The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) has opened applications for its 2026 portfolio of fellowships, research grants, visiting scientist programmes, and prestigious science awards. These initiatives are designed to strengthen scientific capacity in developing countries by supporting advanced research training, fostering international collaboration, and recognizing excellence in science and innovation.
TWAS continues to play a strategic role in empowering researchers across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Arab region through competitive funding and structured academic mobility schemes. Below is a detailed overview of the key opportunities available.
TWAS Fellowship Programmes (PhD & Postdoctoral)
TWAS offers one of the most comprehensive South–South fellowship portfolios globally. These programmes enable scientists from developing countries to pursue advanced research in reputable institutions across the Global South.
PhD Fellowships
These fellowships support doctoral candidates in disciplines such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, life sciences, agricultural sciences, and earth sciences. The programme generally covers living costs and other academic-related expenses, allowing fellows to concentrate on high-quality research and dissertation completion.
Postdoctoral Fellowships
Designed for early-career researchers who have recently completed their PhDs, these fellowships provide opportunities to strengthen research output, develop independent research profiles, and collaborate with established research groups. Fellows gain exposure to advanced laboratory facilities, mentorship, and international research networks.
Eligibility typically requires citizenship of a developing country, strong academic performance, and confirmed placement at a host institution.
Research and Project Grants
In addition to fellowships, TWAS administers competitive research grants aimed at promoting innovative and development-oriented scientific work.
Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators (SG-NAPI)
This programme targets early-career African scientists who have returned to their home institutions after completing advanced training abroad. The grant supports laboratory setup, procurement of essential equipment, and pilot research activities that can attract further funding.
Collaborative and Transformative Research Grants (MENA Region)
These grants focus on strengthening research excellence in the Middle East and North Africa. Priority areas often include renewable energy, climate science, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, public health, and sustainable agriculture. The objective is to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and build long-term institutional research capacity.
Research proposals are evaluated based on scientific merit, feasibility, innovation, and potential developmental impact.
Visiting Scientist and International Collaboration Initiatives
TWAS actively promotes scientific mobility and cross-border collaboration through visiting scientist schemes.
One notable partnership is with the German Research Foundation (DFG), which enables researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa and the MENA region to undertake short-term research visits at German institutions. These visits typically last up to three months and aim to facilitate joint research, co-authored publications, and long-term institutional partnerships.
Such mobility programmes strengthen global scientific networks while ensuring that research outcomes contribute meaningfully to local development priorities.
Major Science Awards and Prizes
TWAS also supports the recognition of scientific excellence through high-profile awards.
Among the most distinguished recognitions is the Mustafa Prize, which honors groundbreaking research achievements in life sciences, nanotechnology, medical sciences, and engineering. These awards elevate the visibility of researchers from developing regions and reinforce the importance of science-driven innovation.
TWAS collaborates closely with international bodies such as UNESCO to promote science policy, research excellence, and capacity development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key Deadlines for 2026
Applicants are encouraged to review specific programme timelines carefully, as deadlines vary across fellowships, grants, and award nominations throughout 2026. Early preparation and thorough documentation significantly improve competitiveness.
Summary
The TWAS 2026 opportunities represent a significant investment in strengthening scientific research ecosystems across developing countries. Through fellowships, seed funding, mobility schemes, and prestigious awards, TWAS supports researchers at various career stages while promoting sustainable development and international scientific collaboration.
Scientists seeking to expand their research capacity, access international networks, and contribute to transformative scientific innovation are strongly encouraged to apply before the respective deadlines.
