TIMSS is an international study of science and mathematics achievement of schoolchildren carried out in four-year cycles. The purpose of the study is to help developing countries measure the science and maths scores of their students, compare these across participating countries and assess the impact of educational reforms. This achieved by putting in place and streamlining systems and processes to collect standardised academic achievement data. Sixty-one countries are participating in the 2007 study, including 15 Arab countries. The website hosts TIMSS-related documents for the Arab world including regional and country reports of the 2003 study.

The IAS was established in 1986 on the recommendation of the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH). IAS's stated mission is to "provide an institutional set up for the utilisation of Science and Technology for the development of Islamic countries and humanity at large".

Headquartered in Amman, Jordan, the IAS attempts to serve as a consultative organisation of OIC member countries on matters relating to science and technology; initiate cooperative scientific and technological programmes and activities in science and technology; encourage and promote research on major problems facing OIC member countries; formulate standards of scientific performance and attainment, and to award prizes and honours for outstanding scientific achievements to centres of excellence in all science and technology disciplines.