TWAS Opportunities 2026–2027 Fellowships • Research Grants • Visiting Scientist Programmes • Major Science Prizes

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) offers one of the world’s largest portfolios of research fellowships, grants, and collaborative scientific opportunities for researchers from developing countries. These programmes aim to strengthen scientific capacity, support emerging scholars, and advance global knowledge—particularly across the Global South.

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1. TWAS Fellowships (PhD & Postdoctoral)

TWAS runs the largest South–South fellowship program, offering:

• ~160 PhD fellowships in collaboration with 8 partners in 6 countries
• ~100 postdoctoral fellowships with 9 partners in 5 countries

Who can apply?
Early-career scientists from developing countries seeking advanced training at top research institutions.

Application Guidelines

• Applications must be submitted via the online portal once the specific call opens.
• Start your application by selecting “Apply now” on the programme page.
• Applicants must upload a preliminary acceptance letter from the host institution (issued in the same year).
• Applicants may apply to only one TWAS/OWSD programme per calendar year.

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2. Research & Project Grants

TWAS supports both individual researchers and research groups to buy equipment, consumables, or support MSc students.
Key programmes include:

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Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators (SG-NAPI)

Supports African early-career researchers returning from PhD studies abroad.

Fields: Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Engineering, ICT, Mathematics, Medical Sciences, Physics
Eligibility: African countries identified by TWAS
Age limit: 40
Deadline: 31 March 2026

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Grants for Transformative & Collaborative Research – MENA (GTCR-MENA)

Strengthening research capacity in selected Middle East & North Africa countries, including diaspora.

Fields aligned with Germany’s High-Tech Agenda (HTAD):
AI, Quantum Tech, Microelectronics, Biotechnology, Climate-Neutral Energy, Aerospace, Health Research, Marine/Climate/Sustainability, Humanities & Social Sciences
Call opens: 23 February 2026
Age limit: 46

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3. Visiting Scientist Programmes

TWAS–DFG Cooperation Visits Programme (SSA)

For: Postdoctoral researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa
Location: Germany
Duration: 3 months
Deadline: 15 April 2026
Fields: All academic fields

TWAS–DFG Cooperation Visits Programme (MENA)

For: Postdoctoral researchers from the MENA region
Location: Germany
Duration: 3 months
Deadline: 15 April 2026
Fields: All academic fields

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4. Major Science Awards

2027 Mustafa (pbuh) Prize

One of the top S&T awards for scientists of the Islamic world and beyond.

Categories:

1. Life & Medical Sciences
2. Basic & Engineering Sciences

Prize includes:

• USD 500,000
• Medal, emblem & certificate

Deadline: 20 February 2026

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5. Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS) Fellowships

For outstanding scholars, artists, and cultural professionals.

Fellowship length: 3–10 months (in Hamburg)
Eligibility: Postdoctoral level and above; PhD required for academics
Deadline: 2 March 2026

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6. UNESCO–Russia Mendeleev International Prize in Basic Sciences

A prestigious prize recognizing breakthroughs in basic science.

Deadline: 15 March 2026

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Summary of Key TWAS Deadlines (2026)

Programme	Deadline
Mustafa Prize 2027	20 Feb 2026
HIAS Fellowships	2 Mar 2026
UNESCO–Russia Mendeleev Prize	15 Mar 2026
SG-NAPI Seed Grant	31 Mar 2026
TWAS-DFG SSA & MENA Visits	15 Apr 2026
GTCR-MENA Call Opens	23 Feb 2026

For more information: Click Here