Apply Now: TWAS-TÜBITAK Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2025 for Researchers from Developing Countries

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) and the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) invite applications for their 2025 postdoctoral fellowship programme. This initiative offers a unique “sandwich” fellowship model specifically for researchers from developing countries in the Global South. It aims to support young scientists who wish to advance their PhD research in Turkey, working at public and private universities or TÜBİTAK-affiliated research centers.

About The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)

Founded in 1983 by Nobel laureate Abdus Salam, TWAS was established with the mission of empowering developing nations by strengthening their capacities in science and engineering. By fostering knowledge and skills, TWAS believes developing countries can tackle key issues like hunger, disease, and poverty. Based in Trieste, Italy, TWAS has since received crucial support from Italian scientists and political leaders, and it plays a critical role in promoting scientific collaboration across the Global South.

Programme Overview: TWAS-TÜBITAK Postdoctoral Fellowship

Application Deadline: 16 December 2024
Location: Turkey
Sponsorship: The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)
Eligibility: Open to male and female scholars from developing countries in the Global South.

This fellowship programme aims to provide promising researchers with resources to further their studies and build robust scientific networks. TWAS will cover travel and visa-related costs, while TÜBİTAK will provide a monthly stipend for accommodation, living expenses, and healthcare for minor illnesses. Tuition and other study-related fees should be waived by the host institution, ensuring minimal costs for the researcher.

Benefits of the Programme

• Travel and Visa Support: TWAS will cover round-trip travel expenses between the researcher’s home country and Turkey and manage any necessary visa costs.
• Living Allowance: TÜBİTAK will grant a monthly stipend to cover accommodation and basic living expenses.
• Healthcare and Study Fees: Basic healthcare for minor ailments is provided, with all study fees (including tuition and registration) expected to be waived by the host institutions in Turkey.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Nationality and Residency: Must be a permanent resident and national of a developing country in the Global South.
2. Special Focus: Preference is given to candidates from Science and Technology Lagging Countries (STLC) and female applicants.
3. Academic Status: Candidates must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in the natural or applied sciences, be no older than 35 by 31 December 2024, and be enrolled in a PhD programme at a recognized institution in their home country or another developing nation. Additionally, they must have either passed their PhD qualifying exams or be at an advanced stage of their PhD research.
4. Host Institution Acceptance: Applicants must obtain a formal Acceptance Letter from a university or TÜBİTAK research center in Turkey.
5. English Proficiency: Applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency through official language tests or university-issued certificates.
6. Commitment to Home Country: Recipients must return to their home country at the end of their fellowship and must not take up other work during the fellowship.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

• Acceptance Letter: Issued by the chosen Turkish host institution.
• Registration & No Objection Certificate: Confirms that the applicant is in good standing with their home institution and has permission to participate.
• Research Proposal: This form, available on TÜBİTAK’s website, outlines the research goals and methodology.
• Proof of English Proficiency: If applicable, provide test results or a certificate from an academic institution confirming English language skills.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the following steps:

1. Create a Profile: Set up a profile on the TÜBİTAK Researcher Information System (ARBİS) at https://arbis.tubitak.gov.tr.
2. Submit Application: Applications must be submitted via the TÜBİTAK online application system, accessible through the TYBS portal (giris-tybs.tubitak.gov.tr).

For additional information, applicants are encouraged to refer to the official guidelines available on TWAS’s website or TÜBİTAK’s page detailing international scholarships.