Call for World Science Forum Türkiye 2027 Side Event Proposals

"Science in Times of Global Crises: Transcending Boundaries in a Fragmented World"

The World Science Forum Türkiye 2027 (WSF2027) is inviting scientific organisations worldwide to propose side events that examine the role of science in navigating global crises, opening dialogue across divides, and finding common ground in an increasingly fragmented world.

Side events are an opportunity to bring new questions, critical perspectives, and fresh conversations into the WSF2027 programme. We welcome proposals that challenge assumptions, connect different fields and communities, and explore where science can make a meaningful difference to the issues shaping our shared future.

Deadline for side event proposals: 12 October 2026.

The World Science Forum Series

The World Science Forum (WSF) was established in 2003 following the 1999 UNESCO World Conference on Science in Budapest, where government representatives and leaders of the international scientific community called for a new social contract for science in the twenty-first century. Initiated by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the Forum has since grown into a biennial global event, co-organised by UNESCO, the International Science Council (ISC), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) as founding partners, together with the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC), and the Global Young Academy (GYA).

For more than two decades, the WSF has brought together policymakers, leading scientists, representatives of industry, civil society, and science media from over 120 countries to discuss the role of science in addressing global challenges.

WSF2027 Türkiye

The twelfth World Science Forum will be hosted by the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 17 to 20 March 2027.

The 2027 Forum will bring together scientists, policymakers, international organizations, industry leaders, civil society representatives, and early-career researchers to examine how science can respond to an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world. Discussions will focus on strengthening the role of scientific knowledge in addressing systemic risks, supporting resilient societies, accelerating sustainable transformation, and improving the quality of public decision-making through international collaboration.

Open Call for Side Events

In 2027, we aim to continue the tradition of inviting scientific organizations to submit proposals for side events to be included in the WSF programme. Speakers and moderators of these side events will be granted complimentary access to the full WSF programme. Travel and accommodation expenses, however, will be the responsibility of the respective session organisers.

Side Events format

• Parallel sessions will last 75-90 minutes.
• Alternative formats are also welcome. Applicants are encouraged to develop interactive session formats to engage the audience at the event.
• There are maximum four parallel sessions running at a time.
• The use of WSF social media (e.g. WSF2027 X, LinkedIn and Facebook page) may be considered to enhance audience interaction prior to and during the session.

Application process

• Deadline for submission of session proposals is 12 October 2026.
  Session proposals should be submitted using this form.
• Submitted proposals are reviewed by the Steering Committee of World Science Forum.
• Results of the open call are planned to be announced by 30 November 2026.

Guidelines for Session Proposals

Criteria in the selection process:

• relevance to the objectives and main theme of WSF2027 Türkiye
• overall quality and originality of the proposal
• inclusion of state-of-the-art science
• capacity to generate interesting and vibrant discussions
• interdisciplinary approach (If relevant, particular attention should be paid to attracting excellent social scientists as well as natural scientists.)
• international topicality
• diversity (gender and geographical balance, including young scientists in the panel)
• multi-stakeholder approach (scientists, policy makers, decision-makers and representatives of civil society and industry)
• capability to attract science media coverage

Organisational Aspects

• Session organisers are responsible for the invitation of speakers and moderators of their session.
• Side event session organisers support the event by financing the travel and accommodation costs of side event session speakers.
• TÜBA offers Conference Room Facilities.
• No registration fees will be charged.
• Science-oriented organisations are welcome to arrange meetings during the Forum. These meetings can be open to the public or can be arranged for a selected World Science Forum audience only. It is the Steering Committee’s responsibility to qualify events as side event of World Science Forum. Side events may be held on 17 and 20 March 2027.
• Accommodation grants may be requested and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

For more information, please contact:

TÜBA WSF Secretariat: wsf@tuba.gov.tr