The mission of the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES) is:
"To build a better future worldwide through the full and effective participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)."
Founded in 1999, INWES emerged from discussions among women engineers and scientists during the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. Recognizing the need for a sustainable international network, these pioneers established INWES to advance gender equality in STEM through long-term global collaboration.
Today, INWES—through initiatives including ICWES, APNN, and GISE—connects women in STEM organizations across six continents and actively contributes to United Nations initiatives. It is widely recognized as one of the world's leading platforms for advancing women's leadership, policy advocacy, and international collaboration in STEM.
ICWES
International Conference of
Women Engineers and Scientists
The International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists (ICWES) is INWES's flagship global conference, held every three years.
Since its inception in 1964, ICWES has served as the premier platform for advancing INWES's mission by bringing together researchers, engineers, scientists, and policymakers from around the world to exchange scientific achievements, share best practices, and promote gender equality in STEM. Today, it is regarded as one of the most influential international gatherings for women in science and engineering.
APNN
International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists
The Asia and Pacific Nation Network (APNN) is the largest regional network within INWES, connecting member organizations from Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Australia, and other Asia-Pacific economies.
As INWES's primary regional platform in the Asia-Pacific, APNN organizes an annual conference hosted collaboratively by member organizations, providing opportunities to exchange experiences, strengthen regional partnerships, and discuss research environments, diversity, equity, inclusion, and gender-related policies in STEM.
GISE
Gender Inclusivity in Science and Engineering
The Gender in Science and Engineering (GISE) Survey is INWES's flagship international research initiative. Originally launched within APNN, the project has since expanded into a global program.
Through evidence-based, cross-national research, GISE measures gender-related barriers in STEM and provides scientific evidence that supports INWES's engagement with the United Nations, informs policy development, and promotes institutional reform and gender-inclusive practices worldwide.
TWiST and INWES
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Taiwan Women in Science and Technology (TWiST) was officially established and registered with Taiwan’s Ministry of the Interior on October 30, 2011.
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The following year, TWiST joined INWES as an organizational member.
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Since then, TWiST has actively participated in INWES activities and hosted the APNN Annual Meeting twice: in 2013, jointly organized in Taipei with South Korea’s KWSE, and in 2020, held in a hybrid format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2026, TWiST will host the APNN Annual Meeting again at National Sun Yat-sen University in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
*Photo: The Taiwanese delegation of women in science and technology attending the BIEN & INWES/APNN 2025 Joint Conference in South Korea.
ICWES Conference History (1964–2026)
2026
ICWES 20
Clark, Philippines
（8/4-7）
Looking Ahead:TWiST plans to organize a Taiwanese delegation to participate in ICWES 2026 while preparing to host the APNN Annual Conference in Taiwan in the same year.
Vision: Continue Taiwan's active participation in INWES leadership following the 2027–2030 Board election and further strengthen Taiwan's international influence.
2023
ICWES 19
Auckland, New Zealand
Shaping the Future:The conference focused on women in the military, diversity and inclusion, and introduced the HerStory Database and its supporting toolkits.
Highlight: Taiwan strengthened its presence in INWES leadership, with Susan Lien Sung serving as Vice President of the INWES Conference.
2021
ICWES 18
Coventry, United Kingdom (Virtual)
Global Humanitarian Challenges
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ICWES was held entirely online for the first time, focusing on resilience and global collaboration in the post-pandemic era.
2017
ICWES 17
New Delhi, India
Vision 2025 The conference explored climate change, the gender gap in Wikipedia, renewable energy, and women's roles in national development strategies.
Highlight: Taiwan entered the core of INWES leadership as Professor Jia-Li Wu was elected to the INWES Board of Directors.
2014
ICWES 16
Los Angeles, United States
The Future of STEM
The conference emphasized resilience, impact, and innovation while promoting international collaboration in STEM education and research.
2011
ICWES 15
Adelaide, Australia
A major milestone was the official establishment of the Asia and Pacific Nation Network (APNN).
Highlight: Professor Jia-Li Wu led the Taiwanese delegation. Following the conference, she initiated the establishment of the Taiwan Women in STEM Association (TWiST), which joined APNN as an organizational member the same year.
2008
ICWES 14
Lille, France
Women Change Science
The conference highlighted diversity, inclusion, and policies supporting women in science and engineering.
2005
ICWES 13
Seoul, Republic of Korea
Great Power
A historic conference marking the official establishment of INWES, strengthening Korea's leadership role within the Asia-Pacific STEM community.
2002
ICWES 12
Ottawa, Canada
UNESCO recommended the creation of an international network, leading to the formation of the INWES Steering Committee and transforming ICWES from a recurring conference into a sustainable global organization.
1996
ICWES 10
Budapest, Hungary
Following the end of the Cold War, the conference brought together women scientists and engineers from Eastern and Western Europe on an unprecedented scale.
1999
ICWES 11
Chiba, Japan
Science and Technology for Humanity
Although Taiwan had not yet established a national organization, Taiwanese experts had already begun participating individually in ICWES.
1991
ICWES 9
Warwick, United Kingdom
The conference focused on global challenges and the role of science and technology in shaping a sustainable future.
1988
ICWES 8
Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
The first ICWES conference held in Africa explored infrastructure development, technology, and gender issues in developing countries.
1984
ICWES 7
Rouen, France
Returning to the birthplace of ICWES, the conference emphasized women's leadership in advanced technologies and their roles during industrial transformation.
1981
ICWES 6
Mumbai, India
The first ICWES held in Asia.
The conference was officially opened by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, marking a significant milestone in the globalization of the conference.
1978
ICWES 5
Rouen, France
The conference continued its focus on women's contributions to industrial transformation and technological advancement.
1975
ICWES 4
Kraków, Poland
Held during the International Women's Year, this was the first ICWES conference hosted in a communist country, representing an important political and international milestone.
1971
ICWES 3
Turin, Italy
The conference examined the broader social impacts of technological progress.
1967
ICWES 2
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Science and Technology for Peace
The conference established the international collaboration model that continues to guide ICWES today.
1964
ICWES 1
New York, United States
The First ICWES
Initiated by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and held in conjunction with the 1964 New York World's Fair, this inaugural conference laid the foundation for what has become the world's leading international conference for women engineers and scientists.
APNN Conference History
Host country/location
Year
Conference Highlights / Theme
2025
Daejeon,Republic of Korea
Science and Technology without Borders: Harmony and Sustainability
2024
Hanoi, Vietnam
Women’s Role in Science, Technology and International Integration
2023
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Women's Participation in Sustainable Development
2022
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hybrid
Advancing Gender Equality through Digital Transformation
Hybrid
Resilience and Technological Innovation in the Post-Pandemic Era
2020
New Taipei City, Taiwan
Hybrid
Innovation, Inclusion and Impact
2019
Kathmandu, Nepal
Gender, Science and Technology in Disaster Risk Reduction
2018
Hanoi, Vietnam
Women in Science and Technology for Sustainable Development
2017
Yokohama, Japan
Global Leadership for Women in Science and Technology
2016
Wellington, New Zealand
Building a Diverse and Sustainable STEM Workforce
2015
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Women in Science, Technology and Environment
2014
Seoul, Republic of Korea
The MAPWiST (Meeting of Asia and Pacific Women in Science and Technology)
2013
Taipei, Taiwan
International Leadership for Women in Science and Technology
2012
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Women in Science, Engineering and Technology
2011
Adelaide, Australia
The inaugural conference, marking the formal establishment of the APNN network.
Supporting the full and effective participation of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).