Applications are now being accepted for the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026 in Italy. This international research opportunity is offered by UNESCO-TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences) in collaboration with the Lincei Academy and the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA).
The program invites young scientists from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) who hold at least an MSc degree to undertake a three-month collaborative research visit at eligible Centers of Excellence in Trieste or Udine, Italy. Participants can conduct research or training related to fields that fall under the umbrella of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Applicants are expected to propose research that is relevant to sustainability science and contributes to areas supporting the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The program aims to strengthen the research capacity of promising scientists and encourage long-term international research collaboration.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, through UNESCO-TWAS, cover travel expenses and provide subsistence support for the stay in Italy.
Overall, the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026 provides young scientists from Least Developed Countries with an opportunity to gain international research experience, collaborate with researchers in Italy, develop scientific networks, and contribute to research addressing global sustainability challenges.
TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026 – Quick Details
- Host Country: Italy
- Program Type: Research Fellowship / Visiting Scientist Program
- Eligible Applicants: Young scientists from least developed countries
- Minimum Degree: MSc or higher
- Deadline: October 31, 2026
Degree Level
- MSc or higher degree
- The program is intended for young and early-career scientists from Least Developed Countries.
- Applicants must hold a research position in a Least Developed Country.
Available Research Fields
Research proposals must fall within eligible scientific fields and should be relevant to sustainability science and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Available areas include:
- Physics
- Astrophysics and Cosmology
- Data Science
- Neuroscience
- Mathematics
- Biotechnology
- Computational Biology
- Oceanography
- Marine Biology
- Geophysics and Seismology
- Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Big Data
- Environmental Biology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Psychology
- Humanities
- Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Cultural Heritage
- Cybersecurity
- Materials Science
- Energy and Environment
- Nanotechnology
- Structural Biology
- Optics and X-ray Science
- Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing
The exact research fields vary by host institution, so applicants should check the eligible fields listed by their preferred host laboratory before preparing the application.
Eligible Host Institutions
Applicants may conduct their research at the following participating institutions in Italy:
- 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
Eligibility Criteria for the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026
To apply for the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be 40 years old or younger as of December 31 of the application year.
- Candidates must hold at least an MSc degree or higher qualification.
- Applicants must be nationals of a Least Developed Country (LDC).
- Candidates must hold a research position in a Least Developed Country.
- Research proposals related to sustainability science will receive particular attention.
- Women scientists are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants who are already in the host country are not eligible.
- Only applications in the scientific fields specified in the official application form will be considered.
- Part-time research visits are not eligible.
- Successful applicants must provide evidence that they will return to their home country after completing the fellowship.
- Successful fellows cannot take up other assignments during the program.
- Applicants may apply for only one program per calendar year within the TWAS and OWSD portfolio.
Benefits of TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026
- Travel Support: Travel expenses to and from Italy are covered.
- Subsistence Support: Participants receive support for living expenses during their stay in Italy.
- Three-Month Research Visit: Selected scientists can undertake collaborative research or training for three months.
- International Research Experience: Participants gain exposure to research laboratories and academic environments in Italy.
- Scientific Collaboration: Fellows can collaborate with researchers and scientists at eligible Italian host institutions.
- Research Networking: The program helps participants establish international scientific connections and potential future collaborations.
- SDG-Focused Research: Participants can work on research relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Professional Development: The fellowship is designed to strengthen the research capacity of promising scientists, particularly those at the beginning of their careers.
- Cultural Experience: Participants have an opportunity to experience academic and cultural life in Italy.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents for the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme:
- Completed application form
- Copy of passport, including the personal details page; an expired passport may also be accepted.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of scientific interests and future research plans in sustainability sciences in the home country, including the expected contribution to relevant SDGs.
- Full list of publications; publication reprints should not be included.
- Copy of MSc degree certificate or higher qualification
- Recent invitation/acceptance letter from an eligible host laboratory, confirming the proposed three-month visit and research collaboration.
- Two recent recommendation letters from referees familiar with the applicant’s work. The letters must be signed.
- Evidence of intention to return to the home country after completing the fellowship.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026 in Italy:
Step 1: Review Eligible Research Areas
Visit the official TWAS program page and review the research fields available at the participating host institutions.
Step 2: Select a Suitable Host Institution
Choose an eligible research institution and identify a potential host supervisor whose research interests match your proposed project.
Step 3: Contact the Host Supervisor
Contact the potential supervisor and introduce yourself, your research background, and your proposed research plan. Discuss the possibility of conducting a three-month research visit.
Step 4: Obtain an Invitation Letter
If the host supervisor agrees to the collaboration, obtain an official invitation or acceptance letter. The letter should confirm the proposed research cooperation, timing of the three-month visit, and availability of appropriate research facilities.
Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
Complete the application form and prepare your CV, passport copy, MSc certificate, research statement, publication list, invitation letter, and two signed recommendation letters.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Complete the application in English and submit all required materials through the official TWAS application system before the deadline.
Step 7: Selection
Applications are evaluated by a selection committee based on scientific merit.
Important Application Advice
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the process well before the deadline because contacting a potential host supervisor and obtaining an invitation letter can take time. TWAS specifically recommends studying the host institution’s website, identifying a suitable supervisor, discussing the research plan, and obtaining acceptance before submitting the application.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026 is
October 31, 2026.
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026?
It is a three-month international research exchange opportunity for young scientists from Least Developed Countries to conduct collaborative research or training at eligible research institutions in Italy.
Who can apply for the TWAS Research Cooperation Visits Programme?
Young scientists who are nationals of least developed countries, hold at least an MSc degree, and have a research position in an LDC can apply, subject to the other eligibility requirements.
What is the age limit for this program?
Applicants must be 40 years old or younger as of December 31 of the application year.
How long is the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei research visit?
The research visit lasts three months.
Is the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei program fully funded?
The program provides travel expenses and subsistence support for the stay in Italy.
Do I need an MSc degree to apply?
Yes. Applicants must hold an MSc degree or a higher qualification.
Do I need an invitation letter from an Italian host?
Yes. Applicants must obtain a recent invitation letter from an eligible host laboratory. The letter should confirm the proposed three-month research visit and cooperation.
Can I apply without contacting a host supervisor?
Applicants should contact a potential host supervisor and obtain an acceptance/invitation letter before completing the application. TWAS recommends starting this process well in advance.
Can women scientists apply?
Yes. Women scientists are specifically encouraged to apply.
Can I apply for a part-time research visit?
No. Part-time visits are not eligible under this program.
Can I apply if I am already in Italy?
Applicants who are already in the host country are not eligible for the program.
What language should the application be submitted in?
The application should be completed in English.
What is the deadline for the TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026?
The deadline is October 31, 2026.
