TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme, Italy

Applications are now open for the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme, a prestigious fellowship opportunity exclusively for young scientists from least developed countries. This UNESCO-TWAS initiative invites researchers with a Master’s degree or higher to conduct collaborative research in leading Italian institutions for three months. The programme covers all travel and living expenses, making it fully funded with zero application fees.

Applicants must be nationals of least developed countries and hold a research position in their home country. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2026. Research projects must align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting global efforts toward sustainable development. Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here

Key Details:

• Host Country: Italy
• Application Deadline: 31 October 2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Application Fee: Free
• Open to All Nationalities: No, restricted to nationals of least developed countries only

What This Scholarship Offers:

Financial Support

• Full coverage of international travel expenses to and from Italy
• Complete subsistence allowance for your three-month stay
• No application fee or hidden costs

Research and Career Development

• Access to world-class research laboratories and centres of excellence
• Opportunity to work with experienced supervisors and international researchers
• Hands-on training in cutting-edge research methodologies and technologies
• Possibility to conduct collaborative research projects aligned with your career goals

Networking and Collaboration

• Formation of professional networks with leading scientists in your field
• Creation of long-term collaborative relationships for future research partnerships
• Exposure to international research standards and practices
• Connection with a global community of TWAS fellows and researchers

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a national of a least developed country (LDC as recognized by the United Nations)
• Hold a Master’s degree (MSc) or a higher academic qualification
• Be a maximum of 40 years old on 31 December of the application year
• Currently hold a research position in a least developed country
• Provide evidence that you will return to your home country after the fellowship
• Not already be present or based in the host country (Italy)
• Be available for a full-time three-month visit (part-time visits are not eligible)
• Not take any other assignments or employment during the fellowship period
• Apply to only ONE TWAS programme per calendar year

Eligible Host Institutions:

• International School for Advanced Studies
• International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
• National Institute for Nuclear Physics
• National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics
• University of Trieste
• University of Udine
• Materials Foundry-National Research Council
• Area Science Park
• Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste

Programmes Available:

The following research fields and institutions are eligible under this programme:

SISSA (International School for Advanced Studies)

• Astroparticle Physics
• Astrophysics and Cosmology
• Condensed Matter Theory and Numerical Simulation
• Physics and Chemistry of Biological Systems
• Statistical Physics
• Theoretical Particle Physics
• Data Science
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neurobiology
• Functional and Structural Genomics
• Geometry
• Mathematical Analysis
• Mathematical Modelling
• Mathematical Physics
• Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing
• Science Outreach
• COVID-related Research Projects

ICGEB (International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology)

• Non-communicable Diseases
• Human Viral Diseases (dengue, chikungunya, zika, tick-borne encephalitis, COVID-19)
• Biotherapeutics and Biosimilars
• Plant Biotechnology and Microbiome Studies
• Computational Biology

INFN (National Institute for Nuclear Physics)

• MIR Sources for High Precision Spectroscopy
• Silicon Sensors and Detection Systems
• Sensors for High Energy Astrophysics

OGS (National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics)

• Physical Oceanography
• Applied Oceanography
• Biogeochemistry
• Marine Biology
• Marine Systems Modelling
• Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Marine Spatial Planning
• Geosciences
• Borehole Geophysics
• Seismic Hazard Analysis
• Seismic Engineering
• Applied Seismology
• Geodesy
• Induced Seismicity

University of Trieste

• Supramolecular Chemistry and Nanotechnologies
• Energy and Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical and Cultural Heritage Chemistry
• Material Chemistry
• Computational Chemistry
• Organic and Biomolecule Chemistry and Synthesis
• Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis
• Drug Design and Formulation
• Algebra and Geometry
• Mathematical Analysis and Physics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Big Data
• AI Applications to Medicine
• Paleontology and Geology
• Mineralogy and Petrography
• Geochemistry
• Seismology
• Antarctic Studies
• Molecular Oncology
• Molecular Microbiology
• Immunology and Molecular Pathology
• Pharmacology and Chemotherapy
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Neurosciences
• Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
• Molecular Genetics
• Terrestrial Ecology
• Marine Biology and Ecology
• Freshwater Biology and Ecology
• Environmental Microbiology and Genetics
• Biodiversity and Conservation
• Cognition and Applied Cognitive Psychology
• Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation
• Personality and Social Psychology
• Human Development and Lifespan Studies
• Cultural Heritage and Cultures
• Archaeology
• Geography
• History of Art
• Cinema, Music and Media Culture
• Philosophy
• Education Systems and Teaching Methods
• Social Sciences
• History of Literature
• Literary Theory and Comparative Literature
• Social Anthropology
• History
• Linguistics

University of Udine

• Crop Production and Yield
• Agro-forestry
• Husbandry
• Biomass and Energy
• Archaeology
• History of Art and Architecture
• Cinema, Music and Media Culture
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Big Data

Materials Foundry (IOM-CNR)

• Chemical Physics of Materials and Interfaces
• Quantum Materials and Systems
• Nanoscale Electronic and Optical Properties
• Biophysics and Nanomedicine
• Soft Matter

Area Science Park

• NGS-based Genomic Surveillance
• Environmental Microbiome Research
• Transmission Electron Microscopy
• Nanostructured Materials Characterization
• Machine Learning and Deep Learning
• Artificial Neural Networks
• Data Analysis Techniques
• High Performance Computing
• Large Scale Scientific Computing

Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Atomic Force Microscopy
• High-pressure X-ray Diffraction
• Ultraviolet Spectroscopy
• Infrared Microscopy
• Laser Physics
• Mechanical Engineering
• X-ray Optics
• Solid-state Photoelectron Spectroscopy
• Structural Biology and Macromolecular Crystallography
• THz Science and Technology
• X-ray Absorption and Fluorescence
• X-ray Imaging and Tomography

Required Documents:

• Completed application form (in English)
• Copy of your passport (personal details page only, even if expired)
• Your curriculum vitae
• Full list of your publications
• Copy of your MSc certificate or higher degree certificate
• Letter of invitation from your chosen host laboratory (must mention the 3-month duration and confirm prior contact about research work)

How to Apply:

1. Explore the websites of host institutions to identify research areas that match your interests
2. Contact a potential host supervisor to introduce yourself and discuss your proposed research
3. If the supervisor agrees, request a formal acceptance letter from them
4. Prepare all required documents listed above
5. Submit your complete application before 31 October 2026