Explore TWAS Research Grants 2026–2027 supporting scientists in developing countries. Learn about funding opportunities for research projects, sustainability, interdisciplinary science, African researchers, and collaborative innovation.
World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) offers a range of research grant programs designed to strengthen scientific capacity in developing countries. These grants support individual researchers, research groups, early-career scientists, and collaborative teams by providing funding for high-quality research projects, laboratory equipment, consumable supplies, and scientific capacity building.
Although several TWAS grant calls are currently closed or not scheduled to open in 2026, the programs remain among the world’s leading funding opportunities for researchers in science and technology-lagging countries.
About TWAS
The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) was established to advance scientific excellence and sustainable development in developing countries. Based in Trieste, Italy, TWAS works with governments, universities, research institutions, and international organizations to strengthen research capacity and support scientists tackling global challenges.
TWAS provides grants, fellowships, awards, and training opportunities across multiple scientific disciplines.
Objectives of the TWAS Research Grants Programme
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen scientific research in developing countries.
- Support innovative research projects.
- Improve laboratory capacity.
- Promote international scientific collaboration.
- Develop the next generation of researchers.
- Enhance research infrastructure.
- Contribute to sustainable development through science and technology.
What the Grants Support
Depending on the programme, TWAS research grants may fund:
- Specialized laboratory equipment.
- Scientific instruments.
- Research consumables.
- Laboratory supplies.
- Collaborative research activities.
- Capacity-building initiatives.
- Sustainability-focused projects.
- Support for Master of Science students participating in funded research.
Funding is intended to strengthen research institutions and improve scientific productivity in eligible countries.
Research Grant Programmes
Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators (SG-NAPI)
The Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators (SG-NAPI) supports early-career African researchers who earned their PhD abroad and have recently returned, or are about to return, to an academic position in their home country.
The programme is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
Eligible Fields
- Agriculture
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Information and Computer Technology
- Mathematics
- Medical Sciences
- Physics
Eligibility
- PhD required
- Maximum age: 40 years
- Applicants must work in eligible African countries identified by TWAS.
Current status: The latest call is closed.
Grants for Transformative and Collaborative Research in the Middle East and North Africa (GTCR-MENA)
This programme strengthens research capacity in selected Middle Eastern and North African countries through collaborative projects and partnerships with German laboratories.
Research Areas
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Quantum Technologies
- Biotechnology
- Microelectronics
- Aerospace
- Climate-Neutral Energy
- Health Research
- Marine Science
- Climate and Sustainability
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
Eligibility
- PhD required
- Maximum age: 46 years
Current status: The latest call is closed.
TWAS Research Grants Programme in Basic Sciences – Individual Scientists
This programme supports individual scientists conducting high-quality research in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
Applicants must work in science and technology-lagging countries recognized by TWAS.
Eligibility
- PhD required
- Maximum age: 45 years
Current status: No call will open during 2026.
TWAS Research Grants Programme in Basic Sciences – Research Groups
Research groups can receive funding for collaborative scientific projects in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
Eligibility
- PhD required for principal investigators
- No age limit
Current status: No call will open during 2026.
TWAS Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Grants
This programme funds interdisciplinary research conducted jointly by two principal investigators.
Projects should address important scientific challenges through collaboration across multiple disciplines.
Eligibility
- PhD required
- No age limit
Current status: No call will open during 2026.
TWAS Research Grant Maintenance Programme
Past TWAS grant recipients may apply for funding to maintain laboratory equipment previously purchased through TWAS grants.
Eligibility
- Previous TWAS grant recipients
- PhD required
Current status: No call will open during 2026.
CAS-TWAS Sustainability Science Collaboration Grants
Supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), this programme funds collaborative sustainability projects involving TWAS Members or TWAS Young Affiliates and CAS-TWAS Centres of Excellence.
Projects contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Focus Areas
- Sustainability science
- Environmental protection
- Sustainable development
- International scientific collaboration
Current status: The latest call is closed.
TWAS–Elsevier Foundation Project Grants for Gender Equity and Climate Action
This programme supports action-oriented projects led by women scientists addressing climate challenges and gender equity.
Projects may focus on:
- Climate adaptation
- Sustainable agriculture
- Soil conservation
- Renewable energy
- Afforestation and reforestation
- Climate literacy
- Disaster resilience
Eligibility
- Teams of 2–5 researchers
- Principal applicant must be a woman scientist with a PhD.
- Applicants must live and work in science and technology-lagging countries.
Current status: The latest call is closed.
Eligible Applicants
Eligibility varies by programme, but applicants are generally expected to:
- Hold a PhD (for most grant programmes).
- Be affiliated with a recognized university or research institution.
- Conduct research in eligible scientific disciplines.
- Work in developing or science and technology-lagging countries.
- Meet programme-specific age requirements where applicable.
Fields of Research
TWAS supports research across numerous disciplines, including:
- Agriculture
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Information and Computer Technology
- Mathematics
- Medical Sciences
- Physics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biotechnology
- Climate Science
- Sustainability
- Renewable Energy
- Public Health
- Interdisciplinary Research
Benefits of TWAS Research Grants
Recipients may benefit from:
- Funding for research equipment.
- Laboratory consumables.
- Enhanced research capacity.
- International collaboration opportunities.
- Support for graduate students.
- Improved scientific infrastructure.
- Stronger institutional research capability.
- Contributions to sustainable development goals.
Application Process
When calls are open, applicants generally need to:
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Prepare a detailed research proposal.
- Develop a realistic project budget.
- Gather supporting documentation.
- Submit the online application before the deadline.
- Await scientific review and funding decisions.
Each programme has its own application guidelines and evaluation criteria.
Current Status
Many TWAS research grant programmes are closed or not scheduled to open during 2026. Interested researchers should regularly monitor future announcements from TWAS for upcoming funding opportunities.
Conclusion
TWAS Research Grants remain among the most respected funding opportunities for scientists in developing countries. By investing in research infrastructure, international collaboration, and scientific excellence, these programmes help strengthen research ecosystems and support solutions to global challenges. Researchers should monitor future calls and prepare competitive proposals to take advantage of upcoming funding opportunities.
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