Deadline: October 31, 2026
Applications are open for the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026. The UNESCO-TWAS, in collaboration with the Lincei Academy and the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), offers young scientists from Least Developed Countries the opportunity to visit either research laboratories at Centres of Excellence in Trieste or Udine, Italy.
Research proposals must fall under the umbrella of sustainability science and thus be relevant to areas that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The purpose of these exchange fellowships is twofold:
- To enhance the capacity of promising experts, especially those at the beginning of their career
- To catalyze the formation of links for further collaboration.
Benefits
- The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, through UNESCO-TWAS, will cover travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the stay in Italy. The administration and financial operation of TWAS is undertaken by UNESCO in accordance with an agreement signed by the two organizations.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be a maximum age of 40 years on 31 December of the application year;
- Applicants must hold an MSc (or higher degree);
- Applicants must be nationals of a least developed country;
- Applicants must hold a research position in a least developed country;
- Particular attention will be given to research projects that fall under the umbrella of sustainability science;
- Women scientists are encouraged to apply;
- Applicants already on site in the host country are not eligible;
- Only applications in the scientific fields specified below and listed in the application form will be considered.
Eligible Host Institutions
Eligible host institutions are the following:
- International School for Advanced Studies – SISSA
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology – ICGEB
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics – INFN (only one host supervisor available: Prof. Andrea Vacchi)
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics – OGS
- University of Trieste
- University of Udine
- Materials Foundry-National Research Council – IOM-CNR
- Area Science Park
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste
Application
For more information, visit TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme.
