision of science rooted in society

OTC defends a model of scientific development that is deeply connected to societal needs. It promotes:

• the democratic governance of science,

• the active participation of scientific workers in public policy,

• and the integration of scientific knowledge into societal decision-making.

Through public statements, debates, and institutional engagement, OTC contributes to informed discussion on major global challenges — including peace, environmental sustainability, technological transformation, and the future of research systems.

Defending scientific work and dignity

A core dimension of OTC’s work lies in addressing the structural conditions of scientific labour.

The organisation actively advocates for:

• fair and stable career paths in research and higher education,

• adequate public funding for science,

• and the fight against precarious employment, which continues to affect a large number of researchers and academic professionals.

OTC maintains that the quality and independence of science depend directly on the working conditions of those who produce it.

Communication as a tool for engagement

OTC places strong emphasis on communication as a bridge between science and society. Through its website, publications, public interventions, and digital platforms, it works to:

• contribute to informed public debate on science and society,

• strengthen connections between scientists and citizens,

and foster a culture of critical thinking and public engagement with science, including awareness of environmental and climate challenges.

From national action to international solidarity

As an active member of the WFSW, OTC contributes to strengthening international cooperation among scientific workers.

It plays a committed role in:

• sharing national experiences within a global framework,
• promoting common positions on peace, ethics, environmental responsibility and scientific integrity,
• and reinforcing solidarity across countries and regions.

In a world facing increasing inequality, conflict, and environmental crisis, OTC affirms the importance of a united scientific community working across borders.

A collective commitment

OTC’s work reflects a clear conviction:
science must serve humanity — and scientific workers must have a voice in shaping its role.

By combining scientific expertise, social commitment, and collective action, OTC continues to contribute — in Portugal and internationally — to a future where science is both a driver of knowledge and a force for social progress.

 

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Meetings and Activities

How is WFSW preparing its future?

March 2026 was a month of intense activity across the Federation, combining strategic reflection, operational coordination, and preparation of key milestones — notably the 24th General Assembly and the 80th anniversary of the WFSW.

 

International Secretariat – 02 Mar 2026 – The meeting addressed key strategic and operational priorities, including communication and visibility, preparation of the 24th General Assembly, and follow-up of the 99th Executive Council.

Particular emphasis was placed on the development and dissemination of projects — including those submitted to UNESCO — as well as on supporting initiatives such as “Stand Up for Science” and campaigns promoting science for peace.

The international situation was also reviewed, highlighting the need for coordinated responses to major geopolitical crises and for stronger cooperation among affiliated organisations and working groups. Financial and organisational constraints were noted, alongside the need to improve member engagement and data collection for communication.

Preparations for the General Assembly advanced, with focus on key logistical aspects: visas, invitation letters, travel arrangements, and coordination of working groups.

24^th General Assembly & 100^th–101^st EC Meetings – 10 Mar 2026 – Preparations continued for the 24th General Assembly and the 100th–101st Executive Council meetings, to be held in Mexico City (31 August–4 September 2026), marking the 80th anniversary of the Federation.

Discussions focused on the preliminary programme — including thematic sessions, workshops and commemorative events — as well as budget, sponsorship, and logistics.

Key operational priorities included visas, invitation letters, accommodation, and coordination with Mexican partners, with particular attention to participants from non-Schengen countries and cost-effective formats for parallel events.

WG7 – Future – 10 Mar 2026 – WG7 continued the development of the WFSW Strategic Plan 2027–2030, with working documents shared in the Federation cloud.

Discussions focused on defining the overall vision, including stronger integration of women and young scientists, and balancing forward-looking priorities with selected internal objectives.

Artificial intelligence tools (Gemini, Mistral, ChatGPT) were explored to generate draft structures and support the organisation of the plan, serving as a basis to integrate ongoing contributions.

Bureau Meetings – 12 & 16 Mar 2026 – The Bureau reviewed ongoing activities, took operational decisions, and prepared upcoming meetings of the International Secretariat, affiliated organisations, working groups, and the 24th General Assembly.

WG6 – Constitution and Rules of Procedures – 17 Mar 2026 – WG6 advanced the revision of the draft Constitution in preparation for submission to the 26th General Assembly.

An article-by-article review of the English version was carried out, integrating amendments from the 98th Executive Council and formal corrections. Revisions to the Preamble and provisions on membership fees were also incorporated.

Approximately half of the document was completed; the remaining sections and final review are scheduled for the next meeting.

Next steps include submission to the relevant bodies, an electronic vote by the Executive Council, and alignment with the Rules of Procedure.

Communication Sector – 13 & 26 Mar 2026 – On 13 March, a meeting with Marcelo Magnasco’s audiovisual team (FESIDUAS – Argentina) explored ways to enhance the 2025 Annual Report through more visual, interactive, and multimedia elements.

On 26 March, coordination focused on website content (two articles, the 2025 “Year in Review” video, EC99 news, and the February newsletter), as well as preparation of the March and April newsletters.

Discussions also addressed EC99 updates, the future orientation of the Federation, and contributions from affiliated organisations.

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Glossary

WFSW World Federation of Scientific Workers
FMTS Fédération mondiale des travailleurs scientifiques
OTC Organização dos Trabalhadores Científicos
FESIDUAS Federación de Sindicatos de Docentes Universitarios de América del Sur
FedLaTCi Federación Latinoamericana de Trabajadores Científicos
FEDUN Federación de Docentes de las Universidades 
EC Executive Council
GA General Assembly
IS International Secretariat
WG Working Group

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Editorial Board
WFSW Communication Sector

Editorial coordination: Joana Santos & Sylviane Lejeune
Editorial review: Frederico Carvalho (Vice-President of the Executive Council)
French translation: Florence Lejeune
Institutional validation: Jean-Paul Lainé & Elies Molins (Co-Presidents)

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Get involved

Send your news, events and reports for inclusion in next month’s Newsletter to:
communication@fmts-wfsw.org

FMTS-WFSW • fmts-wfsw.org
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