Exchange Program in Italy for Scientists from the Least Developed Countries

The UNTBLDC-TWAS-ICGEB South-North Programme for Exchanges and Collaborations provides scientists from LDCs who hold an MSc, preferably a PhD, and who are a maximum of 45 years old, with the opportunity to pay a visit to the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) laboratories in Trieste, Italy, for the duration of 6 months maximum. The aim of the visit is to provide the opportunity to become acquainted with the scientific process, including how to develop a research project and take it to a successful conclusion and how to teach, train and transfer knowledge to younger students and researchers. Moreover, scientists will be exposed to an international scientific environment which will be an asset in the progression of their careers and will also positively impact their institution of origin.

The United Nations Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries, through TWAS, will cover travel expenses and provide subsistence costs for the stay in Italy, while the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, as the host institution, will provide the laboratory facilities and the research support.

• Applicants must be a maximum age of 45 years on 31 December of the application year;
• Applicants must have an MSc, preferably a PhD;
• Applicants must be living and working in the least Developed Country (LDC);
• Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply;
• Proposals need to be on projects relevant to ICGEB Trieste:

1. Non communicable diseases (cardiovascular disorders; cancer; immunology; neurodegeneration; genetic disease);
2. Human viral diseases (dengue, chikungunya, zika, tick-borne encephalitis viruses, Covid19);
3. Biotherapeutics and Biosimilars;
4. Plant biotechnology and microbiome studies;
5. Computational Biology.

Other Conditions:

• The UNTBLDC-TWAS-ICGEB South-North Programme does not include provisions for accompanying family members.
• Applications for part-time visits will be considered ineligible.
• Successful applicants must not take up other assignments during the period of their visits.
• TWAS shall be entitled to a repayment of all or part of any funds paid to an applicant, in the event that the applicant intentionally or negligently fails to fulfill any or all of the above conditions. The applicant agrees to pay any reasonable legal and/or collection costs incurred by TWAS to obtain the repayment.

Required Documents:

While filling in the online application, applicants also need to upload the following documentation:

• scanned copy of your passport, even if expired (page with your name and surname);
• CV, maximum two pages including a list of your 6 best publications;
• A recent invitation letter from the ICGEB host Professor – on the host institution’s letterhead paper – should contain the proposed time of the visit (up to 6 months) 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 upon in terms of the timing of the visit and the facilities available.
• two reference letters from senior scientists familiar with your work. The letters need to be on headed paper and signed;
• copy of your MSc certificate;
• evidence of proficiency in English;
• supporting statement from the Head/Director of the applicant's home institute: it must confirm that the Head/Director is favorable to the application and that the applicant will be granted leave to take up the cooperation visit in Italy if awarded.

About TWAS:

The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) is a global science academy founded in 1983 in Italy by a distinguished group of scientists from the developing world, under the leadership of Abdus Salam, the Pakistani physicist and Nobel laureate. They shared a belief that developing nations, by building strength in science and engineering, could build the knowledge and skill to address such challenges as hunger, disease, and poverty. From the start, the Academy had essential support from Italian scientists and political leaders. The academy works for the advancement of science in developing countries and supports sustainable prosperity through research, education, policy, and diplomacy.

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