TWAS-CUI Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026: Calling Researchers from the Global South
The World Academy of Sciences has announced applications for the TWAS-CUI Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026, offering young scientists from developing countries the opportunity to undertake postdoctoral research in Pakistan.
The fellowship programme is hosted in partnership with COMSATS University Islamabad and supports research in natural sciences, applied sciences, social sciences, and economic sciences. The programme provides selected fellows with an opportunity to conduct advanced research for a maximum duration of six months at COMSATS University Islamabad campuses and laboratories.
Applications for the fellowship close on 15 June 2026.
About the TWAS-CUI Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme
The TWAS-CUI Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme is designed to strengthen scientific capacity and international academic collaboration across developing countries. The initiative supports early-career researchers seeking to expand their research expertise while contributing to scientific development and knowledge exchange within the Global South.
The fellowship enables researchers to undertake postdoctoral research projects in Pakistan under the supervision of experienced academics and researchers at COMSATS University Islamabad.
The programme also seeks to:
- Promote South-South scientific cooperation
- Strengthen international research collaboration
- Support emerging researchers from developing countries
- Encourage innovation and interdisciplinary research
- Expand academic networks across regions
The fellowship is open to researchers working in both natural sciences and selected social science disciplines.
Research Areas and Academic Fields
TWAS-CUI Fellowships are available across several academic disciplines within the natural, applied, social, and economic sciences.
Eligible research areas include:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Sciences
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Pharmacy
- Biomedical Materials Research
- Management Sciences
- Development Studies
The programme also supports interdisciplinary research initiatives connected to emerging scientific and societal challenges.
Applicants are encouraged to identify suitable supervisors and research departments aligned with their academic interests before submitting their applications.
Fellowship Duration and Structure
The TWAS-CUI Postdoctoral Fellowship supports research stays of up to six months at COMSATS University Islamabad.
Key fellowship details include:
- Maximum fellowship duration: 6 months
- Possible extension: Additional 6 months without financial support
- Host country: Pakistan
- Language of instruction: English
While extensions may be approved jointly by TWAS and CUI, no additional stipend or financial support will be provided during the extended period.
The fellowship is tenable at departments and laboratories across COMSATS University Islamabad campuses.
Financial Support and Benefits
Selected fellows will receive financial assistance from COMSATS University Islamabad to support their stay in Pakistan.
The fellowship package includes:
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Support for accommodation and meals
- Basic health insurance coverage
The stipend is intended to cover daily living costs during the fellowship period and is not convertible into foreign currency.
The programme provides researchers with access to academic facilities, laboratories, and institutional research support while working with host supervisors in Pakistan.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet several academic and residency requirements to qualify for the fellowship.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be nationals of developing countries other than Pakistan
- Not currently reside in Pakistan
- Not hold temporary or permanent residency in Pakistan or any developed country
- Hold a PhD degree in a relevant discipline
- Apply within five years of obtaining their PhD
- Be regularly employed in a developing country and hold an active research assignment there
Applicants in social science fields must possess a PhD specifically related to social sciences.
Candidates are also expected to demonstrate strong academic and research potential as well as commitment to returning to their home country after completing the fellowship.
English Language and Documentation Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English if their previous education was not conducted in English.
Required application materials include:
- Official Acceptance Letter from COMSATS University Islamabad
- Research proposal or research plan
- Academic records and qualifications
- Signed reference letters on official letterhead
- Proof of English proficiency where applicable
TWAS has emphasised that only signed reference letters submitted through the online portal will be accepted.
Obtaining an Acceptance Letter
A preliminary acceptance letter from COMSATS University Islamabad is mandatory for application submission.
Prospective fellows are encouraged to:
- Identify suitable supervisors from the official host supervisor list
- Contact potential academic supervisors early
- Request formal acceptance documentation before the deadline
Applications submitted without an official acceptance letter will not be considered for selection.
Requests for acceptance letters should be directed to:
Applicants are advised to seek acceptance letters as early as possible since only letters issued within the same application year are considered valid.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official TWAS online application portal.
Important application details include:
- Opening Date: 8 May 2026
- Application Deadline: 15 June 2026
- Application Method: Online only
The programme does not accept applications or supporting documents submitted via email or post.
Contact Information
For fellowship-related inquiries, applicants may contact:
TWAS Fellowships Office
ICTP Campus
Trieste, Italy
Email: [email protected]
COMSATS University Islamabad
Mr. Kashif Masood
Deputy Registrar (International)
Email: [email protected]
Summary
The TWAS-CUI Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme offers an important opportunity for researchers from developing countries to strengthen their academic expertise, expand international collaborations, and contribute to scientific advancement through research in Pakistan. By supporting postdoctoral training across diverse disciplines, the programme continues to promote research excellence and South-South cooperation within the global scientific community.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
