WFSW Newsletter – May 2026
FMTS-WFSW Newsletter
Welcome
In a world undergoing rapid transformation, the WFSW believes that the future of science will be shaped by the active engagement of a new generation of young researchers, women and men alike, who bring energy, creativity and critical thinking to the scientific endeavour. Their participation is essential to building a more open, fair and forward-looking scientific community in the service of peace, justice and sustainable development.
Within this framework, Working Group 8 (Young Scientists) provides a space for early-career researchers—women and men—to connect, exchange ideas and contribute actively to the future of scientific work within the Federation. It gives visibility and voice to a generation that is already helping to transform science and society. In parallel, Working Group 5 (Women and Science) plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality, supporting women scientists, and addressing the structural barriers that continue to limit their full participation and recognition in scientific life.
At the WFSW, we believe that empowering young scientists is essential to building a more just and sustainable future. Your ideas, your research and your voice matter. The Federation is a space for engagement, collaboration and shared responsibility in advancing science in the service of the common good.
We warmly invite you to take part in this collective effort and help shape the future of science.
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At WFSW, we believe that empowering young scientists is essential
to building a more just and sustainable future.
Young Scientists in Focus
🎥 Who are the next voices shaping the future of science?
Across the world, young scientists are contributing new ideas, energy and perspectives to research, innovation and higher education. At the same time, many face significant challenges, including precarious employment, intense competition for funding and limited long-term career opportunities.
In this issue, three young researchers share their experiences and reflections on the realities of scientific work today. Their testimonies highlight the importance of supporting the next generation of scientists through stable career pathways, adequate research funding, international cooperation and meaningful opportunities for participation and development.
Their voices reflect a generation committed not only to scientific excellence, but also to social responsibility, dialogue and cooperation — values at the heart of the WFSW.
🎥 Chaimaa Haoufazane (Morocco)
Chaimaa Haoufazane, a young chemist from Morocco and member of the WFSW Working Group on Young Scientists (WG8), shares a brief reflection on the importance of supporting young researchers and creating opportunities for the next generation of scientists. Her testimony highlights the value of international cooperation, scientific engagement and the active participation of young people in shaping the future of science.
Her message illustrates the importance of giving young scientists a stronger voice in the scientific community and in society as a whole.
▶ Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe6Goo3FkSA&t=21s
🎥 Ines Hamak (Algeria / Portugal)
Ines Hamak, an Algerian PhD researcher in Geophysics at the University of Évora (Portugal), shares her views on one of the key challenges facing young scientists today: precarious employment in research and higher education.
In her testimony, prepared in the framework of the WFSW work on the conditions of scientific workers, she highlights the instability experienced by many early-career researchers and university teachers, whose professional paths are often marked by short-term contracts and uncertainty.
As a way to reduce precarity and strengthen scientific careers, she advocates for the creation of more permanent positions and open-ended contracts, providing young researchers with greater stability and the conditions needed to contribute fully to scientific progress and higher education.
Her contribution reminds us that supporting science also means supporting the people who make it possible.
▶ Watch the video: https://youtube.com/shorts/bpcJNxvF27w
🎥 Rui Oliveira (Portugal)
Rui Oliveira, a geophysicist at the University of Évora (Portugal), reflects on the challenges faced by early-career researchers in a scientific system largely based on highly competitive project funding.
In his testimony, he highlights the difficulties encountered by junior researchers when competing for funding against more established scientists, often resulting in career instability and limited long-term prospects. He argues that strengthening scientific careers requires not only increased investment in research, but also the creation of more permanent positions and a long-term strategy for valuing scientific professions.
Rui also emphasises the importance of fostering stronger links between academia and the industrial and business sectors, creating synergies that can enhance innovation, generate added value and contribute to sustainable development.
His contribution underlines the need for research policies that support both scientific excellence and stable career pathways for future generations of researchers.
▶ Watch the video: https://youtu.be/-dRtHv2TqmM
Together, these testimonies highlight the aspirations, challenges and commitment of a new generation of scientists whose voices are essential to the future of science and society.
