For the TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme 2023, applications are being accepted. TWAS has established a Joint Associateship Scheme in association with UNESCO and many centers of excellence in the South to allow qualified scholars from the South to visit these centers on a regular basis. A three-year appointment grants an associate the opportunity to visit a center twice in order to collaborate on research.
TWAS established an Associateship Scheme in 1994 in collaboration with UNESCO to address the brain drain that was impacting many developing nations. The initiative facilitates the regular visits of researchers from developing nations to Southern centers of excellence. Almost 300 South African centers of excellence have consented to take part in the initiative.
Benefits:
- The Associateship covers the associate’s travel expenses and a monthly contribution of USD $300 towards incidental local expenses. The host centre covers accommodation, food and provides the research facilities.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree. The selection of associates is highly competitive; appointments are made on the basis of merit.
- Special consideration is given to scientists from isolated institutions in developing countries.
- Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply.
Application:
Applicants must complete the online application form. While filling in the online application, applicants also need to upload the following documentation:
- scanned copy of the applicant’s passport, even if expired (page with applicant’s name and surname);
- supporting Statement from Head of Home Institution;
- the applicant’s curriculum vitae (no more than 4 pages);
- the applicant’s full list of publications;
- PhD certificate;
- two letters of recommendation by two referees, one of whom should be from an expert from another country;
- a recent invitation letter – on the host institution’s letterhead paper – from one of the Institutions listed in the files available. It should contain the proposed time of the visits (two to three months for each visit) and should refer to the proposed cooperation. It should be made evident that the applicant and the proposed host have been in contact regarding the scientific work to be done during the visit and that the conditions for conducting the work have been agreed in terms of the timing of the visit and the facilities available.
