2216B – TÜBİTAK-TWAS Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Fellowship Programmes

2216B - TÜBİTAK-TWAS Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Fellowship Programmes Call for 2024/1

2216B - TÜBİTAK-TWAS Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Fellowship Programmes, conducted in collaboration with TÜBİTAK-BİDEB and UNESCO-TWAS, is open for applications between 01 October 2024-16 December 2024.

Applications can be submitted through tybs.tubitak.gov.tr until 16 December 2024 at 17:30 Türkiye time. 

The purpose of the programme, which was prepared in cooperation with BİDEB-TÜBITAK and TWAS-UNESCO, is to advance international cooperation of Türkiye in science and technology by providing financial support to international researchers from developing countries who have received their PhD or are still registered to a doctoral programme abroad in the natural and the related applied sciences.

Please click on the link below to see call text.

Within the scope of the program, the young researchers are provided with the following support;

• Monthly fellowship (stipend) to cover living costs in Türkiye;

• Visa costs at the start of the program;

• Air ticket to (Tickets to reach Türkiye at the beginning of the fellowship and the return journey on completion of the fellowship)

Amount and Duration of the Support

• For doctoral students: A monthly stipend of 24.000 Turkish Liras and the duration of the support is minimum 6 months and maximum 12 months.

• For postdoctoral researchers: A monthly stipend of 32.000 Turkish Liras the duration of the support is minimum 6 months and maximum 36 months.

• All applicants must register in the Researcher Information System (ARBIS), designed and developed by TÜBİTAK from the following link ARBİS before submitting their application electronically via TÜBİTAK scholarship application portal, which can be reached at e-bideb.

• Please make sure that you upload all required documents in the online application system. The application system will be open during the application period. You can make changes in your information and upload new documents before confirming your application.

• Documents to be uploaded to the application system must be in English.

• Documents without signature are not accepted.

• Acceptance Letter must be taken from the highest authority of the host institution. The highest authority of the host institution is in the case of universities, the rector or the authorized vice-chancellor, the director of the public research centers in Türkiye.

• All application documents must be prepared prepared according to the template of TÜBİTAK-TWAS. Documents in different formats will not be accepted. For the templates, please see the “application forms”.

• TÜBİTAK will be responsible for a monthly allowance to cover accommodation/living expenses and medical facilities for minor ailments as available in Türkiye at amounts to be specified by TÜBİTAK.

• TWAS will cover one air ticket to reach Türkiye at the beginning of the fellowship and the return journey on completion of the fellowship, and visa related expenses incurred at the start of the programme.

• Candidates must organize their own comprehensive medical insurance for the period of their stay to meet any untoward incidents and major ailments before travelling to Türkiye.

• There is no retroactive payment to the fellows who choose to arrive to Türkiye by their own means before the date on the acceptance letter.

• TÜBİTAK and TWAS reserve the right to make changes to this call announcement at any time.

• Be permanent residents and nationals of a developing country other than the host country (the dual citizens, the individuals who renounced Turkish citizenship for any reason are not eligible for the application). For the list of the developing countries, please see https://twas.org/developing-countries-south;

• Candidates from Science and Technology Lagging countries (STLC) and women are especially encouraged to apply. For the list of STLC, please see https://twas.org/66-countries.

• Must not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in Türkiyeor any developed country;

• Not currently residing in the host country (Türkiye);

• Having a passport (expired passports can be also accepted);

• Having an English proficiency certificate;*

• Having an official acceptance at an eligible department, institution or laboratory of a public or foundation university in Türkiye or TÜBİTAK Research Centers and Institutes*;

• Not taking up other assignments during the fellowship period;

• Not previously supported under this programme and 2216 – Research Fellowship Programme for International Researchers;

• Candidates 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 under the TWAS Visiting Professor programmes. One exception: The head of an institution who invites an external scholar to share his/her expertise under the TWAS Visiting Professor programmes may still apply for another programme;

• Being financially responsible for any accompanying family members;

• Committing to return to the home country on completion of the fellowship.

