NewsPositive | October 15, 2026 | Science & Innovation
For a scientist, progress often begins with a connection.
A conversation with a colleague. Guidance from an experienced researcher. Access to someone who understands a difficult problem and is willing to help find a solution.
When conflict interrupts universities, laboratories and professional lives, those connections can become especially valuable.
In Sudan, where conflict and displacement have disrupted scientific research, an international collaboration initiative is offering women scientists opportunities to remain connected with a wider research community.
On October 12–13, 2026, UNESCO and its partners brought researchers and scientific stakeholders together through the Arab Women in Science initiative, marking the first mentorship cycle and launching another for 2026–2027.
Keeping scientific connections alive
Research rarely happens in isolation. Scientists depend on exchanges of ideas, access to expertise, mentorship and collaboration with colleagues across institutions and borders.
For women researchers whose professional lives have been affected by Sudan’s conflict, maintaining those relationships can be difficult.
The Arab Women in Science Platform, supported by UNESCO and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, aims to address some of these barriers through mentorship, professional networking and collaboration.
UNESCO reported Sudanese participation facilitated by its Sudan Office from Khartoum and Alexandria, Egypt. These opportunities offer professional continuity, but they do not eliminate the obstacles facing research in Sudan.
A mentorship programme enters its second chapter
The October event celebrated the initial Arab Women in Science Co-Mentorship Programme, recognised volunteer mentors and launched a new programme cycle for 2026–2027.
Mentorship can help researchers exchange knowledge, develop professional skills and identify possibilities for collaboration.
The first cycle’s completion is a documented milestone. However, the available announcements do not establish long-term career outcomes or measurable changes in scientific output. The new cycle offers opportunities, rather than guaranteed results.
Connecting researchers across borders
The gathering also focused on cooperation between Sudanese and Egyptian researchers, including exchanging expertise and strengthening professional relationships.
International collaboration cannot replace functioning local institutions. It can, however, help researchers remain in contact with people, knowledge and opportunities across borders.
For scientists whose careers have been disrupted, those connections may help them participate in future research.
A possible new network for Sudanese women scientists
Participants discussed the possibility of establishing a Sudanese Women Scientists Working Group, potentially linked to UNESCO’s international scientific platforms.
Such a network could help researchers share priorities, identify collaborators and explore joint projects. Importantly, this group remains a proposal, not a completed institution.
Why supporting women in science matters
Women scientists bring important expertise to fields including health, environmental protection, education and technology.
When scientific careers are interrupted, communities can lose access to knowledge and opportunities for future innovation.
Mentorship cannot repair damaged institutions or resolve the wider conflict. Yet supportive professional relationships can provide meaningful help within those limits.
A meaningful step, with more work ahead
The verified achievements are specific: the programme celebrated its first mentorship cycle, launched a second, and brought scientific stakeholders together to discuss stronger cooperation.
Its longer-term significance will depend on whether these efforts produce sustained networks, useful partnerships and tangible opportunities for participants.
There are no easy answers to the challenges facing Sudan’s scientific community. But there are people and institutions choosing to keep connections open.
Science advances not only through breakthroughs, but also through people helping others continue their work. In difficult times, keeping those possibilities alive is worth celebrating.
Sources: UNESCO, October 14, 2026; Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, October 14, 2026; UNESCO programme overview.
Good things are happening. We’re here to find them.
