TWAS-UNESCO Associateship

In collaboration with UNESCO and a number of centres of excellence in the South, TWAS has instituted a Joint Associateship Scheme to enable competent researchers from the South to visit these centres regularly. An associate is appointed for three years during which he/she can visit a Centre twice for research collaboration. Over 100 centres have been selected to participate in the Scheme. TWAS provides travel support for the associates and a contribution towards subsistence costs up to US$300.00 per month while living expenses are covered by the host centres. This Scheme realizes the idea of TWAS that to foster the developing-country scientist and extend the opportunity to exchange with international academicians.

Academia Sinica Institutes Participating in the scheme:

Institute of Molecular Biology
Using molecular tools, the Institute of Molecular Biology is conducting research toward the understanding of cellular communication/signal transduction, neurosciences, genetics and development, and biological structures. Currently IMB has a total of 33 principle investigators in these fields. A number of working models have been set up that allow researchers to study gene expression and function, cellular signal transduction, vesicle trafficking, apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA replication, chromosome and genome structures, virus and host cell interactions, immune response, development, learning and memory, as well as serious human diseases.

Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences
Today, research at the IAMS is highly diversified. The research projects range from spectroscopy and dynamics of small- to intermediate-size molecules to the fabrication and analysis of advance materials such as carbon nanotubes and nanostructure materials and to the study of the biophysics and the development of analytical tools for biomolecules. In year 2008 the Institute has grown into 25 full time research fellows and 9 jointly appointed fellows, which are grouped into (1) Chemical Dynamics and Spectroscopy Group, (2) Advanced Materials and Surface Science Group, (3) Biophysics and Bio-analytical Technology Group, and (4) Atomic Physics and Optical Science Group. They are supported by 36 administrative and technical staff members. Every year, there are about 50 visiting scientists and postdoctoral associates, with another 50 or so B.S. and M.S. research assistants in residence. Collaboration with university faculties in Taiwan brings 70 students to work at the Institute for their advanced degrees. The Institute is an avid participant in the Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) of the Academia Sinica, and helps training international and domestic students to obtain Ph.D. degrees in the programs of (1) Molecular Science and Technology and (2) Nanoscience and Technology.

Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology
The Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology (IPMB) has 26 principle investigators whose research interest cover a range of topics in plant biology ranging from plant physiology to genomics and plant microbe interactions. Working with the PIs is a staff of approximately 300 including postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, research assistants and administrative staff. The size of our institute and our location on the Academia Sinica campus in Taipei, adjacent to additional life science research institutes, allows us to enjoy the benefits of an active scientific community and access to world-class facilities for life sciences researches. Within IPMB, our faculty have well equipped laboratories and are supported by modern core facilities staffed by dedicated research specialists. IPMB maintains active links to the broader plant science community by an active seminar series and annual symposia which bring a number of internationally recognized scientists to our institute. Many of our faculty participate in international collaborations. Our faculty are also active in training the next generation of scientists. PhD study in our institute is available through the Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences division of the Taiwan Internation Graduate Program or through collaborative PhD programs with National Taiwan University, National Central University and National Cheng-Kung University. Our laboratories are also host to postdoctoral researchers from Taiwan and abroad.