AAAS TWAS Science Diplomacy Course 2026 – Global Training Opportunity in Italy

Brief Information

AAAS TWAS Science Diplomacy Course 2026 is a prestigious international training program jointly organized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). The course will take place in person in Trieste, Italy, bringing together early-career scientists and decisionmakers from around the world. Selected participant pairs will receive full financial support, including travel and accommodation.

Key Dates & Details

Application Portal: https://onlineforms.twas.org/apply/294

Program Name: AAAS-TWAS Course on Science Diplomacy 2026

Application Period: 8 December 2025 – 29 January 2026

Application Deadline: 29 January 2026 (23:59 CET)

Course Dates: 20–23 July 2026 (welcome dinner on July 20)

Location / Type: In-person, Trieste, Italy

Target Group: Early-Career Scientists & Policymakers / Decisionmakers

Organisers: AAAS (USA) & TWAS (Italy)

Funding: Fully funded for selected participant pairs

Application Portal: https://onlineforms.twas.org/apply/294

Overview

The AAAS TWAS Science Diplomacy Course 2026 is a globally recognized training initiative designed to strengthen connections between science and policymaking. Established in 2014, the program has already trained more than 300 emerging leaders from over 50 countries, equipping them with skills to operate at the intersection of science, diplomacy, and international policy.

The course explores key global challenges related to science, technology, environment, and health, while providing participants with practical tools to engage in science diplomacy at national, regional, and international levels. Sessions include expert-led discussions, case studies, and interactive workshops.

A unique feature of the AAAS-TWAS Science Diplomacy Course 2026 is its “participant pair” model, which brings together:

• One Early-Career Scientist (ECS), and
• One Decisionmaker (DM) working in science-related policy or governance

This innovative format promotes long-term collaboration between scientific and policy communities. You can learn more about this model here:
https://www.sciencediplomacy.org/article/2024/pairing-model-bring-scientists-and-decisionmakers-closer-together

Eligibility

Applications to the AAAS TWAS Science Diplomacy Course 2026 are open worldwide. However, due to limited funding, priority and financial support are given to applicants from eligible developing countries, including Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and many others.

Participant Pair Requirements

Each application must include two confirmed partners:

Participant 1 – Early-Career Scientist (ECS):

• Preferably 40 years old or younger
• Must hold a PhD degree
• Research or professional work should have international policy relevance

Participant 2 – Decisionmaker (DM):

• No age limit and no PhD required
• Must work in one of the following roles:
  • Government official or civil servant
  • Policymaker or diplomat
  • Staff of a research funding body
  • Expert at an international organization (e.g. UN)

Both participants should ideally be based in the same country, but not in the same institution.

⚠️ Important:
Applications without an identified partner will be automatically rejected.

Women, refugee scientists, displaced researchers, and applicants from Science & Technology Lagging Countries (STLCs) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Details

Applications for the AAAS TWAS Science Diplomacy Course 2026 must be submitted online only via the TWAS portal:

👉 https://onlineforms.twas.org/apply/294

Key application rules:

• One single online form per participant pair
• The Early-Career Scientist (ECS) completes and submits the full application
• Applications by email are not accepted
• All documents must be submitted in English

Required Documents

For the Early-Career Scientist (ECS):

• Passport copy
• CV (max. 3 pages)
• 2–3 signed reference letters
• Signed supporting statement from institution head

For the Decisionmaker (DM):

• Passport copy
• CV (max. 3 pages)

Additionally, applicants must upload the signed Co-Applicant Decisionmaker Information and Consent Form:
https://www.aaas.org/sites/default/files/2025-12/Coapplicant_DM_form%20%282%29.docx

Applicants are advised not to wait until the last day to avoid technical or time-zone issues.

Official Link

👉 Apply and read the official announcement here:
https://www.aaas.org/events/call-applications-2026-aaas-twas-course-science-diplomacy

Additional information:
http://twas.org/science-diplomacy

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