Qualified researchers in one or more of the 81 S&T-lagging countries identified by TWAS are invited to form a research consortium with one or two collaborating groups to work on a common problem in basic sciences.
The TWAS Research Grants Programme in Basic Sciences was established in response to the needs of researchers in developing countries, particularly those attached to institutions that lack appropriate research facilities.
Under this scheme, grants can be awarded for research projects in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics either to individual young researchers or to research units in the 81 science-and-technology-lagging countries (S&TLC) identified by TWAS, to enable them to purchase the research facilities they need to enhance their productivity.
The TWAS Research Grants Programme in Basic Sciences aims to:
- Reinforce and promote scientific research in basic sciences in developing countries;
- Strengthen developing countries' endogenous capacity in science;
- Reduce the exodus of scientific talents from the South;
- Build and sustain units of scientific excellence in the 81 S&T-lagging countries identified by TWAS over a longer period to help them achieve a critical mass of highly qualified and innovative scientists capable of addressing real-life problems facing their countries.
Eligibility
- Applying research consortia must be led by a principle investigator (PI) who is a national of a developing country, who holds a PhD and who has good research experience. (Note: The PI will be responsible for the coordination of the research, submission of requested documentation, management of the funds and reporting of the expenses. All TWAS correspondence will be with this ‘consortium PI’).
- Each member of the consortium should operate in a university or research institution in one of the 81 S&T-lagging countries and should also be represented in the proposal by a PI. No age limit is applied to the consortia PIs.
- Applications from women scientists and those working in Least Developed Countries are especially encouraged.
- Individual young scientists or leaders of research units currently holding a TWAS Research Grant in the Basic Sciences are not eligible.
The deadline for receiving applications is 31 August 2015
For further details and application please visit the TWAS Research Grants Programme in Basic Sciences (Consortia) page.
