Introduction

Figure out  spending three illuminating months at cutting edge research centers in Italy, even though you’re based halfway across the world in a developing country. Sounds life changing, right? That’s exactly what the TWAS Research Cooperation Visits Program offers: a fully sponsored opportunity for promising scientists from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to collaborate at top-tier laboratories in Trieste and Udine, Italy, with a focus on sustainability science and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Let’s  show and unpack how it works during the 2025‑2026 cycle.

What Is the TWAS Research Cooperation Visits Program?

TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences) is a UN-backed global network that champions science in developing nations Maseno University+12Facebook+12Opportunities Circle+12TWAS+7Scholarships.af+7Opportunity Desk+7Opportunities Circle+3Opportunity Desk+3Scholarships.af+3TWAS+9Opportunities Circle+9Grants Database+9Mesa Malaria+5Grants Database+5TWAS+5TWAS+2Maseno University+2African Researchers Magazine+2TWAS+2Wikipedia.

Their Research Cooperation Visits Programme, organized with UNESCO-TWAS, SISSA, and Italy’s Lincei Academy, invites early-career researchers to come to Italy for three-month immersive research visits, blending hands-on laboratory work with collaboration and mentorship Opportunity Desk+5TWAS+5Grants Database+5.

It’s all about building scientific capacity in LDCs, sparking long-term partnerships, and accelerating progress on global development challenges.

Program Features

Duration & Timeline

The fellowships are three months long, offering ample time to dive deep into a research project. The application deadline is 15 October 2025, with selection and visits planned through the 2025‑2026 period Opportunities CircleOpportunity DeskGrants Database.

Fully Funded Experience

This isn’t a token grant. The program fully covers travel costs, subsistence, and other essential expenses during your stay in Italy, ensuring you can focus entirely on your  ambitions Facebook+4Opportunities Circle+4Scholarships.af+4.Prestigious Host Institutions

You’ll work at one of several renowned  centers in Italy, including:

• SISSA (Trieste)

• Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei

• ICGEB, INFN, University of Trieste, University of Udine

• OGS, IOM-CNR, Elettra, and others.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, you must:

• Be a national of a UN-designated Least Developed Country (LDC) and hold an active  position there Mesa Malaria+6African Researchers Magazine+6Scholarships.af+6.

• Have at least an MSc degree and be 40 years old or younger as of 31 December 2025 Opportunity Desk+5African Researchers Magazine+5Grants Database+5.

• Propose a  project within sustainability science that aligns with the UN SDGs Grants Database+5Opportunities Circle+5Opportunity Desk+5.

• Be located outside Italy during application and commit to returning to your home institution afterwards Grants Database.

• Note: Women scientists are particularly encouraged to apply Grants Database+2TWAS+2.

Application Timeline

Mark your calendar: the deadline is 15 October 2025, typically at 23:59 CET TWAS. To avoid last-minute stress, start preparing 3–4 months early—research host labs, reach out for invitation letters, and refine your proposal.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Identify host institutions and potential supervisors whose work aligns with your research work.

2. Secure an invitation letter confirming the 3-month visit, agreed  plan, and facilities TWAS+3African Researchers Magazine+3Scholarships.af+3.

3. Prepare and assemble the following documents:

   • Completed application form (in English), signed

   • Passport copy (personal details page)

   • CV and publications list

   • MSc certificate or higher

   • Detailed statement explaining how your work advances SDGs

   • Two signed letters of recommendation sent directly Scholarships.af+1Opportunities Circle+4African Researchers Magazine+4Grants Database+4Opportunities Circle

Incomplete or unsigned applications will be rejected Opportunity Desk+2TWAS+2.

Submit everything via email to the TWAS Secretariat (e.g., exchanges@twas.org) by the deadline DFG+7Opportunity Desk+7TWAS+7.

Writing a Strong  Proposal

Good proposals are specific, goal-oriented, and SDG-aligned. Make sure your research plan:

• Directly contributes to one or more Sustainable Development Goals

• Matches the expertise and resources of your host

• Clearly outlines objectives, methodology, and impact

Importantly, coordinate early with your host supervisor, collaborative planning makes your proposal far more compelling Grants DatabaseTWAS.

What Happens After Award

If selected, you’ll receive formal approval and coordination from TWAS. They’ll guide your travel arrangements and subsistence planning. During your stay, you’ll conduct , interface with local scientists, and likely emerge with valuable publications or project deliverables.

Benefits of the Program

This isn’t just a trip it’s a researching transformation:

• Access state-of-the-art labs and expert peers

• Build lasting research partnerships

• Gain international visibility and credibility

• Grow professionally and culturally in a global environment

Tips for a Winning Application

• Start early and secure that invitation letter well ahead

• Be crystal clear about how your proposal supports SDGs

• Request recommendations from colleagues who know your work well

• Proofread meticulously—clarity matters

How It Compares with Other TWAS Visiting Programs

TWAS also offers similar opportunities, like the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme to Germany, aimed at postdocs in sub-Saharan Africa Scholarships.af+1African Researchers MagazineMesa Malaria+12TWAS+12Maseno University+12. That program allows up to 3-month visits too, but specifically through Germany’s DFG, with a different eligibility (PhD only, SSA focus). Our TWAS-SISSA fellowship is broader geographically among LDCs, and specifically SDG and sustainability science-focused.

Real Success Stories

While individual winners’ names may not be public, we know this program has empowered numerous scientists from developing nations to:

• Establish ongoing collaborations with Italian institutions

• Strengthen research capacity in their home countries

• Propel their careers and contribute to sustainable development locally

Conclusion

The TWAS Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2025‑2026 is more than just a fellowship—it’s a bridge between ambition and impact for young scientists from LDCs. With full funding, rigorous research training, and global exposure, this experience can turbo-charge your career while empowering your community. If this sounds like your path—start preparing now!

FAQs

1. Can I apply from outside a Least Developed Country?
No. Applicants must be nationals working in a recognized Least Developed Countryoutside Italy Scholarships.af+1Grants Database+1Scholarships.af+3African Researchers Magazine+3Opportunity Desk+3.

2. Is a PhD required?
No, a minimum MSc degree is enough African Researchers MagazineOpportunities Circle.

3. Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. It covers travel and subsistence costs during the three-month visit Facebook.

4. What fields qualify?
Focus is on sustainability science, especially research that aligns with the United Nations SDGs African Researchers MagazineOpportunities CircleTWAS.

5. Can I apply to more than one TWAS program in the same year?
No. TWAS allows only one application per calendar year under their visiting programs TWAS+1.

Helpful Links

• Official opportunity page: Facebook

• African Researchers Magazine summary: African Researchers Magazine

Ready to write or polish your proposal? I’d be happy to help