The UNTBLDC-TWAS-ICGEB South-South Programme for Exchanges and Collaborations provides scientists from LDCs who hold a MSc, preferably a PhD, and who are maximum 45 years old, with the opprtunity to pay a visit to either the ICGEB Cape Town, South Africa or the ICGEB New Delhi, India 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 at the host institution, while the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, as host institution, will provide the laboratory facilities and the research support. The administration and financial operation of TWAS is undertaken by UNESCO in accordance with an agreement signed by the two organizations.   Eligibility Applicants must be a maximum age of 45 years on 31 December of the application year; Applicants must have a MSc, preferably a PhD; Applicants must be living and working in a Least Developed Country (LDC); Women scientists are especially encouraged to apply; Proposals need to be on projects relevant to            ICGEB Cape Town: Parasitic Diseases (tuberculosis, African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis and helminthic infections); Human viral diseases (emerging viruses); Cancer; Biopesticides; Systems Biology or ICGEB New Delhi: Agricultural biotechnology (Crop improvement, biotic and abiotic stress resistance); Human Viral Diseases (dengue, tuberculosis, Covid19 etc.); Human Parasitic Diseases (Malaria); Recombinant Diagnostics & Vaccines development; Cancer; Biofuels. Submitting your application Applicants must complete the online application form by clicking on the 'Apply now' button at the bottom of this page. 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 – which 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 supervisor 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 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 favourable to the application and that the applicant will be granted leave to take up the cooperation visit in South Africa or India if awarded. Timescale and recommendations for applicants It is strongly recommended that you start the process well in advance as the following stages are required: study the host institution website to consider research areas and possible host supervisor; get in touch with potential host supervisor to introduce yourself and discuss research plan for a possible visit; should there be an agreement, obtain acceptance letter from potential host supervisor; register on the online platform, fill in the form and upload all documentation to submit your application. Other information The UNTBLDC-TWAS-ICGEB South-South 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 hereunder, in the event that the applicant intentionally or negligently fails to fulfil 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. Please be advised that applicants may apply for only one programme per calendar year in the TWAS and OWSD portfolio. Applicants will not be eligible to visit another institution in that year under the TWAS Visiting Professorprogrammes. One exception: the head of an institution who invites an external scholar to share his/her expertise under the TWAS Visiting Professor programmes may still apply for another programme.   Contact email:  exchanges@twas.org