Researchers from developing countries, with the exception of Brazil, interested in pursuing a full doctorate in Brazilian institutions can apply until January 31, 2025 in the call in partnership between CNPq and the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) of UNESCO.
The initiative is part of the joint CNPq/Unesco/TWAS scholarship program provided for in a Cooperation Agreement signed in January 2024, which continued the partnership between CNPq and TWAS signed in 2004, with the aim of promoting scientific and technological cooperation between developing countries, especially in the field of natural sciences.
The program, which will be funded with a total of R$8,6 million by CNPq, will offer up to 50 doctoral scholarships. In addition, TWAS will provide financial support for visa and airfare expenses for the scholarship recipients. The support will include up to US$250 for visa procedures in the home country and two round-trip tickets between the home country and the host institution in Brazil. Only graduate programs rated 5, 6 and 7 by CAPES are authorized to receive students and researchers through this scholarship program.
The areas of knowledge covered by the CNPq/TWAS program are aligned with Brazil's strategic needs in science, technology and innovation, covering topics with great technological and innovative potential. Areas of interest include agricultural sciences, structural and molecular biology, biological systems and organisms, medical and health sciences, chemical sciences, engineering sciences, astronomy, earth sciences, mathematics, physics, social and economic sciences, as well as computing and information technology.
The call aims to collaborate with developing countries in the training of researchers; promote scientific and technological advancement in strategic areas; encourage the internationalization of Brazilian universities; and create cooperation networks between foreign scientists and Brazilian institutions. The program also seeks to promote education and scientific dissemination for the general public, involving schools, museums, science centers, zoos and other institutions dedicated to the popularization of knowledge.
To ensure the inclusion of a greater number of countries, the program reserves at least 10% of the vacancies for candidates from less developed countries, a list of which can be found on the CNPq and TWAS websites. In addition, women researchers are encouraged to apply, reinforcing the commitment to gender equality in science. It is worth noting that Brazilian researchers and students, even those with dual nationality, are not eligible for this call, but can participate in other TWAS scholarship programs.
CNPq and TWAS/Unesco Partnership
Over the past 13 years, the partnership between the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) has benefited 337 scholarship holders from 29 countries, mostly from Asia. Over this period, more than R$31 million has been invested, earmarked for the payment of scholarships, research fees and travel allowances.
This strategic collaboration is essential to align Brazilian foreign policy with scientific and technological development through training programs for foreign researchers in Brazil. Areas such as chemistry, physics and biological sciences, which are in high demand in the program, are especially strengthened.
The CNPq/TWAS scholarship program provides a dual benefit: it allows foreign researchers to develop solutions to regional problems, contributing to the advancement of their countries, while promoting the internationalization of Brazilian institutions, creating research networks and scientific partnerships that accelerate Brazil's innovation potential.
Access the MCTI/CNPq/TWAS Call No. 45/2024 here.
Source: CNPq
