TWAS Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators

Deadline: Mar 31, 2026

phd

partially funded

To Apply

Please visit the application link below to apply.

Opportunity Overview

The World Academy of Science (TWAS) is currently accepting applications for its Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators (SG-NAPI) for the year 2026. This grant is designed to support early-career scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on researchers from Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

📝 About the TWAS Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators

The Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators (SG-NAPI) was established to address the needs of researchers in developing countries, especially those affiliated with institutions lacking adequate research facilities. The program aims to:

Support early-career scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Prioritize researchers from Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

🎁 Benefits of the Grant

The total funding awarded for the SG-NAPI may be up to USD 67,700.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the TWAS Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Nationality: Must be nationals of an eligible African country lagging in science and technology (refer to guidelines for the list).
Age: Must be 40 years old or younger. Applicants turning 41 in the year of application are not eligible.
Education: Must hold a PhD obtained within the last 5 years in a country other than their home country.
Return to Home Country: Must have returned to their home country within the last 36 months or plan to return before the end of 2026.
Institutional Affiliation: Must hold, be offered, or be in the process of accepting a position at an academic or research institution (including international research centers) in their home country.
Research Grant Status: Must not have an active research grant with TWAS or OWSD Early Career Women Scientists (ECWS) Fellowship at the time of application.
Research Proposal: Must submit a strong research proposal.
Program Limitations: Applicants may apply for only one program per calendar year in the TWAS and OWSD portfolio. Exceptions apply for heads of institutions inviting external scholars under specific TWAS programs.
Encouragement for Women: Applications from women scientists and researchers working in Least Developed Countries are especially encouraged.

📅 Application Date and Process

Deadline: 31 March, 2026.
Application Portal: Visit the TWAS website for detailed information.
Apply Online: Submit your application via the official application portal.

🌟 Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an early-career scientist who:

Is passionate about advancing science and technology in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Has recently completed their PhD and returned to their home country.
Demonstrates strong research capabilities and submits a compelling research proposal.

📧 Contact Information

For further inquiries, visit the TWAS official website or refer to the application portal linked above.

This opportunity is a significant step toward empowering researchers in developing countries and fostering scientific innovation in regions lagging in science and technology. Don't miss the chance to apply!

Benefits

The total amount awarded for SG-NAPI may be up to USD 67,700.

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