For doctoral students;

• Holding a Master’s or equivalent degree in natural and related applied sciences (in the fields specified in the call text);

• By the deadline date of the application, having registered to a doctoral in natural and related applied sciences (in the fields specified in the call text), in a higher education institution in the home country or another developing country. S/he must have successfully passed the  PhD qualifying exam or be  in an advanced stage of their PhD research in natural and related applied sciences (in the fields specified in the call text) taken in the last three months before the application date);

• Being 35 years old or younger on 31 December of the application year.

For post-doctoral researchers;

• Holding a PhD degree in natural and applied sciences (in the fields specified in the call text);**

• Being employed in a developing country (other than the host country) and hold a research assignment there;

• Being 45 years old or younger on 31 December of the application year. 

• *Requests for acceptance must be directed to the chosen host institution(s) in Türkiye, and NOT to TÜBİTAK without preliminary acceptance, the application will not be considered for selection.

*If the medium of education was not English: provide any English test result (national or international) or a home university-issued letter certifying the knowledge of the language. If medium of education was English, please write a brief statement indicating what type of education was in English, e.g. high school, BSc or MSc degrees. Please note that reference letters for English competence will not be accepted.

**Requests for acceptance must be directed to the chosen host institution(s) in Türkiye NOT to TÜBİTAK. Without preliminary acceptance, the application will not be considered for selection. The acceptance letter must be written on the letterhead of the inviting institution and signed by the highest authority of the Host Institute in Türkiye. For the definition of the institution’s highest authority, please see the 11. Definitions and Abbreviations section. The maximum number of academic advisors in Türkiye can be 2 (two). Those having received their PhD from a university in Türkiye are required to receive an acceptance from a university other than the one where they received their doctorate degree, and carry out their research with an academic advisor(s) other than their doctoral thesis advisor.

For the list of universities in Türkiye, see: https://www.yok.gov.tr/universiteler/universitelerimiz

For TÜBİTAK Research Centers and Institutes, see:

• TÜBİTAK MAM, https://mam.tubitak.gov.tr/en

• TÜBİTAK BİLGEM, https://bilgem.tubitak.gov.tr/en/frontpage

• TÜBİTAK UZAY, https://uzay.tubitak.gov.tr/en

• TÜBİTAK SAGE, https://www.sage.tubitak.gov.tr/en

• TÜBİTAK RUTE, https://rute.tubitak.gov.tr/en

• TÜBİTAK UME, https://www.ume.tubitak.gov.tr/en

• TÜBİTAK TÜSSİDE, https://tusside.tubitak.gov.tr/en

• TÜBİTAK TBAE, https://tbae.tubitak.gov.tr/en

• TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM, https://ulakbim.tubitak.gov.tr/en

• TÜBİTAK National Observatory, https://tug.tubitak.gov.tr/en

• TÜBİTAK BUTAL, https://butal.tubitak.gov.tr/en 

Eligible fields:

• Agricultural Sciences

• Structural, Cell. & Molecular Biology

• Biological Systems & Organisms

• Medical & Health Sciences, including Neurosciences

• Chemical Sciences

• Engineering Sciences

• Astronomy, Space & Earth Science

• Mathematical Sciences

• Physics

• Computing and Information Technology.

Method of Application

• To be able to submit the online application form to TÜBİTAK, the candidate must first create a profile on the platform in the TÜBİTAK Researcher Information System (ARBIS) that is available at ARBİS.

• The information of the researchers in the Researcher Information System (ARBIS) to apply for the programme and the academic advisor(s) in Türkiye must be up-to-date before applying online.

• Applications are submitted online via the TÜBİTAK online application system through TYBS within the dates indicated in the call announcement.

• During the application stage, it is sufficient to upload the documents into the application system and they are not required to be delivered to BIDEB by email or post.

• Documents to be uploaded to the application system must be in English. Documents prepared in other languages must be accompanied by their certified English translations.

Within the application period, the application can be withdrawn from the online system.  After the application period is over, a signed petition stating the application year and period for withdrawal process in the evaluation stage should be sent to BIDEB. An update will be made after the petition reaches to BIDEB.

Application Documents

It is mandatory to upload the documents listed below to the application system, during the online application period. Templates for these documents are available for download.