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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: Geopolitics of chaos. On a path toward global confrontation
17 Apr 2026
Geopolitics of chaos – On a path toward global confrontation – Frederico Carvalho
99th EC of the WFSW 9–11 Feb 2026 (online)
WG1: “Peace, Development and Cooperation”
We are witnessing developments on the world stage on an almost daily basis which in most cases can hardly be seen by our fellow citizens as good omens. In Europe the roots of instability laid out in the aftermath of the second world war have come to bear tragic consequences in the first quarter of the present century. Read More
WFSW Statement on the Middle East
Reaffirming its longstanding commitment to peace and international cooperation, the WFSW has called for dialogue, respect for international law, and the protection of civilian populations, scientific institutions and cultural heritage in the Middle East.
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UNESCO & International Cooperation
Strengthening dialogue, peace and sustainable development through international cooperation remains a key priority for the WFSW.
On 29 April, the Federation participated in a landmark online dialogue between the Director-General of UNESCO and NGOs in official partnership with the Organisation. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on current priorities and to reinforce the role of civil society in advancing UNESCO’s mission. WFSW was represented by Mehdi Lahlou, who presented the Federation’s objectives and ongoing initiatives.
The Federation is also contributing to the preparation of the International Day of Peace 2026 initiative, organised by a collective of UNESCO partner NGOs under the theme “Creation in the Service of Peace”. The project aims to encourage intergenerational participation and promote a culture of peace through artistic and community-based initiatives, with particular attention to young people and other underrepresented groups.
In addition, contacts continued with the Three Cultures of the Mediterranean Foundation in Seville in preparation for the Peace and Culture event scheduled for October 2026.
WFSW is also supporting activities within the framework of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, including a proposed round table on Water Security and Sustainable Development, highlighting the contribution of science to addressing global challenges.
Through these initiatives, the Federation continues to strengthen its cooperation with UNESCO and its network of international partners in support of peace, dialogue and sustainable development.
Strengthening dialogue, peace and sustainable development through international cooperation remains a key priority for the WFSW.
On 29 April, the Federation participated in a landmark online dialogue between the Director-General of UNESCO and NGOs in official partnership with the Organisation. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on current priorities and to reinforce the role of civil society in advancing UNESCO’s mission. WFSW was represented by Mehdi Lahlou, who presented the Federation’s objectives and ongoing initiatives.
The Federation is also contributing to the preparation of the International Day of Peace 2026 initiative, organised by a collective of UNESCO partner NGOs under the theme “Creation in the Service of Peace”. The project aims to encourage intergenerational participation and promote a culture of peace through artistic and community-based initiatives, with particular attention to young people and other underrepresented groups.
In addition, contacts continued with the Three Cultures of the Mediterranean Foundation in Seville in preparation for the Peace and Culture event scheduled for October 2026.
WFSW is also supporting activities within the framework of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, including a proposed round table on Water Security and Sustainable Development, highlighting the contribution of science to addressing global challenges.
Through these initiatives, the Federation continues to strengthen its cooperation with UNESCO and its network of international partners in support of peace, dialogue and sustainable development.
▶ Watch the video:https://youtu.be/gciYusLGf3I
Representing the WFSW, Mehdi Lahlou participated in the online dialogue between UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany and NGOs in official partnership with UNESCO, highlighting the Federation’s commitment to science, peace and international cooperation.
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Affiliates & Partners
FESIDUAS
Federación de Sindicatos de Docentes Universitarios de América del Sur
Marking the 50th anniversary of the 1976 military coup in Argentina, the Department of Audiovisual Arts of the National University of the Arts is inviting the community to revisit one of the darkest chapters in the country’s history through cinema. The initiative seeks to preserve and promote spaces for memory, reflection and dialogue at a time when denialist narratives are re-emerging and attempts are being made to minimise the crimes committed during the dictatorship.
https://audiovisualesuna.ar/75-76-el-cine-argentino-durante-el-golpe-mas-sangriento/
UGICT-CGT – Les Ingés Cadres Techs CGT
At the initiative of the CGT Research Collective, in collaboration with the CGT Working Group on Artificial Intelligence and UGICT-CGT, a series of four round tables was organised in April to explore the trade union, scientific and societal challenges raised by artificial intelligence.
The discussions addressed key topics including understanding and demystifying AI, large language models and generative AI, scientific applications of AI, and issues related to ethics, democratic oversight and the regulation of AI tools.
