Research groups and scientific institutions located in least developed countries can request a visit from an eligible TWAS Research Professor under the 2026 call. The aim is to strengthen research activity, advanced training and durable scientific collaboration. The application deadline is 23 November 2026.
What support is available?
The TWAS Research Professor appointment lasts one year, including a visit of two to four weeks. TWAS pays economy-class travel, additional travel support and an honorarium; the host institution must fund local expenses. This is not an unrestricted grant to the host institution.
Eligibility
Only TWAS Fellows, Young Affiliates or Alumni are eligible as visiting Research Professors, and requests are made by research groups or scientific institutions located in least developed countries. The programme supports natural sciences and requires the nominated expert to meet the programme’s eligibility conditions.
Application preparation
The host should agree with the proposed visitor on a programme of advanced lectures, research collaboration and relevant institutional capacity building. Prepare to explain the host’s capabilities, available facilities and expected results. Both the visiting expert and host must submit reports after the visit.
Frequently asked questions
Who applies?
A research group or scientific institution in a least developed country.
Is this open to any professor?
No. Visiting researchers must have a specified TWAS membership or affiliate status.
Who funds local expenses?
The host institution.
How long is the visit?
Two to four weeks within a one-year appointment.
What is the deadline?
23 November 2026.
How to apply
Visit the official TWAS programme page and follow the current portal instructions. Review the eligibility conditions, prepare the host documentation and submit before 23 November 2026. Details checked on 24 October 2026.
Conclusion
This specialist research-capacity opportunity is most relevant to established laboratories or university teams that can demonstrate a credible collaboration plan, not organisations seeking routine programme operating funds. Further funding-readiness resources are available from the Africads Funding Readiness Toolkit.