• Research proposal form prepared in the format determined by TÜBİTAK;

• Acceptance letter of the candidate's chosen host institute in Türkiye signed by the Head of the institute. (Without preliminary acceptance, the application will not be considered for selection);*

• Scanned copy of the identity and visa sections of the passport;

• English proficiency certificate. **

Additional documents specific to doctoral students

• The official/notarized copy of the Master degree’s certificate;

• The official Registration & No Objection Certificate indicating that the candidate is registered as a PhD student abroad and that he/she is successful in PhD proficiency exam/being an advanced stage of their PhD research is taken in the last three months before the application date (It can also mention briefly the timeline and research work planned).

Additional documents specific to postdoctoral researchers

• The official/notarized copy of PhD diploma. If the diploma of the applicant is not ready, a temporary graduation certificate or an official letter on the applicant’s graduation can be accepted;

• Supporting statement from the head/director of the applicant’s current employer on official headed paper to prove that you are employed there and will be given leave, if granted the award.

* The acceptance letter must be written on the letterhead of the inviting institution and signed by the highest authority of the Host Institute in Türkiye. The maximum number of academic advisors in Türkiye can be 2.

**If the medium of education was not English: provide evidence in English, e.g. standardized test card (TOEFL, IELTS etc.) or a home university-issued letter certifying the knowledge of the language. If medium of education was English, please write a brief statement indicating what type of education was in English, e.g. high school, BSc or MSc degrees. This statement must be signed and dated by the applicant.

A maximum of 25 researchers will be supported per year. The applications are evaluated in two phases.

Preliminary Assessment

Application documents are checked during a preliminary assessment. Applications which do not fulfil the requirements or are lacking any requested documents, missing documentation in the requested format or are not submitted  within the application period,  or submitted by fax or e-mail will be  returned without being subjected to scientific evaluation.

Scientific Evaluation

Evaluation is based solely on documents uploaded to the application system. For this reason, the documentation for each requirement must be uploaded to the system in clear and determined context. (Documents which only contain links of web pages will not be considered.)

The results of the evaluation are determined by Group Executive Committee and submitted to the Presidency. The applications which will be supported and the amount of the support will be  finalized by the approval of the TÜBİTAK Presidency and TWAS.

A scientific evaluation is carried out by expert panelists/consultants based on the evaluation criteria.

1. Excellence

   The Quality and credibility of the research/innovation project; level of novelty, inter/multidisciplinary aspects.

   The Quality and appropriateness of the training and of the two-way transfer of knowledge between the researcher and the host.

   The scientific competence of the academic advisor(s) in Türkiye and the integration of the researcher with the institution/organization in which the research will be conducted

2. Implementation

   Consistent and effective methodology and work plan: Work packages, Success Criteria.

   Compliance of project management structure and monitoring processes including risk management.

   Appropriateness of the infrastructure of the institution/organization to which the research will be conducted.

3. Impact

   Widespread impact of project outputs.

   Quality of delivery of project activities to different target groups.

   Effects on career development of young researcher.

The fellow is obliged to initiate the research and fellowship within 12 months of the announcement of the support decision by coming to Türkiye. The status of the fellows who cannot start their research due to health, natural disaster and similar force majeure and other reasons can be evaluated by GYK and the fellowship initiation period can be deferred up to 6 months at the most. A fellow who does not begin his/her research within 12 months without the decision of the GYK cannot claim any rights on the fellowship.

Required Documents to Initiate the Fellowship

• Selected candidates will be sent an official award letter jointly signed by TÜBİTAK and TWAS-UNESCO. Before any visa and travel arrangements can start, fellows must sign the award letter and return it to TWAS-UNESCO and BİDEB-TÜBİTAK.

• Letter of commitment signed by the researcher and the academic advisor(s) at the university in which the research will be carried out.

• If the research requires, the approval certificate obtained from the Ethics Committee of the university in which the research will be conducted or from any relevant Ethics Committee, should be submitted to BİDEB. 

After the submission of the above-mentioned documents to BİDEB, support payments of the fellow will be initiated based on the starting date of the research.

General Provisions

• The fellow is obliged to initiate the research and fellowship within 12 months of the date of the award letter. The status of the fellows who cannot start their research due to health, natural disaster and similar force majeure and other reasons can be evaluated by GYK and the fellowship initiation period can be deferred up to 6 months at the most. A fellow who does not begin his/her research within 12 months without the decision of the GYK cannot claim any rights on the fellowship.

