TWAS SISSA Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026

The TWAS SISSA Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026 is inviting young scientists from Least Developed Countries to undertake collaborative research visits at leading research institutions in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region of Italy. The programme is offered by UNESCO TWAS in collaboration with the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei and the International School for Advanced Studies, known as SISSA.

The programme provides an opportunity for promising researchers to spend three months in Italy carrying out collaborative research projects or training activities with eligible host laboratories. Research proposals should fall within the broad area of sustainability science and contribute to areas connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The exchange programme is designed to strengthen the research capacity of promising scientists, particularly researchers who are at the beginning of their careers. It also aims to establish lasting scientific connections between researchers and institutions in developing countries and research centres in Italy.

About the Opportunity

The TWAS SISSA Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme is part of a South North South circular programme supporting sustainable development through international scientific cooperation.

The programme enables researchers from Least Developed Countries to visit research laboratories within the Friuli Venezia Giulia scientific and innovation system. Participants can undertake collaborative research or training internships while developing international research networks and gaining access to facilities and expertise that can contribute to their work at home.

Applicants are expected to propose research that has clear relevance to sustainability science and the Sustainable Development Goals. The programme particularly encourages research that can strengthen scientific capacity and contribute to sustainable development in the applicant's home country.

The visit lasts three months and must be full time. Successful applicants are also expected to return to their home country after completing the fellowship.

Opportunity Benefits

• Travel expenses to and from Italy covered

• Subsistence support for the duration of the research visit

• Three month research visit in Italy

• Access to eligible research laboratories and scientific facilities

• Opportunity to undertake collaborative research with Italian researchers

• Opportunity to receive research training and develop scientific skills

• International research collaboration and networking

• Development of links for future scientific cooperation

• Exposure to research environments connected to the Sustainable Development Goals

• Opportunity to strengthen research capacity and contribute to scientific development in the home country

Programme Areas

Research proposals must be connected to sustainability science and relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals. Eligible fields at SISSA include:

• Astroparticle Physics

• Astrophysics and Cosmology

• Theory and Numerical Simulation of Condensed Matter

• Physics and Chemistry of Biological Systems

• Statistical Physics

• Theoretical Particle Physics

• Data Science

• Cognitive Neuroscience

• Neurobiology

• Functional and Structural Genomics

• Geometry

• Mathematical Analysis

• Mathematical Modelling

• Mathematical Physics

• Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing

• Science Outreach

The programme also allows research visits at other eligible institutions within the Friuli Venezia Giulia scientific system, including the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Institute for Nuclear Physics, National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics, University of Trieste, University of Udine, Materials Foundry National Research Council, Area Science Park and Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be a maximum of 40 years old on December 31, 2026

• Applicants must hold an MSc or a higher degree

• Applicants must be nationals of a Least Developed Country

• Applicants must hold a research position in a Least Developed Country

• Applicants must propose research within an eligible scientific field

• The proposed research should be relevant to sustainability science and areas supporting the Sustainable Development Goals

• Applicants must not already be in the host country at the time of application

• Applicants must be prepared to undertake a full time three month research visit

• Applicants must provide evidence that they will return to their home country after completing the programme

• Women scientists are particularly encouraged to apply

• Applicants must not take up another assignment during the fellowship period

• Part time visits are not eligible

• Applicants may apply for only one programme within the TWAS and OWSD portfolio in a calendar year

Required Application Materials

• Completed online application form

• Copy of passport showing personal details

• Curriculum vitae

• Statement of scientific interests and future research plans

• Explanation of how the proposed research contributes to sustainability science and the Sustainable Development Goals

• Full list of publications

• Copy of MSc or higher degree certificate

• Recent invitation letter from an eligible host laboratory

• Proposed research visit period of three months stated in the invitation letter

• Evidence of prior contact and agreement between the applicant and proposed host supervisor

• Two recent signed recommendation letters from referees familiar with the applicant's work

How to Apply

1. Review the official TWAS SISSA Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme requirements and confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria.
2. Explore the research areas of the eligible host institutions and identify a laboratory and potential host supervisor whose research matches your proposed work.
3. Contact the potential host supervisor and discuss your research interests, proposed visit and collaboration plan.
4. Obtain an official invitation letter from the eligible host laboratory confirming the proposed three month visit and the research arrangements.
5. Prepare your curriculum vitae, scientific interests statement, publication list, academic certificate, passport copy and signed recommendation letters.
6. Complete the online application form in English.
7. Submit the complete application before October 31, 2026.
8. Ensure that all required documents are included because applications are assessed on scientific merit and incomplete applications may not be considered.