About this opportunity
Research capacity rarely grows in isolation. A lab gets unstuck when someone who has spent thirty years in a field walks in, sits with the young researchers, reviews their data, gives the lecture nobody on staff can yet give, and leaves a door open to a wider network.
That is the idea behind the TWAS Research Professors in Least Developed Countries Programme. The World Academy of Sciences appoints TWAS Fellows and Young Affiliates or Alumni as Research Professors for one year, during which the professor visits a host institution in a least developed country for two to four weeks. The host gets intensive engagement: close interaction with research groups, help establishing new lines of research, and a series of topical lectures and seminars for research students.
Who can request a visit
Requests are submitted by research groups and scientific institutions located in least developed countries (LDCs), and a substantial list of African countries qualify. The visiting professor must be a TWAS Fellow or a TWAS Young Affiliate or Alumni member, so the strongest requests identify a candidate beforehand through the TWAS online directory.
What TWAS covers
TWAS provides economy class round-trip travel, additional travel expenses and an honorarium for the professor. The host institution covers local expenses. Both the professor and the host submit a comprehensive report after the visit.
Worth knowing before you apply
An institution may request a visit for a scientist who is already invited under other TWAS programmes, and a TWAS member or affiliate can participate in only one TWAS or OWSD programme per calendar year as the visitor. The
Application timeline
for 2026/2027 requests is 23 November 2026, and questions go to exchanges@twas.org.
What you receive
- Two to four week visit by an internationally recognised TWAS Research Professor
- Support for establishing new lines of research at the host institution
- Topical lectures and seminars for research students
- Travel, additional travel expenses and honorarium provided by TWAS
- Long-term link with the TWAS network of scientists in developing countries
Who can apply
- Requesting institution must be a research group or scientific institution located in a least developed country (LDC)
- The proposed visitor must be a TWAS Fellow, Young Affiliate or Alumni member
- A TWAS member or affiliate may participate in only one TWAS or OWSD programme per calendar year as visitor
Who should not apply
- Requests from individuals rather than host institutions are not accepted
- The programme does not fund visits to countries that are not least developed countries
Documents to prepare
- Completed online application submitted by the host institution
- Details of the proposed TWAS Research Professor visitor
How to apply
- Identify a suitable TWAS Fellow or Young Affiliate or Alumni through the TWAS online directory
- As a research group or institution in an LDC, prepare the request with your host supervisor details
- Submit the request through the TWAS online application portal before 23 November 2026
- If appointed, host the two to four week visit during the one year appointment
- Submit the comprehensive completion report with the visiting professor
Sources and verification
Related opportunities
- PAIE Scholars Program 2026, J-PAL Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab
J-PAL's Project AI Evidence is recruiting resident scholars in low- and middle-income countries to train in evaluating AI-enabled interventions, with competitive pilot funding.
- AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grant 2026
A mobility grant of up to EUR 3,000 that lets junior doctoral researchers from sub-Saharan Africa spend time collaborating with an experienced researcher at another institution in the region, with applications closing on 16 October 2026.
- AGNES Intra-Africa Mobility Grants 2026 for Junior Researchers (Up to EUR 3,000)
AGNES is opening two Intra-Africa Mobility Grants for junior researchers. Doctoral candidates from sub-Saharan Africa can spend one to two months at a host institution in another sub-Saharan African country, with travel, subsistence and a research allowance of up to EUR 3,000.
- MAXMINDS 2.0 Mentoring Program for Researchers at Risk
One on one research mentoring from current or former Max Planck Institute researchers, open to scholars who face displacement, regardless of nationality.
Questions applicants ask
Can an individual scientist apply directly?
No. Requests must come from research groups or scientific institutions located in a least developed country, proposing a TWAS member or affiliate as visitor.
Which African institutions can host?
Institutions located in countries classified as least developed countries, which includes a wide list of African countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Senegal, Malawi and Zambia. Check the current LDC classification for your country.
Who pays for the visit?
TWAS provides economy class round-trip travel, additional travel expenses and an honorarium. The host institution covers local expenses.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
