TWAS Young Scientists International Awards for Developing Countries 2017

Each year The World Academy of Science (TWAS) awards nine prizes of USD 15,000 each to individual scientists who have been working and living in a developing country for at least 10 years.

Application Deadline: 31st March 2017

Offered Annually: Yes

Eligible  Countries: All developing countries

Fields of Study: Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Earth, Astronomy and Space Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Mathematics, Medical Sciences, Physics and Social Sciences.

About Scholarship: TWAS, the African Union (AU) and national ministries of science and technology, Italy are entering into partnership with national science academies, scientific research councils and high-level research organizations in Africa to institute ‘AU-TWAS Young Scientist National Awards’.

The awards are designed to recognize scientific excellence in their countries.

Selection Criteria: African organizations intending to award AU-TWAS Young Scientist National Awards in their respective countries are required to sign an agreement of collaboration with TWAS, the AU and their national ministry of science and technology that outlines the rules and regulations governing the scheme. The scheme is then managed by the participating organization while TWAS and the AU provide the prize money.

Eligibility: 

• Candidates for a TWAS Prize must be scientists who have been working and living in a developing country for at least ten years immediately prior to their nomination. They must meet at least one of the following qualifications:
  • Scientific research achievement of outstanding significance for the development of scientific thought.
  • Outstanding contribution to the application of science and technology to sustainable development.
• Members of TWAS and candidates for TWAS membership are not eligible for TWAS Prizes.
• Self-nominations will not be considered.

Nominations:

• TWAS is inviting nominations from all its members as well as science academies, national research councils, universities and scientific institutions in developing and developed countries.
• Nominations must be made on the nomination form and clearly state the contribution the candidate has made to the development of the particular field of science for which the prize would be awarded.
• The nominee’s CV and her/his complete list of publications are also required.
• Nominations of women scientists and scientists from scientifically lagging countries are particularly encouraged.
• Nominations for the 2016 prizes must be submitted to the address shown below.
• The re-nomination of a previously declined candidate shall be accepted only if it bears substantially new elements for judgment.

Selection:  Selection of the awardees is made on scientific merit and on the recommendations of the selection committees composed of TWAS members. The names of the winners will be announced on the first day of the TWAS 28th General Meeting.

Number of Awards: 9

Value of Award: 

• USD15,000
• Each prize is accompanied by a medal.
• Prizes are usually presented on a special occasion, often coinciding with the General Meeting of TWAS.

Duration of Award: Onetime

How to Apply

A committee of eminent scientists in the country — including TWAS members, where applicable — should be formed for selecting the prize winners. Names of committee members should be sent to TWAS for information.

The awarding organizations should send a complete profile of the selected nominees to TWAS, providing details on their achievements together with curriculum vitae and list of publications. Approval of TWAS and the AU is required before announcing the names of the winners.

The prize should be presented to the awardees by a high-ranking public figure (e.g., head of state/government, minister of science and technology) at a special ceremony held each year on 9 September: Africa Union Day.

Visit the Scholarship Webpage for Details