Arama

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.

• A guide containing important principles and rules regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) has been prepared in order to protect research integrity, data privacy, and the transparency of processes in TÜBİTAK support processes. It is of great importance that you carefully review the “Guide on the Responsible and Trustworthy Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Support Processes” before starting the application and research processes.

Within the application period, the application can be withdrawn from the online system.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.