APS-EPS-ICTP Travel Award Fellowship Programme (ATAP) 2026 (With up to 5,000 EUR in Funding) - Due Date: March 31, 2026
Description:
Applications are currently open for the APS-EPS-ICTP Travel Award Fellowship Programme (ATAP) 2026 by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP). The fellowship aims to promote international scientific collaboration and capacity building by supporting early-career researchers from developing countries.
The programme provides a grant of up to €5,000 to cover major expenses for a two-month consecutive research visit to a participating laboratory in Europe (excluding Italy), North America, or an advanced developing country.
Requirements:
- Be a doctoral student or an early-career physicist (within 10 years of the completion of their PhD) and preferably under the age of 45.
- Be a national of a developing country, currently studying or working either in their home country or in another developing country.
- Undertake a two-month visit to a laboratory in the different branches of the physical sciences, with which they already have an established collaboration. Special consideration will be given to applicants returning to their alma mater. Expected outcomes include strengthening existing collaborations, establishing new ones, advancing world-class research, enhancing publication records, and—where applicable—making use of laboratory facilities already familiar to the applicant. In exceptional cases, applicants may visit a new laboratory if they have changed research direction and can clearly demonstrate why a different host institution is more suitable for their career development.
- Demonstrated proficiency in English or fluency in the language of the host country.
Candidates must submit their application by 31 March of the year in which they intend to hold the Fellowship. Applications should be sent to
itlabs@ictp.it with the subject line: “ATAP Fellowships – [Full Name]”.
The application must include:
- A complete CV, indicating gender, date of birth, highest degree attained, the name of the institute from where you attained the degree and a full list of publications.
- At least one letter of reference from someone other than the host institute (on the referee’s institutional letterhead).
- A letter of agreement and endorsement from the host laboratory, on their institutional letterhead, including:
- a brief description of the research to be carried out during the two-month visit;
- the full name and role of who will supervise the visitor;
- confirmation that assistance will be provided for visa procedures if a grant is awarded;
- provision of a suitable workspace and access to the necessary equipment to undertake the research;
- assistance in local matters, to formalize their stay, finding accommodation for the duration of the visit and any other matters.
- A one-page motivation letter explaining how the visit will benefit the applicant’s research and career, and outlining the expected outcomes in connection with their work at home.
- A one-page budget plan estimating travel costs and local expenses.
- Proof of PhD enrolment (for doctoral students only).