Grants for Transformative and Collaborative Research in the Middle East and North Africa (GTCR-MENA) Region
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With the support of the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), UNESCO-TWAS is launching a new programme to strengthen the research capacity of selected countries in the MENA region. The programme is aimed at young scientists from a number of selected Middle Eastern and North African countries (see “Eligibility criteria” below), as well as for diaspora from these countries. It focuses on capacity building in science and education in the target countries, with particular emphasis on research and academic training, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations with German laboratories. Grants are awarded to promising and competitive research projects in key areas relevant to the ‘High-Tech Agenda Germany (HTAD)’: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technologies, Microelectronics, Biotechnology, Fusion and Climate-Neutral Energy Transition, Technology for Climate-Neutral Mobility, Aerospace, Health Research, Marine, Climate and Sustainability Research, Humanities and Social Sciences.
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of India and UNESCO-TWAS have established a number of fellowships for foreign scholars from developing countries, who wish to pursue research toward a PhD in emerging areas of science and technology, for which facilities are available in CSIR laboratories and institutes.
The TWAS-CUI Fellowship Programme for Postdoctoral Research offers fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than Pakistan) who wish to pursue postdoctoral research in natural or social sciences. Duration: a maximum of six months (no cost extensions may be provided for an additional six months).
The TWAS-COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) Fellowship Programme for postgraduate research offers fellowships to young scientists from developing countries other than Pakistan, who wish to obtain their PhD in natural or social sciences.
The 2026 award, sponsored by Searle Company Ltd, will be given to a chemist not older than 45, national of a science-and-technology lagging country (STLC), who has been living and working there for a minimum of two years immediately prior to his/her nomination. The award is worth $5,000.
2027 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards
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The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards are presented every year to five outstanding women scientists – one per each of the following regions: Africa and the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America - in recognition of their scientific accomplishments. The 2027 Awards will designate women researchers in Physics, Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences, Chemistry, Earth & Related Environmental Sciences.
Established in 2020, this biennial award is named after TWAS late Vice-President for the Arab Region, Prof. Mohammad A. Hamdan. It is given for outstanding mathematical work carried out by a scientist working and living in Africa or the Arab region.
TWAS-CAS Young Scientists Award for Frontier Science
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This annual award, established in year 2020, recognizes scientific achievements by young scientists living and working in a developing country.
The seventh edition of the award, sponsored by the China Sciences Group (holding) Co. Ltd, will recognize achievements in Astronomy and Cosmology. The award is worth USD 10,000.
TWAS-Samira Omar Innovation for Sustainability Award
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This annual award, named after the TWAS Fellow Samira Omar, recognizes the significant impact on the environment and biodiversity of scientists from least developed countries, with a monetary award of $4,000 generously provided by Professor Omar.
This award, named after the TWAS President Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, is designed to honour women scientists in Least Developed African countries for their achievements in Biological Sciences. It carries a cash award of USD5,000 generously provided by Professor Abdool Karim.
This annual award, named after the TWAS Fellow Fayzah M. Al-Kharafi, recognizes women scientists from Scientifically and Technologically Lagging (STL) countries.
It carries a cash award of USD4,000 generously provided by Professor Al-Kharafi and will rotate among various fields of science. In 2026 the award will be given for achievements in Agricultural Sciences and/or Biology.