• The fellow is obliged to report all kinds of fellowship or financial support, which are received from another institution in Türkiye during the fellowship period to BİDEB within 15 days from the starting date of the support. If the fellow has some financial support received from another institution, the amount of the support within the scope of this programme might be separately determined by the GYK.

• The fellows have to maintain their research studies full-time during the fellowship period. The fellow is obliged to inform TÜBİTAK about any short or long-term visits away from the host institution and the duration of such visits within 10 days of the occurrence causing the time away. Duration of time away for less than 15 days per year shall not interrupt the fellowship payment. For any durations longer than 15 days GYK and the Presidency may consider temporary suspension, repeal or cancelation of the fellowship. In such a scenario, any stipend paid for this period will have to be returned to BİDEB by the fellow.

• Those who receive fellowship within the scope of this programme cannot receive project incentive bonus (PTI), fees, royalties, and similar financial support from other projects supported by TÜBİTAK at the same time.

• In the case of those who receive or are eligible to receive fellowship from other programmes of TÜBİTAK, this situation should be reported to TÜBİTAK in writing by the fellow. If otherwise determined, the fellow is obliged to pay back the entire fellowship amount to BİDEB along with the legal interest.

• It is essential for the fellows to complete his/her research successfully within the fellowship period assigned by TÜBİTAK and TWAS-UNESCO. If fellows, who are supported for less than the maximum support period wish to extend their fellowship, they should deliver the following documents to BİDEB 2 months before the end date of the fellowship period:
  Request Form for Fellowship Extension. The form must include the summary of the research carried out by the fellow during the period of support and justification for the fellowship extension. The form must be signed by both, the fellow and academic advisor(s) in Türkiye.
  A detailed research report on the studies that will be carried out within the requested period. This report should be prepared in the “Progress Report” format in the Application Forms available on the official programme website.

If the request for extension is deemed appropriate by GYK, it will be finalized with the approval of the TÜBİTAK Presidency and UNESCO-TWAS. The extended period cannot exceed fifty percent of the initially awarded support period of the fellowship.

Once the extension is approved, an official addendum to the TÜBİTAK-TWAS-UNESCO award letter will be sent to the fellow for signing. The signed addendum must be returned to BIDEB and UNESCO-TWAS.

• In case of non-compliance with the obligations, action is taken in accordance with the provisions of this Call Announcement and the Letter of Commitment.

Progress and Final Reports

• In relation to their research, the fellows should upload progress and final reports to the online monitoring system on the dates specified by TÜBİTAK. It is sufficient to upload the reports to the online monitoring system and it is not required to deliver them to BİDEB by post.

• A progress report is not requested from the fellows whose support periods are less than 10 months, and it is sufficient for them to upload their final reports to the online monitoring system on the dates specified by TÜBİTAK. Fellows whose support period is determined as 10 months and more are required to upload progress report(s) every 6 months following the start date of their research and a final report within 2 months of the end date of their research.

• Progress reports can be uploaded to the online monitoring system no more than 10 days after the submission dates specified by TÜBİTAK. In case of any delay of the submission of progress reports, the fellowship payments will not be paid and the fellow will be given an additional period of 2 months. The fellowship payments of the fellows who submit their progress reports within the given time period will continue where they left off. The support given to the fellows who do not submit their progress reports to BİDEB within 2 months without relying on force majeure reasons may be repealed or canceled with the decision of the Group Executive Committee (GYK) and the approval of the Presidency.

• If the final report is not uploaded to the online monitoring system within 2 months following the research end date, the fellow can request additional time with a reasoned and signed petition. If the request is considered appropriate by the GYK, additional time may be given for the completion of the report. The fellowship support of the fellow who does not submit their final reports to BİDEB in the additional time given, can be repealed or canceled by the GYK decision and the approval of the Presidency.

• Progress and final reports are evaluated by academic experts to be assigned by BİDEB. Reports that are not sufficient as a result of the evaluation are requested to be revised within 2 months. The support of the fellow who does not send the necessary revisions within the given time period or whose revised reports are not accepted can be repealed or canceled by the decision of the GYK and with the approval of the Presidency. 

