TWAS Visiting Expert Programme 2026: Research Opportunity in Developing Countries
Are you an internationally recognised scientist interested in sharing your expertise with research institutions in developing countries? The TWAS Visiting Expert Programme 2026 offers an opportunity for leading scientists to collaborate with universities and research groups, strengthen research capacity and support scientific development.
The programme, offered by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), focuses on building long-term research partnerships, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and institutions with limited access to international scientific networks.
The application deadline is 23 November 2026.
About the TWAS Visiting Expert Programme
The TWAS Visiting Expert Programme enables institutions in developing countries to invite internationally renowned scientists to support research, teaching and training activities.
Selected experts work closely with academic staff and students to strengthen existing research programmes or help establish new areas of scientific investigation. The programme also encourages future collaborations between institutions and researchers.
During their visits, experts may deliver lectures and seminars, supervise research students, conduct collaborative research and explore opportunities for long-term academic partnerships.
Programme Benefits
The programme provides several opportunities for scientific collaboration and capacity development.
- International collaboration: Build research partnerships with institutions in developing countries.
- Knowledge exchange: Share scientific expertise with researchers, faculty members and students.
- Research development: Support existing research programmes or help establish new research activities.
- Travel support: TWAS provides the visiting expert with the most direct economy-class return travel.
- Academic engagement: Participate in lectures, seminars, research supervision and training activities.
The host institution is expected to cover the visiting expert’s local expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
The programme is intended for internationally recognised scientists invited by eligible institutions in developing countries.
The main eligibility details are:
- Minimum qualification: PhD.
- Eligible invitees: Internationally recognised experts in the relevant scientific fields.
- Eligible host locations: Developing countries in the South.
- Duration: Two to four weeks.
- Fields: Natural sciences, excluding mathematics and physics.
- Age limit: None.
Proposals involving mathematics and physics should instead be directed to the relevant Visiting Scholar/Consultant Programme at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP).
Nominations of women scientists are particularly encouraged.
Required Application Documents
Applications must be submitted online by the prospective host institution. The following documents are required:
- A brief CV of the visiting expert, limited to 10 pages, together with a publication list.
- A letter from the visiting expert outlining the proposed research and teaching programme.
- A supporting statement from the head of the host institution.
Applicants should ensure that all documents are complete and follow the templates provided in the online application form.
Please note that applicants may generally apply for only one programme per calendar year within the TWAS and OWSD portfolio, subject to the programme’s stated exceptions.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the TWAS Visiting Expert Programme is 23 November 2026.
Interested researchers and eligible host institutions should begin preparing their proposals and supporting documents well before the closing date.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official TWAS online portal. Prospective host institutions should visit the programme page and click the Apply Now button to access the application form.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE.
Final Thoughts
The TWAS Visiting Expert Programme provides an important opportunity to strengthen scientific research, develop academic capacity and establish international partnerships in developing countries.
For internationally recognised scientists and institutions seeking to expand research collaboration, this programme offers a structured way to share expertise and contribute to scientific development.
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