The TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme offers eligible scientists from least developed countries a three-month research opportunity in Italy, with travel expenses and subsistence costs covered. Deadline: 31 October 2026.
The TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026 is inviting applications from young scientists in least developed countries (LDCs) who want to undertake collaborative research or training at eligible scientific institutions in Italy.
The programme is organised by UNESCO-TWAS in collaboration with the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei and the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA). It supports international scientific collaboration and research relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Selected researchers can undertake a three-month research visit, with travel expenses and subsistence costs covered through the programme.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits |
| Organiser | UNESCO-TWAS |
| Partner organisations | Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei and SISSA |
| Host country | Italy |
| Host region | Friuli Venezia Giulia |
| Duration | 3 months |
| Eligible applicants | Scientists from least developed countries |
| Minimum qualification | MSc or higher |
| Maximum age | 40 years as of 31 December 2026 |
| Funding | Travel expenses and subsistence costs |
| Application language | English |
| Application deadline | 31 October 2026 |
About the Research Cooperation Programme
The programme enables promising scientists from least developed countries to visit research laboratories at eligible institutions in Italy for collaborative research projects or training internships.
Research proposals must address sustainability science and demonstrate relevance to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The programme has two principal objectives: strengthening the research capacity of promising scientists, particularly those at the beginning of their careers, and encouraging lasting international research partnerships.
What Funding Is Available?
The programme’s financial support includes:
- Travel expenses for the research visit.
- Subsistence costs for the stay in Italy.
The support is provided through UNESCO-TWAS by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
The published announcement does not specify a fixed cash grant amount. Applicants should consult the official programme information for details of the applicable funding arrangements.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Nationality: Be a national of a least developed country.
Age: Be no older than 40 years on 31 December 2026.
Academic qualification: Hold an MSc or a higher degree.
Research employment: Hold a research position in a least developed country.
Research proposal: Propose work relevant to sustainability science and the SDGs, within one of the listed scientific fields.
Host institution: Arrange a research visit with one of the programme’s eligible host laboratories.
Women scientists are encouraged to apply. Applicants already residing at the host location in Italy are not eligible.
Eligible Host Institutions in Italy
The programme lists the following eligible institutions:
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA).
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB).
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN).
- 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.
Applicants should identify a suitable laboratory and potential supervisor before submitting an application. The INFN option has a specific restriction: the programme lists only one available host supervisor, Professor Andrea Vacchi.
Research Fields Covered
Proposed projects must fall within the fields accepted by the selected host institution and be relevant to the SDGs.
Examples of eligible areas include:
Physics and mathematics: Astrophysics, cosmology, condensed matter physics, mathematical modelling, numerical analysis and scientific computing.
Life sciences and biotechnology: Genomics, neuroscience, computational biology, plant biotechnology, microbiology, immunology, biotechnology and molecular genetics.
Oceanography and environmental sciences: Marine biology, physical oceanography, geosciences, biodiversity, fisheries and aquaculture, climate adaptation and coastal resilience.
Chemistry and materials science: Sustainable chemistry, nanotechnology, drug design, catalysis, materials science and biomaterials.
Computer science and artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence, big data, machine learning, cybersecurity and high-performance computing.
Agriculture and cultural heritage: Crop production, agroforestry, animal sciences, archaeology, history of art and related areas listed by the participating institutions.
This is not an unrestricted research call. Applicants must select a scientific field specifically listed for an eligible host institution and connect the proposed project to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Required Application Documents
Applications must be completed in English and include the following:
- Completed application form.
- Copy of the passport’s personal information page; an expired passport may be accepted.
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Statement describing scientific interests and future research plans in sustainability science in the applicant’s home country, explicitly identifying relevant SDGs.
- Full list of publications, without attaching article reprints.
- Copy of the MSc or higher-degree certificate.
- Recent invitation letter from an eligible host laboratory confirming the proposed three-month visit, the research collaboration and agreed arrangements.
- Two recent recommendation letters from referees familiar with the applicant’s work. Both letters must be signed.
The host invitation letter is particularly important. Applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors early to discuss their research plans and confirm that the necessary facilities and timing can be arranged.
Additional Conditions
Successful applicants must provide evidence that they intend to return to their home country after completing the fellowship.
Part-time visits are not eligible. Awardees cannot undertake other assignments during the programme, and applicants may apply for only one programme within the TWAS and OWSD portfolio per calendar year.
Fellowships are awarded by a selection committee on the basis of scientific merit.
Application Deadline
The deadline for receipt of applications is 31 October 2026.
Because applicants must first identify an eligible host institution and obtain an invitation letter, it is advisable to begin contacting potential supervisors as early as possible.
How to Apply
Applicants should begin by reviewing the scientific fields and host institutions listed on the official programme page. They should then contact a potential host supervisor, agree on a suitable research proposal and visit period, and obtain an invitation letter before completing the application.
Apply for the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme – Official Website
For questions about the programme, applicants can contact exchanges@twas.org.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This programme may be particularly valuable for early-career scientists from least developed countries who want to strengthen their research skills, collaborate with Italian research institutions and develop projects addressing sustainability challenges.
The combination of a three-month laboratory visit, travel support and subsistence funding makes it a useful opportunity for eligible researchers. However, applicants should prioritise obtaining a suitable host invitation and preparing a strong, SDG-aligned research proposal before submitting their documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei programme?
Applicants must be nationals of least developed countries, hold an MSc or higher degree, have a research position in an LDC and be no older than 40 on 31 December 2026.
How long is the research visit?
The programme supports a three-month research visit to an eligible institution in Italy.
Does the programme provide funding?
Yes. The programme covers travel expenses and provides subsistence costs for the stay in Italy. A fixed cash award amount is not specified in the supplied information.
Which countries are eligible?
The opportunity is for nationals of countries classified as least developed countries. Applicants should consult the official LDC list and programme conditions to confirm eligibility.
Can I apply without a host supervisor?
Applicants need a recent invitation letter from an eligible host laboratory. They should contact a potential supervisor and agree on the proposed research collaboration and visit arrangements before applying.
What research fields are accepted?
Eligible areas include selected fields in physics, mathematics, neuroscience, biotechnology, oceanography, environmental science, chemistry, computer science, agriculture and other disciplines listed by participating host institutions.
Can applicants already living in Italy apply?
The programme states that applicants already at the host location in Italy are not eligible.
Is part-time research allowed?
No. Applications for part-time visits are considered ineligible.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 31 October 2026.
Where can I submit my application?
Applicants should follow the application procedure provided on the official TWAS-SISSA-Lincei programme page.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this research opportunity for informational and educational purposes. We are not affiliated with UNESCO-TWAS, SISSA or the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei and do not administer the programme. Applicants should verify the latest eligibility criteria, funding conditions, host requirements and submission instructions on the official programme website before applying.
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