Applications are open for the TWAS Visiting Expert Programme 2026/2027 - supporting visits of internationally renowned scientists to institutions in developing countries, especially Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Host institutions invite world leaders in natural sciences other than mathematics and physics for research collaboration, training, lectures, and capacity-building (minimum 2 weeks; typically 2 - 4 weeks). TWAS covers the expert’s most direct economy-class round-trip travel; the host covers local expenses. Deadline: 23 November 2026.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official TWAS opportunity page. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - TWAS Visiting Expert Programme 2026/2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organiser | The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) |
| Host countries | Developing countries in the South (priority: LDCs) |
| Eligible invitees | Internationally recognised scientists (any nationality) |
| Minimum degree (invitee) | PhD |
| Duration | 2 - 4 weeks (minimum stay 2 weeks) |
| Field | Natural sciences excluding physics and mathematics* |
| Age limit | None |
| Travel | TWAS: economy round-trip · Host: local expenses |
| Deadline | 23 November 2026 |
| Apply | TWAS online application portal |
*Proposals in mathematics and physics should go to ICTP’s Visiting Scholar/Consultant Programme (Office of External Activities).
Programme Objectives
- Help institutions with limited outside contacts build long-term links with world leaders in science
- Strengthen existing research/teaching activities or launch new research lines
- Support lectures, seminars, student supervision, collaborative research, and partnership discussions
- Build scientific capacity in developing countries, especially LDCs
Benefits / Costs
- TWAS provides the Visiting Expert’s most direct economy-class round-trip travel
- Host institution covers local expenses during the visit
- Renewal of successful visits may be considered in following year(s)
- Women nominees are particularly welcomed for equal opportunity
Eligibility
- Applications are submitted by host institutions in developing countries (especially LDCs)
- Visiting experts must have attained international recognition in their field
- Fields: natural sciences other than mathematics and physics
- Visit must last at least two weeks
- Applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year in the TWAS/OWSD portfolio (see official page for the institutional-head exception)
Required Documents
- Brief CV of the Visiting Expert (max 10 pages) and list of publications
- Letter from the Visiting Expert detailing the research and teaching programme (template in online form)
- Supporting statement from the head of the host institution (template in online form)
After the visit, both the expert and host must submit comprehensive impact reports.
How to Apply
- Review the programme on the official TWAS Visiting Expert Programme page.
- Confirm host eligibility, expert recognition, field (not maths/physics), and visit plan (≥2 weeks).
- Complete the online application and upload all required documents by 23 November 2026.
Only applications via the official online portal are accepted. Contact: info@twas.org
Official Links
TWAS Visiting Expert Programme (official)
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FAQs - TWAS Visiting Expert Programme 2026/2027
When is the deadline?
23 November 2026.
Who applies - the expert or the institution?
The host institution in a developing country submits the online application to invite a recognised visiting expert.
What does TWAS pay for?
Most direct economy-class round-trip travel for the Visiting Expert. Local costs are covered by the host.
Are maths and physics eligible?
No under this TWAS scheme - those proposals should use ICTP’s Visiting Scholar/Consultant Programme.
Where do I apply?
Via the TWAS online forms portal.
