PRESS RELEASE – XX WORLD SCIENTIFIC CONGRESS
PRESS RELEASE
Modern Science: Official and Unofficial
Global Science for Peace and Human Interaction
Science, Consciousness and Peace in an Era of Global Transformation
The Registry of the International University for Fundamental Studies (IUFS) is pleased to officially announce that the 20th World Scientific Congress (WSC 2026) will take place from 28 to 30 November 2026 in the prestigious Governors’ Hall of the Smolny Institute in St Petersburg, Russian Federation — a historic academic venue associated with a significant cultural and institutional heritage.
This landmark 20th World Scientific Congress represents one of the most prestigious and regularly held international academic initiatives organised by the IUFS. Over the years, the Congress has evolved into a prestigious global platform bringing together scientists, professors, researchers, educators, diplomats, healthcare professionals, innovators and institutional leaders, all united by a shared commitment to the advancement of science, the strengthening of international cooperation and the promotion of global peace.
For nearly two decades, the International University of Fundamental Studies has consistently organised the World Scientific Congress as an international forum dedicated to the advancement of science, education, research, culture and humanitarian cooperation. Throughout its history, the Congress has served as a bridge between academic disciplines and international institutions, fostering dialogue and cooperation across borders.
Among the most significant milestones in the history of the World Scientific Congress are the 7th and 8th World Scientific Congresses, both of which were held at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UN Headquarters), the Palais des Nations, Switzerland. The 7th World Scientific Congress, held on 5–7 September 2016, was organised jointly with the International Higher Academic Council (IHAC) and the International Academy of Sciences ‘Ararat’. Subsequently, the 8th World Scientific Congress was convened at the UN – the Palais des Nations – which further strengthened the IUFS’s international academic standing and its commitment to promoting global scientific dialogue.
These congresses have become an important international platform where distinguished scientists, professors, researchers and leaders of the academic community have exchanged knowledge and discussed future directions in scientific research, higher education, innovation, peace and the sustainable development of humanity. During the discussions, particular attention was paid to strengthening international scientific cooperation, supporting future generations of researchers, encouraging interdisciplinary research and promoting science as a driving force for peace and human progress.
The forthcoming congress is expected to bring together representatives from around 48 countries, including world-renowned scientists, academic leaders, university rectors, researchers, health professionals, politicians, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps and guests of honour.
According to the organisers, the programme is set to feature professors affiliated with United Nations agencies, as well as world-renowned scientists, university vice-chancellors and research directors from across the globe, creating a unique global forum for academic dialogue and scientific cooperation.
The central theme of the congress — ‘Science, Consciousness and Peace in an Era of Global Transformation’ — reflects the conviction that scientific progress must go beyond technological development and make a significant contribution to ethical responsibility, human development and global peace.
The scientific sessions are expected to cover a wide range of contemporary fields, including medicine, education, artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability, the social sciences, global public health, innovation, ethics and international scientific cooperation. Through these discussions, the Congress emphasises that the true purpose of science is realised when it serves humanity by improving quality of life, strengthening cooperation between nations and promoting peaceful coexistence.
One of the highlights of the Congress will be the keynote address by Professor Shanti Jayasekara, President of the International University for Fundamental Research. In his address, he will focus on the inextricable link between scientific progress and global peace, emphasising that sustainable progress can only be achieved through ethical leadership, mutual respect between nations and the strengthening of international cooperation based on shared human values.
The International University of Fundamental Research continues to promote the development of international higher education, scientific research, academic cooperation and professional development through its study programmes, research initiatives, scientific conferences and global partnerships.
According to the university’s data, more than 15,000 students and alumni from around the world have completed undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and other academic programmes as part of IUFS initiatives, which testifies to the institution’s extensive international engagement and educational activities.
As the organiser of all twenty sessions of the World Scientific Congress, the International University of Fundamental Studies (IUFS) continues to strengthen its role as an international platform for achieving scientific excellence, establishing global academic networks, fostering intercultural dialogue and promoting peaceful cooperation between nations through education and scientific research.
As it prepares to host the 20th World Science Congress in 2026, the International University of Fundamental Studies (IUFS) reaffirms its commitment to building a future in which science serves humanity, education strengthens international friendship, and global cooperation contributes to lasting peace and sustainable development.
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International University of Fundamental Studies (IUFS)
