The TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme offers young scientists from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) the opportunity to conduct collaborative research or training internships in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, for 3 months.
This program, supported by UNESCO-TWAS, the Lincei Academy, and the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), focuses on research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Also Check BS, MS, PhD, and Postdoc positions.
Key Details
- Deadline: 15 October 2025
- Host Country: Italy (Friuli Venezia Giulia Region)
- Duration: 3 months
- Funding: Travel expenses and living costs covered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through UNESCO-TWAS.
Also check: Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a national of a Least Developed Country (see UN LDC list).
- Hold a Master’s degree (MSc) or higher.
- Be 40 years or younger as of 31 December 2025.
- Propose a research project in sustainability science related to the SDGs.
- Not be currently residing in the host country (Italy).
- Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply.
Interested in More BS, MS and PhD Positions? Follow links below
Eligible Host Institutions
Research can be conducted at the following prestigious institutions in Trieste or Udine, Italy:
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA)
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN): Limited to Prof. Andrea Vacchi as host supervisor.
- 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
Also check: Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarships
Eligible Research Fields
Research proposals must align with the SDGs and fall within the following fields:
- Physics: Astroparticle Physics, Astrophysics, Condensed Matter, Statistical Physics, Theoretical Particle Physics, Data Science.
- Neuroscience: Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Genomics.
- Mathematics: Geometry, Mathematical Analysis, Mathematical Physics, Numerical Analysis.
- Science Outreach: Interdisciplinary projects .
- COVID-Related Projects.
- Non-communicable diseases.
- Human viral diseases (e.g., dengue, COVID-19).
- Biotherapeutics, biosimilars, plant biotechnology, microbiome studies, computational biology.
- MIR sources for spectroscopy, silicon sensors, detection systems for synchrotron light, sensors for high-energy astrophysics.
- Oceanography: Physical Oceanography, Biogeochemistry, Marine Biology, Sustainable Blue Economy.
- Geophysics: Geosciences, Borehole Geophysics, Airborne Geophysics.
- Seismology: Applied Seismology, Seismic Hazard, Geodesy.
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences: Supramolecular Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Drug Design.
- Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Mathematical Physics.
- Computer Science: AI, Big Data, Medical AI applications.
- Geosciences: Paleontology, Seismology, Mineralogy.
- Biomedicine: Molecular Oncology, Immunology, Neurosciences.
- Environmental Biology: Ecology, Biodiversity, Marine Biology.
- Psychology: Cognition, Neuropsychology, Social Psychology.
- Humanities: Cultural Heritage, Archeology, Philosophy, Linguistics.
- Agricultural, Environmental, and Animal Sciences: Crop Production, Agro-forestry, Biomass Energy.
- Cultural Heritage: Archeology, Art History, Media Culture.
- Computer Sciences: AI, Cybersecurity, Big Data.
- Energy and Environment, Quantum Materials, Sensors, Biophysics, Nanomedicine.
- Genomics and Epogenomics: COVID-19 surveillance, environmental microbiome.
- Electron Microscopy: Nanostructured materials characterization.
- AI and High-Performance Computing: Machine Learning, Data Analysis, HPC.
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, X-ray Diffraction, Laser Physics, Structural Biology, THz Science.
Also check this: University of Malta Graduate Scholarships
Application Process
- Research Host Institutions: Explore the websites of eligible institutions to identify research areas and potential supervisors (Check here).
- Contact a Host Supervisor: Discuss your research plan and secure an invitation letter specifying the 3-month visit and agreed research conditions.
- Complete the Application Form: Download and fill out the application form.
- Gather Required Documents:
- Copy of passport (personal details page, even if expired).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Statement on scientific interests and future plans in sustainability sciences, referencing SDGs.
- Full list of publications.
- Copy of MSc (or higher) certificate.
- Signed invitation letter from the host supervisor.
- Two signed reference letters from referees familiar with your work (sent separately to TWAS).
- Submit Application: Email the completed application and documents to [email protected] by 15 October 2025. Ensure pages with signatures are scanned.
