TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme

Applications are now invited from suitably qualified candidates to apply for the TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme.

In collaboration with UNESCO and a number of centres of excellence in the South, TWAS has instituted a Joint Associateship Scheme to enable competent researchers from the South to visit these centres regularly. An associate is appointed for three years during which he/she can visit a Centre twice for research collaboration. Almost 300 centres have been selected to participate in the Scheme.

How often does one encounter opportunities that not only champion scientific excellence but also strive to mitigate the ‘brain drain’ from developing nations? Has the search for a prestigious collaboration been elusive? What if the chance to collaborate with centres of distinction in the South is within grasp? In the year 2025, such a golden opportunity beckons. The TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme is the bridge to this dream.

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TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme Overview.

In collaboration with UNESCO and a number of centres of excellence in the South, TWAS has instituted a Joint Associateship Scheme to enable competent researchers from the South to visit these centres 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 a contribution towards subsistence costs up to USD300.00 per month while living expenses are covered by the host centres.

In 1994, in cooperation with UNESCO, TWAS instituted an Associateship Scheme to help counteract the brain drain affecting many developing countries. The programme supports regular visits by researchers from developing countries to centres of excellence in the South. Almost 300 centres of excellence in the South have agreed to participate in the programme. The lists of participating centres are available here (175 in Argentina and 100 in all other developing countries).

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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 centre twice, for a period of 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 centre covers accommodation and food, and provides the research facilities.

Benefits of the Associateship

• Travel Expenses: The Associateship ensures the coverage of the associate’s travel outlays.
• Monthly Allowance: An additional USD $300 is provided monthly, to cater to miscellaneous local expenses.
• Facilities by the Host Centre: This includes accommodation, nourishment, and, crucially, the provision of research amenities.

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Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is a cornerstone for the programme, ensuring it reaches those best poised to benefit:

• Academic Excellence: Prospective associates must possess a PhD or an equivalent academic credential.
• Meritocratic Selection: The programme prides itself on a rigorous selection process, wherein appointments hinge on sheer merit.
• Prioritisation of Isolated Institutions: Special priority is extended to scientists stemming from remote and isolated academic institutions within developing nations.
• Empowering Women in Science: Female scientists receive particular encouragement to apply, underscoring the programme’s commitment to gender inclusivity.

How to Apply for TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme.

Submitting your application

Applicants must complete the TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme online form by filling out the application form accessible here.

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Documents Required

While filling in the online application, applicants also need to upload the following documentation:

• 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 in terms of the timing of the visit and the facilities available.

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IMPORTANT

Please be advised that applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year in the TWAS and OWSD portfolio. Applicants will not be eligible to visit another institution in that year under the TWAS Visiting Professor programmes. One exception: the head of an institution that invites an external scholar to share his/her expertise under the TWAS Visiting Professor programmes may still apply for another programme.

Please be sure to understand the eligibility criteria and other key requirements that are also specified in the online application form .

Application Deadline: December 4, 2025.

Note: Prospective candidates are urged to initiate applications well in advance, ensuring they align with the criteria and bolster their chances of selection.

Contact email:

associateship@twas.org