Foreword

Welcome to the World Forum for Women in Science – Hiroshima, Japan. It is a privilege to bring together scientists and all stakeholders from around the world to share ideas, strengthen collaborations, and reaffirm our common belief that science can be a powerful force for peace. The theme of this forum, "Science Diplomacy: Science and Technology for Peace," reflects both the opportunities and responsibilities of science in today's world. Humanity is facing great challenges that know no borders where addressing these complex issues requires more than scientific excellence. It requires trust, dialogue, openness, and cooperation across nations, disciplines, and cultures. Science diplomacy provides that bridge, enabling knowledge to unite people in the quest of shared solutions. In this context, Hiroshima is the ideal place for such forum as a global symbol of peace, resilience, and hope. Its` remarkable journey reminds us that collaboration, compassion, and knowledge can create a better future even after dark moments. Also, It reminds us with the impact of science and its value to improve lives, promote understanding, and serve humanity.

The World Forum for Women in Science is a regular event for women in science without borders (WISWB) global gender inclusive initiative which started in Egypt in 2017 and spreads now over 92 countries as a global platform where researchers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds come together to exchange knowledge, build lasting partnerships, and inspire one another. More importantly, it provides a space where scientific voices are heard, experiences are shared, and meaningful dialogue leads to new opportunities for collaboration. The forum reflects the belief that science connects people, society, and nature, and that inclusive scientific communities are essential for addressing global challenges. In 2025, WISWB was recognized by UNESCO as gender inclusive global initiative. In 2026, NASAC recognized WISWB in both of its book (African women scientists driving science diplomacy in times of crises) and its ebulletin on topic (WOMEN IN SCIENCE WITHOUT BORDERS (WISWB): Advancing Inclusive Science Diplomacy from Africa to the World). WISWB highlights that science diplomacy is more than an academic concept but it is a practical approach toward building partnerships, encouraging mutual understanding, and promoting sustainable development through shared knowledge and innovation. Finally, I extend my sincere appreciation to all speakers, audience, organizers and Hiroshima University whose dedication has made this forum. I hope this forum inspires new ideas, builds partnerships, and renews commitment to using science and technology not only to expand knowledge, but also to build peace, strengthen global understanding, and create a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.

Dr. Amal Amin

Dr. Amal Amin is a professor for nanotechnology/polymer technology at national research Center-Egypt. She studied in, worked at and travelled to +30 countries including Spain, Germany (PhD-DAAD), USA, France having numerous scientific activities. She was cofounder and executive committee member of the global and Egyptian young academies (GYA, EYAS). She was cofounding president and coordinator of the Egyptian society and Arab network for nanotechnology & TWAS young affiliate, TWAS-TYAN member, TWAS-AAAS science diplomacy alumni, executive committee member of (science in Exile) global initiative to support refugee scientists and at-risk scholars, advisory board member of ISTIC-UNESCO and Ex-member of ORCID board of directors. She is a fellow of World academy of sciences (TWAS), International science council (ISC), founding chair of women in science without borders’ (WISWB) initiative & World forum for women in science series, science for humanity foundation-Egypt, cofounding chair for science for humanity-global society-Italy, world forum for science innovation and entrepreneurship and science diplomacy for the future initiative. She is cofounding chair of Northern African Research and Innovation Management Association (NARIMA) initiative. She has received outstanding women in tech award of Africa (Africa), national award as distinguished woman in science and was classified by the global gender scan representing Egypt among few women in S&T in Africa who (make the difference). She got 2024 peace science and technology leadership award for exceptional women for peace global award.

Dr. Amal achievements were featured in (NASAC books 2017, 2020 and 2026), scientific African (2019), Nature (2020), Royal society for chemistry (2020), and others.