With the support of the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), TWAS is launching a new programme to strengthen the research capacity of selected countries in the MENA region (Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, State of Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen).
The grants are up to USD 60,000 for equipment, consumables, and other laboratory components.
The programme is aimed at young scientists from a number of selected Middle Eastern and North African countries, as well as for diaspora from these countries. It focuses on capacity building in science and education in the target countries, with particular emphasis on research and academic training, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations with German laboratories. Male applicants must be 40 years old or younger. Female applicants may add 2 years to the age limit for each child (up to 3 children), for a maximum eligible age of 46.
Grants are awarded to promising and competitive research projects in key areas relevant to the ‘High-Tech Agenda Germany (HTAD)’: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technologies, Microelectronics, Biotechnology, Fusion and Climate-Neutral Energy Transition, Technology for Climate-Neutral Mobility, Aerospace, Health Research, Marine, Climate and Sustainability Research, and selected fields of the Humanities and Social Sciences.
For full details on eligibility requirements and the application process, please see
https://twas.org/opportunity/grants-transformative-and-collaborative-research-middle-east-and-north-africa-gtcr-mena
Call opening: 23 February 2026.
Deadline to apply: 16 April 2026 (23:59, CET)
For any queries, please contact: gtcr@twas.org
** Please do share this information to any outstanding researcher in your network who may be interested in this funding opportunity**