Through these initiatives, UGICT-CGT encourages critical reflection on the impact of artificial intelligence on workers, researchers and society, while promoting democratic oversight and responsible governance of emerging technologies.
The initiative was attended by members of the WFSW from several affiliated organisations, including Sylviane Lejeune (UGICT-CGT/WFSW) and Mourad Bezzeghoud (OTC/WFSW WG3), reflecting the Federation’s interest in the scientific, social and democratic implications of artificial intelligence. Read More
ASIBU – The Future of Scientific Work
On 14 April, ASIBU (Argentina), in collaboration with FEDUN and FedLaTCi, organised the panel “The Future of Scientific Work: Challenges in a World in Crisis, Gender and Young Researchers.”
The discussion brought together representatives of scientific workers’ organisations and academic communities from across Latin America and beyond, including WFSW Co-President Elies Molins and WFSW Communication Sector Coordinator Sylviane Lejeune. Participants exchanged views on the future of scientific careers, the situation of young researchers, gender equality, and the challenges facing science in an increasingly uncertain global context.
The initiative highlighted the importance of international dialogue and cooperation in strengthening scientific work and supporting future generations of researchers.
EITC 2026 – Scientific Workers in Latin America
The 5th International Meeting of Scientific Workers (EITC 2026), held at the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR) in La Paz, Baja California Sur (Mexico), brought together around 60 participants attending both in person and online, representing scientific workers’ organisations, universities and research institutions from across Latin America and beyond.
Discussions focused on decent work and labour rights for researchers, scientific freedom and security, public policies for science and technology, gender equality in research careers, and the impact of digital transformation and artificial intelligence on scientific work.
The WFSW was represented by Co-President Elies Molins and President Jean-Paul Laine. A keynote contribution by Xiqui Han (China, WFSW) on Ocean Science and Planetary Ecology had been scheduled but could not take place due to technical connection problems.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation, regional solidarity and collective action in defending scientific work and strengthening the social role of science. (Click on the poster to view the full programme.)
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Meetings and Activities
How is WFSW preparing its future?
April was a month of intense activity across the Federation, with key discussions shaping both current actions and long-term strategy.
International Secretariat– The International Secretariat reviewed progress across several key areas, including preparation of the 24th General Assembly, revision of the WFSW Constitution, development of the Strategic Plan 2026–2030, UNESCO-related activities, communication, and financial matters.
Particular attention was given to preparations for the 24th General Assembly in Mexico, including venue arrangements, accommodation, logistics, participation, and fundraising efforts. Discussions also addressed visa requirements, interpretation services, hybrid participation options, and cooperation with Mexican academic and scientific organisations.
WG6 – Constitution and Rules of Procedures – Working Group 6 continued the revision of the WFSW Constitution. Proposed amendments were reviewed and approved for submission to the relevant Federation bodies before presentation to the General Assembly.
The Group also began preparing a revision of the Federation’s Internal Rules of Procedure.
WG7 – Future – Working Group 7 continued its work on the Strategic Plan 2026–2030. A first consolidated draft was prepared, bringing together contributions from across the Federation and exploring new priorities, including international cooperation, public services, young scientists and emerging global challenges.
Discussions also included a proposal to establish a new Working Group dedicated to cooperation and public services.
UNESCO Sector– The Federation participated in a dialogue with UNESCO partner organisations, presenting its activities in support of peace, disarmament, water security, young scientists and women in science.
Preparations also continued for activities linked to the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development and future cooperation with UNESCO partner organisations, including initiatives planned in Seville in October 2026.
Communication Sector – Communication activities focused on strengthening the Federation’s visibility, preparing upcoming newsletters, encouraging contributions from affiliated organisations, and supporting the dissemination of WFSW statements, projects and international initiatives.
Finance – The International Secretariat reviewed the Federation’s financial situation and highlighted the need to secure additional resources to support the organisation of the 24th General Assembly and future activities.
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Upcoming Events
- 2026 Global Conference of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD)
UNESCO welcomes you to join the first global conference of the International Science Decade, a hybrid event held from 15–17 July 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
- 24th General Assembly (Mexico)
Preparations are continuing in cooperation with Mexican partner 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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