TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme

📝 About the Programme

Young scientists from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) who hold an MSc (or higher degree) can visit research laboratories in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region of Italy for three months to carry out collaborative research projects and/or training internships. Research proposals must align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Purpose

1. Enhance the capacity of promising experts, especially those at the beginning of their career.
2. Catalyze the formation of links for further collaboration.

📅 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: July 25, 2025
• Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
• Category: Masters, Postgraduate
• Location: Italy

🎁 Benefits

The programme is sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation through UNESCO-TWAS. Benefits include:

• Coverage of travel expenses.
• Provision of subsistence costs for the stay in Italy.
• Administration and financial operations managed by UNESCO.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be 40 years old or younger on December 31 of the application year.
• Hold an MSc (or higher degree).
• Be nationals of a Least Developed Country (LDC).
• Hold a research position in an LDC.
• Submit research projects relevant to sustainability science.
• Women scientists are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants already in the host country are not eligible.
• Applications must focus on scientific fields specified in the application form.

🏢 Eligible Host Institutions

The following institutions are eligible to host applicants:

1. International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA)
2. International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
3. National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN)
4. National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS)
5. University of Trieste
6. University of Udine
7. Materials Foundry-National Research Council (IOM-CNR)
8. Area Science Park
9. Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste

🔬 Scientific Fields

Research proposals must align with the SDGs and fall under the following fields:

SISSA

• Physics: Astroparticle Physics, Astrophysics, Condensed Matter, etc.
• Neuroscience: Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurobiology, etc.
• Mathematics: Geometry, Mathematical Modelling, etc.

ICGEB

• Non-communicable diseases.
• Human viral diseases (e.g., COVID-19).
• Computational biology.

INFN

• Silicon sensors and detection systems.
• Sensors for high-energy astrophysics.

OGS

• Oceanography: Marine Biology, Biogeochemistry, etc.
• Geophysics: Borehole geophysics, Airborne geophysics, etc.

University of Trieste

• Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Mathematics, Computer Science, Geosciences, Biomedicine, etc.

University of Udine

• Agricultural, Environmental, and Animal Sciences.
• Cultural Heritage.
• Computer Sciences.

IOM-CNR

• Energy and Environment.
• Quantum Materials.
• Biophysics and Nanomedicine.

Area Science Park

• Genomics and Epigenomics Laboratory.
• Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing.

Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste

• Atomic and Molecular Physics.
• Structural Biology and Macromolecular Crystallography.

📜 Application and Selection Procedure

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

1. Completed application form.
2. Copy of passport (personal details page).
3. Curriculum vitae.
4. Statement on scientific interests and future plans for research in sustainability sciences.
5. Full list of publications (no reprints required).
6. Copy of MSc (or higher) certificate.
7. Invitation letter from an eligible host institution.
8. Two recent letters of recommendation (signed).

Selection Process

• Fellowships are awarded based on scientific merit by the Selection Committee.
• Applications must be completed in English.
• Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be accepted.

📧 Contact Information

For inquiries and submission of applications, email: exchanges@twas.org

📅 Application Deadline

October 15, 2025

🌟 Application Process

Recommendations for Applicants

1. Study the host institution website to identify research areas and potential supervisors.
2. Contact potential supervisors to discuss your research plan.
3. Obtain an acceptance letter from the host supervisor.
4. Submit the completed application form and required documents via email to exchanges@twas.org.

📄 Additional Information

• Applicants must provide evidence of returning to their home country after the fellowship.
• Applications for part-time visits are not eligible.
• Successful applicants must not take up other assignments during the programme.
• Applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year in the TWAS and OWSD portfolio.

📂 Application Form

Download the application form here.

For more details, visit the official programme page.

• Travel expenses will be covered
• Subsistence costs for the stay in Italy will be provided