• TÜBİTAK and TWAS-UNESCO support should be stated in the publications within the scope of the programme and, if available, the publication should be uploaded to the online monitoring system in addition to the progress and final reports.

Change of Host Institution, Mentor or Research Title

• In case of a request to change the host institution/organization or the academic advisor(s) in Türkiye, the fellow should apply to BİDEB  submitting the following documents:
  Request Form to Change of Host Institution/Academic Advisor(s). The fellow and the current, and the new academic advisor(s) in Türkiye must be signed the relevant parts of the this form.
  The acceptance letter from the highest authority of the new host university in which the research will be conducted.

If GYK decision approves the request, the transfer can proceed. Following the approval, the Letter of Commitment of the fellow will be renewed.

• In case the fellow requests to make changes on the research title without changing the research subject to which it is entitled to support, the fellow must apply to BİDEB along with a letter of justification signed by the fellow and the academic advisor(s) in Türkiye. With the GYK approval, the research title can be changed.

Suspension and Early Cessation

• In the event of a situation requiring the suspension of fellowship based on force majeure, the fellow and the academic advisor(s) in Türkiyemust apply to BİDEB with a justification within 20 days from the date of the incident. Fellowship support can be suspended if GYK deems appropriate. The suspension period may be up to 12 months during the support period and no payment will be made to the fellow during this period. Upon request of the fellow and the academic advisor(s) in Türkiye regarding the resumption of the discontinued support, if deemed appropriate by the GYK, the fellowship support will recommence and the suspension period will be added to the fellowship period.

• In the event that no request is submitted by the fellow and the academic advisor(s) in Türkiye for the resumption of support within the suspension time, the support of the fellow can be repealed or canceled by the decision of the GYK and with the approval of the Presidency.

• If the fellow wants to leave the programme earlier than the end date of the fellowship without completing the research, the fellow and academic advisor(s) in Türkiye must apply to BİDEB with appropriate justification. In the case of abandonment of the fellowship without successful completion of the programme the following conditions will apply:
  The fellowship stipend will no longer be paid from the date of abandonment. If a payment was already made, the fellow must refund it.
  The final report that is prepared for research results and outputs obtained until the date the research was stopped must be uploaded to the online monitoring system within 2 months.
  The fellowship support will be repealed or canceled by the decision of the GYK and the approval of the Presidency.

• If the fellow completes the research earlier than the end date of the fellowship, the fellow and academic advisor(s) in Türkiye must apply to BİDEB with a justification. In case of early completion of the research the following applies:
  The monthly fellowship payments will not be paid from the date of completion. If a payment was already made, the fellow must refund.
  The support of the fellow is terminated with GYK decision and with the approval of the Presidency, based on the approval of the final report as a result of the monitoring evaluation by scientific experts.

Ethical Rules

• The fellow and the academic advisor(s) in Türkiye must comply with universal scientific research and scientific publishing rules during the conduct of the research. Where necessary, it is obligatory to obtain the Ethics Committee Approval document and the legal permission from the relevant institutions for the research to be done.

• In case of a violation of the above-mentioned rules, legal actions shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of TÜBİTAK Directive ın Research and Publication Ethics Committee (AYEK).

Other Provisions

• TÜBİTAK will be responsible for a monthly allowance to cover accommodation/living expenses and medical facilities for minor ailments as available in Türkiye at amounts to be specified by TÜBİTAK.

• TWAS will cover one air ticket to reach Türkiye at the beginning of the fellowship and the return journey on completion of the fellowship, and visa related expenses incurred at the start of the programme.

• Candidates must organize their own comprehensive medical insurance for the period of their stay to meet any untoward incidents and major ailments before travelling to Türkiye.

• There is no retroactive payment to the fellows who choose to arrive to Türkiye by their own means before the date on the acceptance letter.

TÜBİTAK - BİDEB (The Department of Science Fellowships and Grant Programmes)

The Coordinatorship of Research and Fellowship Programmes

2216-B TÜBITAK-TWAS Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Fellowship Programmes

Tel: +90 0312 444 66 90

E-mail: bidebtwas@tubitak.gov.tr