The TWAS Research Grants are awarded to high-level promising research projects in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics carried out by either individual scientists or research units in the 80 Science & Technology-lagging countries (S&TLCs) identified by TWAS.
The programme was established in response to the needs of promising young researchers in developing countries, particularly those attached to institutions that lack appropriate research facilities.
The programme aims to:
- Reinforce and promote scientific research in basic sciences in developing countries;
- Strengthen developing countries’ endogenous capacity in science;
- Reduce the exodus of scientific talents from the South;
- Build and sustain units of scientific excellence in S&TLC over a longer period to help them achieve a critical mass of highly qualified and innovative scientists capable of addressing real-life problems facing their countries.
Please note that the TWAS Research Grants Programme supports research in the basic sciences, and not applied sciences.
Worth of Grants
TWAS Research Grants are awarded to high-level promising research projects in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics carried out by either individual scientists or research units in the 80 S&T-lagging countries (S&TLC) identified by TWAS.
- Research Grants to individual scientists amount to a maximum of US$15,000.
- Research Grants to research units amount to a maximum of US$30,000.
The grants, which are normally provided for a period of 18 months, may be used to purchase scientific equipment, consumables and specialized literature (textbooks and proceedings only). They do not cover salaries of researchers and/or students, field expenses, travel expenses or participation in international conferences.
Eligibility
• Individual applicants must be nationals of developing countries. They must hold a PhD, be at the beginning of their careers, but already have some research experience. They must hold a position at a university or research institution in one of the 80 S&TLCs. As a general rule, the grants are awarded to competent scientists under the age of 45 years.
• Applying research units must be led by a renowned researcher who is a national of a developing country, who holds a PhD and who has good research experience. The research unit must operate within a university or a research institution in one of the 80 S&TLCs and consist of a core number of research scientists, postgraduate students and technicians. There is no age limit for unit leaders.
Individual scientists and research unit leaders who submit a satisfactory final report on a previous grant may apply for a renewal.
Deadline: August 31 each year.
For more information, and to apply, visit their website by clicking here.