Call for The MENA TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme 2026 is open !!! Apply now !!!
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme provides postdoctoral researchers living and working in the MENA region with the opportunity to make a three-month ‘Cooperation Visit’ to a research institute in Germany. Such visits must be undertaken within 12 months of the award.
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The aim of the visit is to initiate research collaboration between the scientists from the MENA region and the German scientists with the ultimate goal of developing longer-term links, perhaps through other Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, or German Research Foundation) programmes. DFG will cover travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the stay in Germany. The administration and financial operation of TWAS is undertaken by UNESCO in accordance with an agreement signed by the two organizations.
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Applicants need to hold a PhD obtained not earlier than 2021; however, for female applicants the year limit for the PhD can be extended by two years per child, i.e. for a woman with one child the PhD year would be 2019 or later. This exception for female applicants has a limit of three children which equals a maximum of six years. Therefore, the PhD of a female applicant with three or more children should not have been obtained before 2015. Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply. All academic fields will be considered. Previous recipients of a TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visit cannot reapply.
Applicants with an established collaboration with the intended host are not eligible. Examples of established collaboration include one common publication with the host professor, the host professor previously being the applicant’s MSc or PhD supervisor; or other types of extensive collaboration. Preparatory interactions (such as virtual meetings, including other forms of communication) prior to the planned guest visit are encouraged. Applicants already on site in Germany are not eligible. TWAS and DFG cannot provide any assistance in identifying a German host.
DFG shall be entitled to a repayment of all or part of any funds paid to an applicant here under, in the event that the applicant intentionally or negligently fails to fulfil any or all of the above conditions. The applicant agrees to pay any reasonable legal and/or collection costs incurred by DFG to obtain the repayment. Successful applicants must not take up other assignments during the period of their Cooperation Visits.
The results of the selection will be available in January/February 2027. Therefore, the visit can take place between February 2027 and February 2028. It should be made evident that the applicant and the proposed host have mutually agreed on the research proposal that will be submitted; the results of the selection will be available in January 2027.
Location:
GermanyBenefits
- Initiate research collaboration between the scientists from the MENA region and the German scientists
- International work experience in Germany
- Networking opportunity
Eligibilities
- Applicants need to hold a PhD obtained not earlier than 2021
- At the time of submission of the proposal applicants must hold a research position at an institution located in a MENA country.
- Applicants must have been engaged in a science system (including graduate and postgraduate training, research, teaching) for at least five years prior to a respective call in a MENA country or a a sub-Saharan African country
- Applicants already on site in Germany are not eligible.
Application Process
- Applicants must complete the online application form by clicking on the ‘Apply now’ below. While filling in the online application, applicants also need to upload the following documentation:
- scanned copy of your passport, even if expired (page with your name and surname)
- a recent invitation letter from a German host
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026 (10 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
