TWAS Research Professors in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Programme 2026

What the visiting professor is expected to contribute

The invited scientist is expected to work closely with the host institution's researchers. Depending on the agreed programme, activities may include:

• Strengthening an existing research project or scientific unit.
• Helping establish new research questions or lines of investigation.
• Providing advanced training and sharing specialist techniques or expertise.
• Delivering lectures and seminars for research students.
• Building relationships that could support future collaborative research.

Following the visit, both the visiting professor and the host institution must provide a comprehensive report on the activities and outcomes.

Application deadline and restrictions

The deadline for the 2026 call is 23 November 2026. Applications are submitted through the official TWAS online forms portal.

TWAS also states that applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year within the TWAS and OWSD portfolio, subject to the exception specified for a head of an institution inviting an external scholar through the Visiting Professor programmes. Applicants should review this restriction before proceeding.

Why the programme matters

Scientific institutions in Least Developed Countries may face challenges accessing specialised expertise, international research networks and advanced scientific training. A structured visit from an experienced researcher can help address these gaps while supporting the development of local scientific capacity.

For a host institution with a clearly defined research need and an eligible prospective visitor, this programme offers an opportunity to strengthen research activities, share expertise and establish connections that may continue after the formal visit.

Application advice for host institutions

This programme requires an institutional request, so research groups and scientific institutions should coordinate the application with the proposed visiting professor rather than treating it as an individual scholarship application.

1. Confirm eligibility before preparing the request.

Check that the host institution is located in a country currently designated by the United Nations as a Least Developed Country. Also confirm that the proposed visitor is a TWAS Member/Fellow or TWAS Young Affiliate or Alumnus and holds the required PhD.

2. Identify a specific research need.

Explain which scientific activity would benefit from the visitor's expertise. A clearly defined research need is more useful than a general statement that international collaboration would be beneficial.

3. Plan a productive two-to-four-week visit.

Develop a realistic programme of collaborative research, training, seminars or mentoring. The proposed activities should fit the visit's duration and the host institution's facilities and research priorities.

4. Explain the expected outcomes.

Identify the practical results the host institution hopes to achieve, such as strengthening a research activity, training postgraduate students, developing a new research direction or establishing a continuing scientific collaboration. Avoid promising results that cannot reasonably be delivered during the visit.

5. Agree on local arrangements.

TWAS provides travel support and an honorarium, while the host institution covers local expenses. The host research group should assess accommodation, local transport, access to facilities and other relevant arrangements before finalising its request.

6. Check the online form carefully.

The official portal states that an application can be saved and updated before submission. Once submitted, it cannot be modified or deleted through the form. Review all required entries before submitting.

7. Keep the reporting requirement in mind.

Both the visiting professor and the host institution must submit a comprehensive report after the visit. Plan to document the activities undertaken, research collaboration, training delivered and outcomes achieved.

Important eligibility note for applicants in Nigeria: Nigeria is not on the United Nations' current list of Least Developed Countries. Therefore, a Nigerian institution cannot qualify as the host institution under this specific programme merely because it is a research institution. Researchers in Nigeria should verify the eligibility of any proposed host institution and visitor before investing time in an application.