OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESEARCH COOPERATION VISITS

WITH CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE IN ITALY FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS

FROM CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (TWAS), in collaboration with OWSD, is pleased to announce the offer of research internships to young scientists from Caribbean.  This offer ensures that successful applicants will carry out research visits in selected laboratories in Italian institutions of the Scientific Innovation System of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (www.sisfvg.it).

These internships, three months in duration, are meant to carry out collaborative research projects and/or training in the fields that fall under the umbrella of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  This collaboration was borne out of a need to respond to recent climatic disruptions in Caribbean Countries that have increased the challenges that hinder sustainable development.

It is expected the Science-based solutions can build resilience by helping in fields such as preparedness for risk-reduction, virtuous agriculture and new crop varieties, green energy, waste management, blue economy, modelling, etc. Strengthened scientific skills and strategic collaborations are critical to improving the lives of communities.  To be considered for this opportunity applicants must: -

• be no more than the maximum age of 40 years on 31 December, 2024;
• hold an MSc (or higher degree);
• be nationals of Saint Lucia; and
• hold a research position in a Caribbean country.

Particular attention will be given to women scientists and to research projects that fall within the field of sustainability science.  Only applications for the fields specified in the link following and those listed in the application form will be considered https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE

• Fellowships for research visits are awarded by the Selection Committee on the basis of scientific merit.
• Applications should be completed in English.
• Applicants need to submit the complete application form duly signed and send it to the TWAS secretariat. Applications may be sent by email as long as pages with signatures are sent as scanned documents. Incomplete/unsigned applications will NOT be accepted.
• Material requested:

1. the completed application form
2. copy of passport, even if expired. Only the page with personal details is required
3. the applicant’s curriculum vitae including a statement on interests and future plans with reference to sustainable science in the home country
4. full list of publications (do not enclose reprints of articles).
5. a recent invitation letter obtained through one of the eligible host laboratories listed above which should contain the proposed time of the visit (3 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 in terms of the timing of the visit and the facilities available.
6. copy of the MSc certificate.
7. recent letters of recommendation, which must be submitted separately to TWAS by two referees who are familiar with the applicant’s work. N.B. Only signed reference letters can be accepted

IMPORTANT NOTE

Ensure ALL documents listed below are included with the completed application form: -

• Copy of passport, even if expired. Only the page with personal details is required;
• A recent invitation letter obtained through one of the eligible research laboratories signed by the host Professor.  Curriculum Vitae and complete list of publications (do not send papers); the CV needs to detail interests and describe future plans of the applicant with reference to sustainable development in their home country
• Copy of the MSc certificate.
• Recent reference letters: Referees MUST send SIGNED letters as attachments directly to TWAS (exchanges@twas.org), the subject must contain the candidate’s surname OR letters must be sent in sealed envelopes by post. N.B. Only signed reference letters can be accepted

For more information on this internship opportunity, application form and the list of participating host institutions, please visit https://tinyurl.com/italy-opportunities.

Please complete application form and include all required documentation and send your application by email to exchanges@twas.org

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. Contact email: exchanges@twas.org

Deadline for submission of applications is October 14, 2024.    

Please be guided accordingly.

August 23, 2024