TWAS SISSA Scholarship supports 3-month research visits in Italy for young scientists from Least Developed Countries to carry out collaborative research projects or training internships; travel and subsistence costs are covered by the programme. The focus is on research relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and aims to enhance capacity and promote lasting research links.
The programme is offered by UNESCO-TWAS in collaboration with SISSA (Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati) and the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, with support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. Eligible host laboratories are Centres of Excellence in Trieste and Udine, Italy.
Benefits of TWAS SISSA Scholarship 2026
- Duration: 3 months
- 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.
Eligibility Criteria for the TWAS SISSA Scholarship 2026
- 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 (See list at: https://www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/least-developed-country-category/ldcs-at-a-glance.html)
- 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.
How to Apply for the TWAS SISSA Scholarship 2026
- Fellowships are awarded by the Selection Committee on the basis of scientific merit.
- Applications should be completed in English.
- the completed application form
- copy of passport, even if expired (only the page with personal details is required)
- the applicant’s curriculum vitae
- a statement on scientific interests and future plans for research in sustainability sciences in the home country explicitly referring to which SDGs contributions are likely to be made
- full list of publications (do not enclose reprints of articles)
- copy of the MSc (or higher) certificate
- a recent invitation letter obtained through one of the eligible host laboratories listed above which should contain the proposed time of the visit (3 months) and should refer to the proposed cooperation
- recent letters of recommendation by two referees who are familiar with the applicant’s work (Only signed reference letters can be accepted).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application materials, and host institutions based on the official programme details.
Who can apply for the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme?
Applicants must be nationals of a Least Developed Country, hold an MSc or higher degree, be a maximum age of 40 years on 31 December of the application year, and hold a research position in a least developed country. Applications already on site in the host country are not eligible.
What is the duration of the research visits?
Research visits under the programme are for a duration of three months. The invitation letter from an eligible host laboratory must specify the proposed time of the visit (3 months) and the agreed conditions for conducting the work.
What costs are covered by the TWAS SISSA Scholarship 2026?
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. Financial administration is undertaken by UNESCO per their agreement with TWAS.
Which scientific fields are eligible for application?
Only applications in the specific scientific fields listed on the programme page will be considered. Eligible fields include those under SISSA (Physics, Neuroscience, Mathematics, Science Outreach, COVID-related projects) and numerous areas at partner institutions (e.g., oceanography, geophysics, chemistry, AI, biomedical sciences) that support the SDGs.
Which institutions can host visiting researchers?
Eligible host institutions include SISSA, ICGEB, INFN (with one supervisor available), OGS, University of Trieste, University of Udine, Materials Foundry-National Research Council (IOM-CNR), Area Science Park, and Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, among others listed on the programme page.
What application materials are required?
TWAS SISSA Scholarship 2026 must submit the completed application form, copy of passport (page with personal details), curriculum vitae, a statement on scientific interests and future plans referencing likely SDG contributions, full list of publications, copy of MSc (or higher) certificate, a recent invitation letter from an eligible host laboratory, and two signed letters of recommendation.
In what language must applications be completed?
Applications should be completed in English as specified in the Application and Selection Procedure section of the programme details.
How are fellows selected?
TWAS SISSA Scholarship 2026 Fellowships are awarded by the Selection Committee on the basis of scientific merit. The selection considers the quality of the research proposal, relevance to sustainability science and SDGs, and the applicant’s academic record and letters of recommendation.
What is the application deadline?
TWAS SISSA Scholarship 2026 deadline for receipt of applications is 31 October 2026 as stated on the programme page; applicants are advised to begin preparations well in advance to secure an invitation letter and assemble required documents.
Are there any post-award conditions applicants should know?
Applicants must provide evidence that they will return to their home country upon completion of their fellowship, part-time visits are ineligible, successful applicants must not take up other assignments during the programme, and applicants may apply for only one TWAS or OWSD programme per calendar year.
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