The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme offers postdoctoral scientists from sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, a chance to participate in a three-month research collaboration at a German institution. These visits should take place within a year after receiving the award.
TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme
The primary objective of these visits is to foster research collaboration between African and German scientists, with the eventual goal of establishing long-term connections, potentially through other programs offered by the German Research Foundation or Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).
The DFG will cover travel expenses and provide financial support for subsistence during the stay in Germany. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) administers and manages the financial aspects of the TWAS program through a signed agreement between the two organizations.
Benefit
- DFG will fund travel expenses and offer financial support for the duration of the visit in Germany. The management and financial activities of TWAS are managed by UNESCO as per a formal agreement between the two organizations.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for applicants are as follows:
- Applicants must hold a PhD that was obtained no earlier than 2019. Female applicants can have their PhD completion year extended by two years for each child, offering additional flexibility in their eligibility. For instance, a woman with one child may have obtained her PhD in 2017 or later. This extension for female applicants is limited to a maximum of three children, which equals a total of six years. Hence, the PhD of a female applicant with three or more children should not have been obtained before 2013.
- Applicants must be nationals of a sub-Saharan African country, which includes South Africa. Additionally, they must hold a research position in a sub-Saharan African country.
- Applicants who are already in Germany are not eligible for this opportunity.
- Ineligible applicants include those who have already established collaborations with their intended host institution during the program. This includes scenarios such as having a common publication with the host professor, a previous visit to the host laboratory, interactions resulting from a meeting at a conference, or the host professor having been the applicant’s MSc or PhD supervisor.
- Individuals who have previously received a TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visit grant are not allowed to reapply for the same opportunity. If a second visit is desired, the German host can seek funding through the DFG Initiation of International Collaboration Programme.
- Women scientists are particularly encouraged to submit their applications, promoting gender equality and representation in the field.
- All academic fields will be considered for this opportunity.
How to Apply
To apply, candidates are required to fill out the online application form online by selecting the ‘Apply now’ button. Along with completing the form, applicants must also upload certain documents, including:
- a scanned copy of their passport (specifically the page displaying their name and surname)
- a recent invitation letter from a German host:
- A letter from the host institution, not exceeding two pages, on their official letterhead
- Should include the planned duration of the visit (up to 3 months) and mention the intended collaboration, with results to be announced in spring 2024
- Must show that both the applicant and host have agreed on the research proposal to be submitted
- Confirmation that the required research facilities are accessible.
- Two recommendation letters from experienced scientists who are familiar with your work. The letters should be on official letterhead and signed.
- A copy of your PhD certificate.
- Applicants must demonstrate their competency in either English or German language as a requirement for their application.
- Endorsement from the Head/Director of your home institute, confirming support for your application and granting permission for you to participate in the cooperation visit in Germany if selected.
For additional information please visit the official website of TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme.
Application Deadline
June 5, 2024.
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