InterAmerican Network of Academies of Sciences.

About InterAmerican Network of Academies of Sciences

The InterAmerican Network of Academies of Sciences (IANAS) is a regional network made up of National Academy of Sciences from the nations in the Americas. It was founded in 2004 as an organization utilizing science diplomacy to "build scientific and technological capacities and strengthen relationships among the countries of the Americas as a tool for societal development." The creation of the organization was in part inspired by the InterAcademy Panel (IAP), to function as a regional network in the manner of the Network of African Science Academies. Support also came from the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Development Bank for the creation of IANAS. The IAP continues to be its principal source of financial support. Current co-chairs are Helena B. Nader, President of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and Karen B. Strier, member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.