Overview: A Rare Fully Funded Residency for Researchers from Developing Countries
If you are a researcher from the Global South struggling to find dedicated time and resources to complete your academic writing, this opportunity was designed specifically for you. The Joint ICTP-CCG Catalyst Facility Academic Writing Residency Program is a fully funded residency that supports scholars from developing countries in completing significant academic writing projects — whether that is a journal article, book chapter, research paper, or other scholarly output. This program is a collaboration between the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and the Catalyst Facility (CCG), two institutions deeply committed to advancing science and scholarship in underrepresented parts of the world.
Why This Program Matters
Researchers in the Global South often face enormous structural barriers: heavy teaching loads, limited library access, unreliable internet, and a lack of quiet writing time. These obstacles make it difficult to produce the volume of published work that international academic careers demand. The ICTP-CCG Academic Writing Residency directly addresses this gap by providing scholars with protected time, a supportive intellectual environment, and access to world-class facilities — all at no cost to the participant. This is not just a scholarship; it is an investment in the long-term research capacity of developing nations.
What the Residency Offers
As a fully funded program, the residency covers the key costs that might otherwise prevent talented researchers from participating. While full details should be confirmed on the official page, fully funded residencies of this nature typically include:
- Accommodation at or near the host facility for the duration of the residency
- Travel support to and from the residency location
- Meals and daily subsistence during the stay
- Access to research infrastructure including libraries, databases, and writing support resources
- Peer community with other Global South scholars working on their writing projects
The residency is structured to give participants focused, uninterrupted writing time — something that is genuinely rare and valuable for researchers juggling multiple responsibilities back home.
Eligibility: Who Should Apply?
This program is targeted at researchers and academics from developing countries, particularly those in the Global South. While you should verify the exact criteria on the official program page, candidates who are typically competitive for programs like this include:
- Early- to mid-career researchers at universities or research institutions in developing countries
- Scholars with a nearly completed academic writing project (article, chapter, or paper) that needs dedicated time to finish
- Researchers in science, technology, and related disciplines given ICTP’s core focus areas, though interdisciplinary applicants may also be welcome
- Applicants who can demonstrate clear writing goals and a realistic plan to complete their project during the residency period
Having a well-defined, nearly complete project is usually essential — this residency is about finishing work, not starting from scratch.
How to Apply
The application process typically requires you to submit details about your current research project, your writing goals for the residency, a CV or academic biography, and letters of support from your institution. Given the competitive nature of fully funded international programs, a compelling and specific description of your writing project will be critical to a strong application. Make sure your project is clearly defined and that you can articulate exactly what you plan to complete during the residency.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for this program is November 15, 2026. While that may seem far away, competitive residency applications take time to prepare well. Begin gathering your materials, refining your project description, and securing institutional support letters as early as possible. Do not wait until the last minute — strong applications are built over weeks, not days.
Final Thoughts
The Joint ICTP-CCG Catalyst Facility Academic Writing Residency is a genuinely impactful opportunity for Global South researchers who need time, space, and support to complete important scholarly work. If you have a research project sitting close to completion, this residency could be exactly the catalyst you need to get it across the finish line — fully funded and in a world-class environment.
Ready to apply? Visit the official page here: Apply Now
