Are you part of a research institution in a developing country looking to build long-term collaborations with world leaders in science? Are you willing to strengthen your research activities and foster new partnerships? If so, the World Academy of Science (TWAS) Visiting Expert Programme offers an ideal opportunity to achieve these goals.

The TWAS Visiting Expert Programme is designed to support research groups and institutions, particularly those in the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) or those with limited external contacts. This program enables these institutions to invite internationally renowned experts in the natural sciences, excluding mathematics and physics, to support research, training, and capacity-building efforts. The visiting experts will engage with faculty and students, offering valuable expertise and promoting scientific development.

The program focuses on collaboration and encourages the participation of institutions seeking to enhance their research capabilities. Through lectures, seminars, and direct interaction, visiting experts help develop new research lines while contributing to the institution’s growth. This program also emphasizes inclusivity by welcoming nominations of women experts and ensuring equal opportunities in scientific development.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: 06 October 2025
• Funding Type: Partial funding
• Organizer/Host Institution:  World Academy of Science (TWAS)
• Eligible Countries: Developing countries (especially LDCs)
• Eligible Gender: Both male and female
• Target Group: Research institutions and groups in developing countries
• Focus Area/Field: Natural sciences, excluding mathematics and physics
• Study Level: PhD holders (minimum qualification)
• Duration: 2 to 4 weeks
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Developing countries in the Global South

Benefits

You will benefit from the program as follows:

• Travel Support: TWAS provides round-trip economy class travel for the visiting expert.
• Local Expenses: Covered by the host institution.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for host institutions to build long-term scientific collaborations with international experts.
• Capacity Building: Visiting experts contribute to the host institution’s research, training, and curriculum development.

Eligibility

The suitability criteria include:

• Host institutions must be located in developing countries, particularly the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
• The visiting expert must have international recognition in their scientific field (excluding mathematics and physics).
• Institutions can invite only one expert per calendar year from the TWAS and OWSD portfolio of programs.
• Priority is given to institutions with limited external connections.
• Nominations of women are highly encouraged.

How to Apply?

Institutions interested in applying for this program must complete the online application form.

Required documents for application submission:

• Brief CV of the Visiting Expert (maximum ten pages), including publications.
• Letter from the Visiting Expert detailing their research and teaching program.
• Supporting statement from the head of the host institution.

Apply Now

For more details about the TWAS Visiting Expert Program, visit the TWAS website.

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