The TWAS-SISSA-Lincei Research Cooperation Visits Programme 2026 offers young scientists from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) an opportunity to undertake a three-month research visit or training internship at eligible research institutions in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region of Italy. Organised by UNESCO-TWAS in collaboration with the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei and the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), the programme supports researchers whose proposed projects contribute to sustainability science and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programme is designed to strengthen the research capacity of promising scientists, particularly those at the early stages of their careers, while creating opportunities for international scientific collaboration. Fellowship Benefits Successful fellows will undertake a three-month research visit at an eligible host institution in Trieste or Udine, Italy. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, through UNESCO-TWAS, will cover travel expenses and subsistence costs for the stay in Italy. The programme also provides an opportunity for researchers to work within established laboratories and research centres, access relevant scientific facilities and develop professional links with researchers in Italy. Research proposals should demonstrate relevance to sustainability science and explain how the proposed work can contribute to one or more SDGs. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements. They must: Be no more than 40 years old on 31 December 2026; Be nationals of a Least Developed Country; Hold an MSc or higher degree; Hold a research position in an LDC; Propose research in one of the scientific fields specified by the eligible host institutions; Develop a project relevant to sustainability science and the SDGs; Be able to demonstrate that they will return to their home country after completing the fellowship; and Be available for a full-time three-month visit. Women scientists are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants who are already in the host country are not eligible. Part-time visits are also ineligible, and successful applicants may not undertake other assignments during the fellowship period. Eligible Host Institutions Applicants may seek research cooperation with eligible institutions in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, including: International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA); International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB); National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN); National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS); University of Trieste; University of Udine; Materials Foundry-National Research Council (IOM-CNR); Area Science Park; and Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste. Applicants are responsible for identifying a suitable research host and establishing contact before submitting the application. Research Areas The programme covers a broad range of scientific disciplines. Eligible areas include physics, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, environmental biology, geosciences, oceanography, marine biology, sustainable blue economy, seismology, chemistry, agricultural sciences, cybersecurity, cultural heritage, genomics, materials science, nanotechnology and scientific computing. Other specialised fields are available depending on the selected host institution. All proposed research must fall within the programme’s sustainability science framework and demonstrate relevance to the SDGs. Application Requirements Applications must be completed in English and include: Completed application form; Copy of passport, including an expired passport if necessary; Curriculum vitae; Statement of scientific interests and future research plans in sustainability sciences in the applicant’s home country; Explanation of the proposed contribution to the SDGs; Full publication list; Copy of MSc or higher-degree certificate; Recent invitation letter from an eligible host laboratory confirming the proposed three-month research visit and cooperation arrangements; and Recent signed recommendation letters from two referees familiar with the applicant’s work. Applicants should begin preparations well before the deadline. They are advised to research potential host institutions, identify suitable supervisors, contact them to discuss the proposed research and obtain an acceptance or invitation letter. Application Deadline The deadline for receipt of applications is 31 October 2026. Applicants should allow sufficient time to establish contact with a potential supervisor and obtain the required invitation letter before submitting the application. Applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year within the TWAS and OWSD portfolio and will not be eligible to visit another institution under another programme during the same year. Important Information The fellowship is intended to promote South-North-South scientific cooperation and strengthen research capacity in Least Developed Countries. Applicants should ensure that their proposed research is clearly connected to sustainability science and relevant development challenges. Selection is based on scientific merit. Applicants should carefully review the eligible research fields and host institutions before preparing their proposals. 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