TWAS-DFG Cooperation Postdoctoral Visits Programme – SSA (2025-2026)
- Omran Aburayya
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
If you are an ambitious postdoctoral researcher from sub-Saharan Africa eager to expand your academic horizons and establish international research collaborations, the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme is now accepting applications for its 2025-2026 cycle! This exciting opportunity allows you to undertake a three-month research visit to a leading institute in Germany, aimed at fostering long-term scientific partnerships. Applications are now open—don't miss this chance to boost your career and contribute to impactful global research collaborations.
🗒️ TWAS-DFG Program Summary
Location: Germany
Host Institution: Research institutes across Germany
Academic Level: Postdoctoral
Target Group: Postdoctoral researchers from sub-Saharan Africa
Fields of Focus: All academic fields
Funding: Travel expenses and subsistence costs fully covered
Duration: 3 months
Application Deadline: 19 May 2025
Start Date: Visits to take place between February 2026 and February 2027
Eligible to: Postdoctoral researchers residing and working in sub-Saharan Africa
🎓 Programme Overview
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme, a partnership between The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the German Research Foundation (DFG), offers early-career African scientists the unique opportunity to collaborate with leading German researchers. The programme is designed to initiate and nurture scientific collaborations that may evolve into long-term research projects. Visits are expected to last three months and must be completed within 12 months of the award notification.
🧩 Structure and Activities
During the visit, scholars will engage in collaborative research, gain access to world-class research facilities, and develop meaningful academic relationships. While the programme does not fund family accompaniment, it emphasizes a full-time commitment to research activities at the host institution.
🎁 Programme Benefits
Full coverage of travel costs to and from Germany
Subsistence allowance during the three-month stay
Access to top-tier research facilities in Germany
Opportunity to initiate long-term research collaborations
No age limit for applicants
Special support measures for women scientists, including PhD year flexibility for maternity
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Hold a PhD obtained in 2020 or later (extended for female applicants with children: 2018 or later for one child, 2016 for two children, and 2014 for three or more).
Be actively engaged in research, teaching, or postgraduate training in a sub-Saharan African country for at least five years.
Not have an existing collaboration with the proposed German host (no prior co-publications, no previous supervision relationships, etc.).
Not currently be residing in Germany.
Not have been previous recipients of a TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visit.
Have proficiency in English or German.
Submit a mutually agreed-upon research proposal with the German host.
📝 Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted online through the official TWAS portal. Required documents include:
Scanned copy of your passport (even if expired)
Recent invitation letter from a German host (max two pages, outlining the visit duration and proposed cooperation)
Two reference letters from senior scientists
Copy of PhD certificate
Proof of English or German proficiency
Supporting statement from the Head/Director of your home institution confirming leave for the visit if awarded
⚠️ Important:
A detailed and jointly developed research proposal must be ready before applying.
Only full-time visits are allowed.
Applicants must apply to only one TWAS/OWSD programme per calendar year.
ℹ️ Additional Information
The administration of the programme is managed by UNESCO on behalf of TWAS. The results of the selection process are expected by January/February 2026. Successful candidates must plan their visits between February 2026 and February 2027.
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