TWAS, the academy of sciences for the developing world, is an autonomous organization, founded in 1983 in Trieste, Italy, by a distinguished group of scientists from the South under the leadership of the late Nobel laureate Abdus Salam of Pakistan. It was officially launched by the secretary-general of the United Nations in 1985. TWAS represents the best of science in developing countries. Its main mission is to promote scientific excellence and capacity in the South for science-based sustainable development. The Academy's strength resides in the quality and diversity of its membership -- internationally renowned scientists elected by their peers. TWAS Fellows, who live and work in developing countries, represent 85 percent of the membership; TWAS Associate Fellows live and work in developed countries. The current membership stands at 1,000 [Oct. 2010].