OpenProgramme

TWAS Visiting Expert Programme

Offered by TWAS

Host institutions in developing countries can invite internationally recognised scientists for research and training visits. TWAS covers round-trip economy travel; the host covers local expenses.

Apply on the official site

Deadline: 23 November 202647 days left
Who can apply: Developing countries
Last verified: Checked today at the official source

Opportunity overview

The TWAS Visiting Expert Programme helps institutions in developing countries build research and training links with internationally recognised scientists. It particularly supports institutions in least developed countries and those with limited international contacts. Visits normally last two to four weeks, with a minimum stay of two weeks.

The expert works closely with local staff and students through collaborative research, teaching, seminars, supervision and planning future partnerships. The programme covers natural sciences other than mathematics and physics, which have a separate ICTP route. Both the expert and host must report on the visit’s impact afterwards.

Who can apply

The host institution in a developing country applies to invite an internationally recognised expert with a PhD in an eligible natural-science field. Mathematics and physics are excluded. The expert may be of any nationality and there is no age limit. The official rules restrict participation across the TWAS and OWSD programme portfolio within the same calendar year.

Benefits and funding

TWAS funds the visiting expert’s direct round-trip economy travel. The host institution must cover local expenses. The visit provides research collaboration, teaching and capacity-building support; it is not a cash fellowship paid directly to a student applicant.

How to apply

The host institution submits through the TWAS online portal linked from the official call page.
Upload the expert’s CV and publication list (CV maximum ten pages), their proposed research and teaching programme, and a supporting statement from the head of the host institution. Use the portal templates where specified.
Submit by 23 November 2026 and check the calendar-year participation rules. After the visit, both the host and expert submit the required impact reports.