A powerful global research opportunity has just opened for doctoral candidates and early-career physicists from developing countries. The Abdus Salam Physics Institute Fellowship (ATAP) 2026 is now accepting applications, offering an elite travel award designed to connect rising scientists with leading laboratories and international research communities.
Created through a collaboration between leading global physics organizations and research institutions, this fellowship supports scientific exchange, advanced research, and career growth in physical sciences. For ambitious physicists aiming to expand their global research footprint, publish stronger work, and build high-impact collaborations, ATAP 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most strategic fellowships to secure this year.
At the heart of the fellowship is a substantial financial grant and access to international laboratories across Europe, North America, and advanced developing nations. This is not just a travel award—it is a career-accelerating research experience that helps scientists deepen collaborations, access advanced equipment, and position themselves within the global physics community.
What This Fellowship Offers to Selected Researchers?
Winning the Abdus Salam Physics Institute Fellowship 2026 unlocks both financial support and international exposure for early-career physicists aiming to strengthen their academic profiles. The fellowship provides a generous 5,000 EUR grant to cover major expenses for a fully focused two-month research visit at a leading host laboratory abroad.
This funding can be used to support travel costs, accommodation, and local research expenses, allowing fellows to concentrate entirely on advancing their scientific work. Selected researchers will spend two consecutive months at a participating laboratory in Europe (excluding Italy), North America, or another advanced developing country, working alongside established scientists and research teams.
Beyond the financial grant, the fellowship offers unmatched networking opportunities with global physicists, access to advanced laboratory facilities, and the chance to produce collaborative publications and research outputs. Fellows are able to strengthen existing research partnerships, initiate new scientific collaborations, and enhance their academic profiles through high-level international exposure.
Participation also signals global recognition of scientific potential, giving fellows a competitive edge for future grants, postdoctoral opportunities, and academic promotions. The programme strongly encourages women physicists and supports a diverse global research community through inclusive scientific exchange.
Can You Pass its Eligibility Criteria?
If you are an emerging physicist aiming for global research exposure, this fellowship is designed with you in mind. Applicants must meet the following core requirements:
- Be a doctoral student or an early-career physicist within 10 years of completing a PhD
- Preferably be under the age of 45
- Be a national of a developing country
- Currently studying or working in a developing country
- Have an established collaboration with a host laboratory abroad for a two-month research visit
- Demonstrate clear plans to return to home or partner institution after the visit
- Show proficiency in English or the language of the host country
- Prepare a defined research plan and expected outcomes for the visit.
How to Apply for the ATAP Fellowship 2026
Applying for the Abdus Salam Physics Institute Fellowship 2026 is straightforward if you prepare your documents in advance and follow the submission steps carefully. Start by securing confirmation from your host laboratory and preparing a focused research plan.
Next, compile your complete application package including your updated CV with publication list, reference letter from a non-host referee, host laboratory endorsement letter, one-page motivation letter, and a one-page budget plan outlining travel and research expenses. Doctoral applicants must also include proof of PhD enrolment.
Apply: https://www.ictp.it/opportunity/aps-eps-ictp-travel-award-fellowship-programme-atap
The last date to apply for the Abdus Salam Physics Institute Fellowship (ATAP) 2026 is 31 March 2026.