Deadline: October 15, 2025
The prestigious TWAS‑SISSA‑Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2025-2026 is now open for applications. This initiative supports early-career scientists from UN-designated Least Developed Countries (LDCs) with a three-month funded research visit to leading scientific institutions in Trieste and Udine, Italy.
The TWAS‑SISSA‑Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2025-2026 provides an excellent opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research while contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is a unique chance to collaborate internationally, expand your research network, and bring new knowledge back to your home institution.
About the Programme
The programme is a collaboration between UNESCO-TWAS, the Lincei Academy, and SISSA (Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati), in conjunction with other renowned institutions in the Trieste region. It aims to foster high-level research cooperation and knowledge exchange between scientists in Least Developed Countries and host institutes in Italy.
Application Deadline
- 15 October 2025 (11:59 PM CET)
Ensure all required documents are submitted before the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for the TWAS‑SISSA‑Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2025-2026, applicants must:
- Be nationals of and hold a current research position in a UN-designated Least Developed Country
- Be 40 years old or younger by 31 December 2025
- Hold at least an MSc or equivalent degree
- Not be residing in Italy at the time of application
- Demonstrate commitment to research aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals
- Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply
Areas of Research
Applicants may conduct research in the following fields:
- Physics (including Astroparticle, Condensed Matter, Statistical, Data Science applications)
- Mathematics (Geometry, Analysis, Modelling, Numerical methods, Data Science)
- Neuroscience (Neurobiology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Genomics)
- Science Outreach
- COVID-19 related topics connected to sustainability science
Research must contribute meaningfully to one or more SDGs and have relevance to the applicant’s home country context.
Host Institutions in Italy
Selected researchers will be hosted at institutions in Trieste and Udine, including:
- SISSA
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN)
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS)
- University of Trieste
- University of Udine
- IOM-CNR
- Area Science Park
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste
These institutions offer world-class facilities and expert mentorship in a collaborative research environment.
What the Programme Covers
The programme offers full financial support, including:
- Round-trip travel to Italy
- Monthly subsistence allowance for the entire 3-month stay
Funding is managed through TWAS with backing from the Italian government.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Completed and signed application form
- Passport copy (personal details page)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement outlining scientific interests and SDG alignment
- Full list of publications (no need to include reprints)
- Copy of MSc or higher degree certificate
- Invitation letter from a host institute confirming facilities, supervision, and visit timeline (3 months)
- Two reference letters, submitted directly by referees
Note: All documents must be in English, and unsigned or incomplete applications will be rejected.
Application Tips
- Contact potential host institutions early and confirm support before submitting your application
- Tailor your research proposal to clearly address one or more Sustainable Development Goals
- Highlight your long-term research vision and how the visit will impact your local institution
- Ensure all documents are properly formatted and signed before submission
How to Apply
Summary Table
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Duration | 3 months |
| Deadline | 15 October 2025 |
| Eligible Nationalities | UN‑designated Least Developed Countries |
| Degree Required | MSc or higher |
| Funding Includes | Travel + monthly subsistence |
| Fields Covered | Physics, Math, Neuroscience, COVID-19, Science Outreach |
| Age Limit | 40 years (as of 31 Dec 2025) |
| Gender Encouragement | Women scientists strongly encouraged to apply |
Need Help With Your Proposal?
Need help with your proposal or research plan?
📧 Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
