APS-EPS-ICTP Travel Award Fellowship Programme (ATAP)

In honour of the 2022 International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development, the APS–EPS–ICTP Travel Award Fellowship Programme (ATAP) was established to strengthen global scientific exchange. The programme reflects a shared commitment to advancing the principles of open science, collaboration, and capacity building that underpin the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033). It also aligns with the goals of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology in 2025, underscoring ATAP’s role in supporting scientific progress and fostering a more inclusive and interconnected global research community.

ATAP was created to build on the strong partnerships between ICTP, the American Physical Society (APS), and the European Physical Society (EPS), offering career‑enhancing opportunities for active early‑career scientists from developing countries. These collaborations enable the programme to support researchers through international travel, networking, and scientific exchange. Since 2023, ATAP has been further strengthened by the participation of the APS Forum on Early Career Scientists (FECS).

Fields of research

Other

Various branches of physical sciences.

Who can apply

The programme is open to outstanding doctoral students and early‑career physicists, preferably under the age of 45, who are within 10 years of the completion of their PhD. Eligible applicants must be nationals of developing countries and currently studying or working in their home country or in another developing country. Candidates should also have a clear plan to return to the laboratory of their alma mater or to another institution with which they have an already established scientific collaboration.

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.

Entitlements

ATAP provides a grant of 5,000 EUR to support the major costs of a two‑month consecutive research visit to a participating laboratory in Europe (excluding Italy), North America, or a more advanced developing country.

All awarded funds must be used within the same calendar year in which they are granted. For this reason, research visits should begin no later than 1 November of that year. Grant recipients are expected to remain at the host institute for the full two‑month period without interruptions.

How to apply

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).

Selection process

An external panel, composed of up to two representatives from each partner institution, will review all submitted applications and make recommendations to the Head of the External Activities Unit. Final selections will be made by mid‑April of the Fellowship year.

To ensure broad geographic representation, no more than two travel awards per year will be granted to applicants from the same country.

The programme places particular emphasis on supporting women physicists.

Contacts

itlabs@ictp.it

Organizers