TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation

The TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme is a South-North-South research mobility initiative designed for young scientists from Least Developed Countries. It is organised by UNESCO-TWAS in collaboration with the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei and the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA).

Successful applicants undertake a three-month research visit in Italy, working with an eligible research laboratory or Centre of Excellence in Trieste or Udine. Participants may carry out collaborative research projects and/or training activities relevant to sustainability science and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The programme aims to strengthen the capacity of promising researchers, particularly those at an early stage of their scientific careers, while encouraging longer-term research collaboration between scientists and institutions.

Eligible host institutions currently include SISSA, ICGEB, INFN, OGS, the University of Trieste, the University of Udine, IOM-CNR Materials Foundry, Area Science Park and Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste.

Research opportunities cover a wide range of areas, including physics, astrophysics, neuroscience, mathematics, data science, biotechnology, computational biology, oceanography, marine science, geophysics, seismology, materials science, engineering, artificial intelligence and other fields specifically listed by TWAS.

Applicants must identify an eligible host institution and contact a prospective host supervisor before submitting their application. A recent invitation letter from an eligible host laboratory is required.

Funding is provided through support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, through UNESCO-TWAS.

• Applicants must be no more than 40 years old on 31 December 2026.
• Applicants must hold an MSc or higher degree.
• Applicants must be nationals of a country classified as a Least Developed Country.
• Applicants must hold a research position in a Least Developed Country.
• Applicants must submit a research proposal in an eligible scientific field.
• The proposed research must be relevant to areas supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Applicants who are already in Italy, the host country, are not eligible.
• Applicants must obtain a recent invitation letter from an eligible host laboratory.
• Applicants must provide evidence that they will return to their home country after completing the fellowship.
• The visit must be undertaken full-time; part-time visits are not eligible.
• Successful applicants must not undertake another assignment during the programme.
• Applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year within the TWAS and OWSD portfolio.

• Travel expenses to and from Italy are covered.
• Subsistence costs are provided for the stay in Italy.
• Three months of collaborative research or research training.
• Access to eligible Centres of Excellence in Trieste and Udine.
• Opportunity to work with established researchers and research laboratories.
• Development of international scientific collaboration.
• Research experience connected to sustainability science and the UN SDGs.
• Opportunity to build longer-term links between the applicant's home institution and Italian research institutions.
• Professional and scientific capacity development.

Applicants must prepare:

• Completed online application form.
• Copy of the passport personal-details page; an expired passport is also accepted for the application.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Statement explaining scientific interests and future research plans in sustainability science in the applicant's home country.
• The statement should explicitly identify expected contributions to relevant Sustainable Development Goals.
• Full list of publications; applicants should not attach article reprints.
• Copy of the MSc or higher degree certificate.
• Recent invitation letter from an eligible host laboratory.
• Two recent signed recommendation letters from referees familiar with the applicant's work.
• Evidence that the applicant will return to their home country after the fellowship.

• Scientific merit of the application.
• Relevance of the proposed research to the programme's eligible scientific fields.
• Alignment of the proposed project with sustainability science and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Suitability of the proposed research cooperation with the selected host laboratory.

• Conduct research at recognised scientific institutions in Italy.
• Gain three months of international research experience.
• Develop expertise in sustainability-related scientific research.
• Work directly with researchers at specialised laboratories.
• Build international research collaborations.
• Strengthen scientific and professional networks.
• Develop research relevant to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Create potential links between Italian institutions and the applicant's home institution.
• Gain experience that can contribute to scientific capacity in Least Developed Countries.