TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme

Deadline: 31-Oct-2026

The TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme supports promising early-career scientists from least developed countries (LDCs) through three-month collaborative research visits to selected institutions in Italy. The programme covers travel and subsistence costs and aims to strengthen scientific expertise, promote research collaboration, and advance projects contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). What Is the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme? The programme provides young scientists from least developed countries with an opportunity to undertake a three-month research visit or training internship in Italy.

The initiative is designed to:

- Strengthen the scientific and technical expertise of early-career researchers. - Support collaborative research projects and training opportunities. - Develop long-term partnerships between researchers and institutions. - Connect scientists from least developed countries with Italian Centres of Excellence. - Promote research contributing to sustainability science. - Advance scientific work aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The programme particularly encourages applications from women scientists. What Is the Main Objective of the Programme? The programme focuses on building research capacity among promising scientists from least developed countries while creating opportunities for sustained international scientific cooperation. Successful researchers can gain access to expertise, facilities, research environments, and scientific networks in Italy that can contribute to their professional development and future research activities. An important objective is to ensure that the collaboration continues beyond the three-month visit by strengthening links between the researcher’s home institution and the Italian host institution. How Long Is the Research Visit? Each approved research cooperation visit lasts three months. The visit must be hosted by an eligible institution located in Trieste or Udine, Italy. Applicants should therefore identify a suitable research group or laboratory and obtain confirmation from a potential host supervisor before submitting their application. What Research Areas Are Supported? The programme covers a broad range of scientific disciplines, particularly research connected to sustainability and the SDGs.

Eligible areas include:

- Physics - Neuroscience - Mathematics - Science outreach - Non-communicable diseases - Viral diseases - Biotechnology - Oceanography - Geophysics - Seismology - Chemical sciences - Pharmaceutical sciences - Computer science - Geosciences - Biomedicine - Environmental biology - Psychology - Humanities - Agricultural sciences - Animal sciences - Genomics - Electron microscopy - Artificial intelligence - Advanced materials research Other related scientific fields may also be considered where they fall within the programme’s specified areas and contribute to its objectives. How Does the Programme Support the SDGs? Research proposals should contribute to one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate relevance to sustainability science and address scientific or societal challenges connected with sustainable development. Potential areas of contribution can include: - Environmental sustainability - Climate and natural resource challenges - Sustainable agriculture - Health and disease prevention - Scientific innovation - Digital and technological development - Sustainable materials - Food and biological sciences - Research capacity development Applicants should clearly explain the connection between their proposed research and relevant SDGs. What Costs Are Covered? Successful applicants receive support for the costs associated with the three-month research visit in Italy.

The programme covers:

- Travel expenses - Subsistence costs This support allows selected researchers to undertake their research cooperation visit without having to independently cover the main travel and living expenses associated with the stay. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Applicants must satisfy the programme’s eligibility requirements.

They must:

- Be a national of a least developed country. - Hold an MSc degree or higher qualification. - Be under 40 years of age at the end of the application year. - Hold a research position in a least developed country. - Propose research within one of the programme’s specified scientific fields. - Have a confirmed host supervisor at an eligible institution in Italy. - Submit the application in English. The programme is aimed at promising early-career scientists, and women scientists are particularly encouraged to apply. Who Cannot Apply? The programme does not accept certain categories of applicants.

Ineligible applicants include those who:

- Are already in Italy. - Are seeking a part-time research visit. - Do not meet the nationality requirements. - Do not hold an MSc or higher degree. - Do not meet the age requirement. - Do not have a suitable research position in a least developed country. - Do not have a confirmed host supervisor at an eligible institution. Applicants should carefully check all eligibility requirements before preparing their submission. Why Is a Host Supervisor Important? A confirmed host supervisor is an essential part of the application. The Italian host should be able to support the proposed research or training activity and provide an appropriate research environment for the three-month visit. Applicants must include an invitation letter from the host laboratory with their application. Researchers should therefore contact potential supervisors well in advance and discuss: - The proposed research topic. - Research objectives. - Methods and activities during the visit. - Available laboratory or research facilities. - Expected collaboration. - Potential outcomes of the research visit. How to Prepare a Strong