The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme is an initiative that aims to promote scientific exchange and collaboration between researchers in sub-Saharan Africa and Germany. The program provides grants to researchers from sub-Saharan African countries to visit research institutions in Germany. During their visits, they work with German researchers on joint research projects, attend seminars and workshops, and participate in other scientific activities.
The program is open to researchers in all fields of science, including natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences. The primary objective is to strengthen scientific cooperation between Germany and sub-Saharan Africa and to promote the development of scientific research in the region. The program also aims to foster the exchange of ideas and knowledge between researchers from different countries and to promote the transfer of technology and expertise.
Since its inception, the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme has supported hundreds of researchers from sub-Saharan Africa, providing them with the opportunity to work with leading scientists in Germany and to gain new skills and knowledge. The program has played a crucial role in promoting scientific research in the region and has contributed to the development of new technologies and solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa today.
Overview of TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme is a joint initiative by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the German Research Foundation (DFG). The programme provides funding for scientists from developing countries to undertake research visits to Germany. The aim of the programme is to foster scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange between Germany and developing countries.
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme is open to scientists from sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, South America, and South-East Asia. The programme provides funding for scientists to conduct research visits to German universities, research institutions, and industry. The funding covers travel expenses, accommodation, and a daily allowance. The duration of the research visits is between three months and one year.
The programme is highly competitive, and the selection process is rigorous. Applicants are required to submit a research proposal, a curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation. The proposals are evaluated based on scientific merit, relevance to development, and feasibility. The selection process is conducted by a panel of experts from TWAS and DFG.
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme has been highly successful in promoting scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange between Germany and developing countries. The programme has funded numerous research visits, and many of the scientists who have participated in the programme have gone on to establish long-term collaborations with German institutions. The programme has also helped to build the capacity of developing countries in science and technology.
In conclusion, the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme is a valuable initiative that promotes scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange between Germany and developing countries. The programme provides funding for scientists to conduct research visits to Germany, and it has been highly successful in building scientific capacity in developing countries. The programme is a testament to the commitment of TWAS, DFG, and UNESCO to promoting scientific excellence and international cooperation.
Eligibility Criteria
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme is designed to promote scientific collaboration between researchers from developing countries and Germany. To be eligible for the programme, applicants must meet certain criteria, which vary depending on their status as postdoctoral researchers, female applicants, or nationals.
For Postdoctoral Researchers
Postdoctoral researchers who have obtained their PhD within the last five years are eligible to apply for the programme. They must be nationals of a developing country and hold a PhD in a field of natural sciences, including mathematics and engineering. Applicants must also have a proven track record of research, as evidenced by publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
For Female Applicants
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme is committed to promoting gender equality in science. To this end, female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Female applicants must meet the same eligibility criteria as male applicants, as outlined above.
For Nationals
The programme is open to nationals of developing countries. Applicants must be residing in a developing country at the time of application and must have obtained their PhD or MSc degree within the last ten years. In addition, applicants must have a good command of English or German, as these are the languages used for communication during the programme.
To apply for the programme, applicants must submit a research proposal outlining their project and how it will contribute to scientific collaboration between Germany and their home country. They must also provide a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and two letters of recommendation from senior scientists in their field.
In summary, the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme is open to postdoctoral researchers, female applicants, and nationals of developing countries. Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including holding a PhD or MSc degree, having a proven track record of research, and submitting a research proposal. The programme is committed to promoting scientific collaboration and gender equality in science.
Application Process
Applying for the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme is a straightforward process that requires submitting the required documentation before the submission deadline through the online application form.
Required Documentation
Applicants must provide the following documentation:
- A copy of their passport
- An invitation letter from the host institution in Germany
- Two reference letters from experts in their field
- A copy of their PhD certificate
- A supporting statement from the applicant detailing their research and how it aligns with the host institution’s research interests
- A research proposal outlining the objectives and methodology of the proposed research project
All documents must be submitted in English.
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline for the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme is typically in early September of each year. Applicants are advised to check the programme’s website for the exact deadline as it may vary from year to year.
Online Application Form
To apply for the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme, applicants must complete the online application form available on the programme’s website. The application form requires applicants to provide their personal information, academic and professional background, and details about their proposed research project.
Applicants are advised to carefully review the application guidelines and ensure that they have provided all the required documentation before submitting their application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Overall, the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme provides an excellent opportunity for researchers to collaborate with leading institutions in Germany and advance their research careers.
Funding Details
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme provides funding to support scientific visits for researchers from sub-Saharan African countries to institutions in Germany. The programme is jointly funded by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the German Research Foundation (DFG).
Direct Project Costs
The funding provided by the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme covers direct project costs related to the research project. This includes material and laboratory costs, as well as any other costs directly related to the research project.
Travel and Subsistence Costs
The funding also covers travel and subsistence costs for the researcher during their visit to Germany. This includes flight and rail costs, visa expenses, and a monthly lump sum to cover living expenses such as accommodation, meals, and local transportation.
