Call for Applications: TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme 2024 Is Open Now!
The TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme is a program that supports regular visits by researchers from developing countries to centers of excellence in the South. It is a joint initiative of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In collaboration with UNESCO and a number of centers of excellence in the South, TWAS has instituted a Joint Associateship Scheme to enable competent researchers from the South to visit these centers regularly. An associate is appointed for three years during which he/she can visit a Centre twice for research collaboration. TWAS provides travel support for the associates and contributes towards subsistence costs up to USD300.00 per month while the host centers cover living expenses.
In 1994, in cooperation with UNESCO, TWAS instituted an Associateship Scheme to help counteract the brain drain affecting many developing countries. The program supports regular visits by researchers from developing countries to centers of excellence in the South. Almost 300 centers of excellence in the South have agreed to participate in the program. The lists of participating centers are available here (175 in Argentina and 100 in all other developing countries).
Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree. The selection of associates is highly competitive; appointments are made on the basis of merit. Special consideration is given to scientists from isolated institutions in developing countries. Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply.
Appointments have a fixed duration of three years. During this time, the associate is entitled to visit the host center twice, for 2 to 3 months each time. Subject to the availability of funds, the appointment may be renewed for a further 3-year term.
The Associateship covers the associate’s travel expenses and a monthly contribution of USD300 towards incidental local expenses. The host center covers accommodation and food and provides research facilities.
The TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme is a prestigious program that has helped hundreds of researchers from developing countries advance their careers and make significant contributions to science.
Location:
Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Jamaica, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Ethiopia, kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South AfricaBenefits
- Opportunity to collaborate with leading scientists at centers of excellence in the South
- Access to advanced research facilities and training
- Increased visibility and recognition for the researcher’s work
- Opportunity to build relationships with other scientists from developing countries. The TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme is a program that supports regular visits by researchers from developing countries to centers of excellence in the South
- Enhanced career prospects
- Travel expenses to and from the host center
- Monthly contribution towards incidental local expenses
- Accommodation and food at the host center
Eligibilities
- Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree in the field of natural sciences.
- No Age Limit.
- Applicants must be citizens of a developing country.
- Applicants must have excellent academic and research abilities.
- Applicants must have a clear research plan for their visit(s) to the host center.
- Applicants must have secured a letter of invitation from a scientist at the host center.
Application Process
- Scanned copy of the applicant’s passport, even if expired (page with applicant’s name and surname);
- Supporting Statement from Head of Home Institution.
- The applicant’s curriculum vitae (no more than 4 pages);
- the applicant’s full list of publications.
- PhD certificate.
- Two letters of recommendation by two referees, one of whom should be from an expert from another country;
- A recent invitation letter – on the host institution’s letterhead paper – from one of the Institutions listed in the files available here. It should contain the proposed time of the visits (two to three months for each visit) and should refer to the proposed cooperation. It should be made evident that the applicant and the proposed host have been in contact regarding the scientific work to be done during the visit and that the conditions for conducting the work have been agreed upon in terms of the timing of the visit and the facilities available.
Application Deadline: December 4, 2023
Application ClosedOfficial link
