Overview
The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is delighted to announce the TWAS‑SISSA‑Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme, an exciting opportunity for young scientists from Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This initiative, organized by UNESCO‑TWAS in collaboration with the Lincei Academy and the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), enables early‑career researchers to undertake a three‑month research visit at one of the prestigious Centres of Excellence in Trieste or Udine, Italy. Research proposals should align with the principles of sustainability science and directly support one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Purpose of the Programme
The exchange fellowships are designed to:

• Strengthen the capacity of promising early‑career scientists.
• Foster long‑term research collaborations between scientists in the Global South and institutions in Italy.

Funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, UNESCO‑TWAS will cover all travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the duration of the stay.

and provide subsistence costs for the duration of the stay.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a national of a Least Developed Country (LDC).
• Be 40 years old or younger as of 31 December 2025.
• Hold at least an MSc or higher degree.
• Be currently employed in a research position in an LDC.
• Submit a research proposal relevant to sustainability science and the SDGs.
• Obtain an invitation letter from one of the eligible host institutions in Italy.
• Commit to returning to the home country upon completion of the fellowship.
• Women scientists are strongly encouraged to apply.

Eligible Host Institutions
Applicants may select a host institution from among the following Centres of Excellence 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

Research fields span a wide range including physics, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, environmental biology, oceanography, biomedicine, social sciences, and the humanities. Applicants should ensure their proposed project falls within the scientific disciplines offered by the host institution.

Selection Criteria

• Scientific merit and originality of the research proposal.
• Relevance of the proposed research to sustainability and the SDGs.
• Feasibility of the project and clarity of work plan.
• Academic qualifications and prior research experience of the applicant.
• Strength and alignment of the host institution’s support and reference letters.

Application Process
Applicants should prepare and submit the following documents (in English) to the TWAS Secretariat via email: exchanges@twas.org

• Completed and signed application form.
• Copy of passport (bio‑data page).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Statement of research interests and alignment with the SDGs.
• Full list of publications (no need to attach reprints).
• Copy of MSc or higher degree certificate.
• Invitation letter from host institution confirming visit duration, timing, and facilities.
• Two signed reference letters submitted separately by referees familiar with the applicant’s work.

Only complete and signed applications will be accepted. Applicants already based in Italy or proposing part‑time visits are not eligible. Successful candidates must commit to returning to their home countries after completing the programme.

Deadline
The deadline for submission of applications is 15 October 2025. Applicants are advised to begin contacting potential host supervisors early to secure an invitation letter.
Contact Information
For further details, please visit the official TWAS webpage: https://twas.org/opportunity/twas-sissa-lincei-research-cooperation-visits-programme or email exchanges@twas.org for inquiries.
About the African Academy of Sciences (AAS)
The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is a pan‑African organization headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, committed to advancing science, technology, and innovation to drive sustainable development across the continent.