In addition to the monthly lump sum, the funding also covers maintenance costs for the researcher’s home institution during their absence. This is to ensure that the researcher’s home institution is not negatively impacted by their absence.
Overall, the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme provides a valuable opportunity for researchers from sub-Saharan African countries to gain international research experience and collaborate with leading institutions in Germany.
Collaboration and Host Institutions
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme aims to promote scientific collaboration between Sub-Saharan Africa and Germany. The programme provides opportunities for researchers to visit their counterparts in Germany to work on joint research projects. The collaboration is based on mutual benefit, with both parties contributing their expertise and resources to achieve common goals.
Established Collaboration
The programme has facilitated many successful collaborations between researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa and Germany. These collaborations have led to joint publications, research projects, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. The collaborations have also helped to build lasting relationships between researchers from both regions.
German Host Institutions
German host institutions play a crucial role in the success of the programme. These institutions provide the necessary resources and infrastructure for the visiting researchers to carry out their research projects. The German host institutions also offer opportunities for the visiting researchers to interact with their German counterparts and learn from their experiences.
The German host institutions include universities and research institutes across Germany. These institutions are well-known for their research excellence and have a long history of collaboration with researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa. Some of the German host institutions that have participated in the programme include the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, the University of Heidelberg, and the University of Bonn.
The visiting researchers are hosted by a German professor or researcher who serves as their mentor during their stay in Germany. The host professor provides guidance and support to the visiting researcher and helps them to integrate into the German research community.
In conclusion, the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme has facilitated many successful collaborations between researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa and Germany. The German host institutions have played a crucial role in the success of the programme by providing the necessary resources and infrastructure for the visiting researchers. The programme has also helped to build lasting relationships between researchers from both regions, leading to joint publications, research projects, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
Research and Cooperation
Research Collaboration
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme has been instrumental in fostering research collaboration between African and German scientists. The programme provides opportunities for scientists to visit each other’s institutions and work on joint research projects. This collaboration has led to the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and skills, and has resulted in significant contributions to various research topics.
The research collaboration under the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme has been highly successful, with many joint publications in high-impact scientific journals. The programme has provided African scientists with access to state-of-the-art research facilities, enabling them to conduct cutting-edge research in their respective fields. German scientists, on the other hand, have benefited from the unique perspectives and expertise of their African counterparts.
Joint Research Projects
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme has also facilitated joint research projects between African and German scientists. These projects have addressed a wide range of research topics, including health, agriculture, energy, and the environment. The programme has provided funding for these joint research projects, enabling scientists to carry out their research without financial constraints.
The joint research projects under the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme have yielded significant results. For example, a joint research project on the antibacterial and antiviral activity of crude methanolic extract of Lawsonia inermis leaf in water was conducted, which investigated the effects of three buffer solutions. Another joint research project focused on the occurrence and characterization of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycines, causing bacterial pustules on soybean in Guinea Savanna of Benin.
In conclusion, the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme has been highly successful in promoting research collaboration and joint research projects between African and German scientists. The programme has enabled scientists to exchange knowledge, ideas, and skills, and has resulted in significant contributions to various research topics.
Additional Information
Repeat Stays
Under the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme, scientists from Sub-Saharan Africa are eligible to apply for repeat stays. These repeat stays allow researchers to continue their work in Germany and build on their previous research. Repeat stays are subject to the availability of funds and the approval of the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme. The programme encourages researchers to apply for repeat stays to build long-term collaborations between institutions in Germany and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Useful Information for the Host Institution in Germany
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme provides an information sheet for the host institution in Germany. This sheet contains useful information for the host institution, including information on visa requirements, health insurance, and accommodation. The information sheet also outlines the responsibilities of the host institution, such as providing workspace and access to facilities. The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme encourages host institutions to review the information sheet carefully to ensure that they can provide the necessary support to the visiting researcher.
The programme also recommends that host institutions provide a welcoming and supportive environment for visiting researchers. This can include assigning a mentor or supervisor to the visiting researcher, providing access to networking opportunities, and offering language courses. These efforts can help to ensure that the visiting researcher has a successful and productive visit to Germany.
International Affairs
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme is part of a broader effort to promote international scientific collaboration. The programme is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Italian government. The programme aims to strengthen scientific ties between Germany and Sub-Saharan Africa and to promote the development of scientific capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Useful Information
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme website provides useful information for researchers interested in applying to the programme. The website includes information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and funding opportunities. The website also includes a list of frequently asked questions and a contact form for researchers who have additional questions or concerns.
In summary, the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme provides a valuable opportunity for researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa to conduct research in Germany. The programme encourages repeat stays and provides useful information for host institutions in Germany. The programme is part of a broader effort to promote international scientific collaboration and to develop scientific capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme website provides useful information for researchers interested in applying to the programme.
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