AION SYNAPSE FOUNDATION
AION DOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
First International Call 2026
Latin America – United Arab Emirates
The AION Doctoral Research Fellowship is an international distinction created by AION Synapse Foundation to support doctoral researchers developing original research capable of generating innovative solutions to scientific, technological, social and humanitarian challenges through international cooperation.
What does this Fellowship offer?
- Monthly financial allowance.
- Accommodation during the research stay.
- International scientific mobility.
- International medical insurance.
- Visa and immigration documentation when applicable.
- Support for scientific publications.
- Participation in scientific congresses and events.
- Research equipment.
- Supplementary support for research activities.
- Access to AION's international scientific cooperation network.
- Possibility of professional engagement in projects developed by AION Synapse Foundation, without affecting the grant.
Research changes knowledge. International cooperation changes the world. The AION Doctoral Research Fellowship exists to drive both.
Discover how this Fellowship can advance your doctoral research.
The call closes in
Call
First International Call · 2026
Priority Region
Latin America · United Arab Emirates
Modality
Doctoral Research
Distinction
One (1) International Fellowship
Duration
Up to four (4) years · Renewable annual contracts
Coverage
Up to USD 210,000 throughout the Fellowship
Opening
July 20, 2026
Closing
August 5, 2026 · 23:59 (Dubai, UTC+4)
About the Programme
An International Distinction to Turn Research into Impact
The AION Doctoral Research Fellowship is an international research distinction created by AION Synapse Foundation to identify, support and accompany doctoral researchers with highly innovative scientific proposals capable of generating solutions to complex problems through international cooperation.
More than a traditional scholarship, the Fellowship is an academic excellence platform designed to advance original research capable of generating new knowledge, strengthening scientific cooperation, and producing results that can become concrete solutions for governments, universities, companies, social organizations and communities.
The first edition of the Fellowship strengthens scientific cooperation between Latin America and the United Arab Emirates, promoting international academic mobility and the development of strategic alliances between institutions in both regions.
Our Objective
To fund doctoral research of excellence capable of developing innovative solutions to unresolved scientific problems, strengthening international cooperation, academic mobility and knowledge transfer between Latin America and the United Arab Emirates.
Scientific Excellence
We support original doctoral research with a high scientific standard, sound methodologies and the capacity to generate new knowledge with international impact.
International Cooperation
We drive alliances between universities, research centres, governments, companies and social organizations to strengthen doctoral research through cooperation between Latin America and the United Arab Emirates.
Research with Impact
We seek research capable of turning scientific knowledge into solutions applicable to public policy, innovation, technological development and institutional strengthening.
What makes this Fellowship different?
Most scholarship programmes fund only the researcher's training. The AION Doctoral Research Fellowship funds research with the potential to transform realities.
Every project must demonstrate innovation, originality and a clear strategy to transfer its results to governments, institutions, companies, communities or strategic sectors.
The goal is not merely to complete a doctoral thesis. The goal is to produce knowledge that is useful to society.
Duration of the Fellowship
The Fellowship will fund the remaining time of the selected researcher's doctoral programme for a maximum period of four (4) years, through renewable annual contracts subject to compliance with the academic, administrative and scientific objectives established in the General Regulations and the Fellowship Agreement.
Year 1
Start of the Fellowship, execution of the research plan and first international stay when applicable.
Year 2
Methodological development, scientific production and strengthening of academic alliances.
Year 3
Knowledge transfer, publications and consolidation of results.
Year 4
Completion of the doctoral research, submission of the final report and closing of the Fellowship.
Each renewal will be conditional on the approval of progress reports and compliance with the research plan.
Expected Impact
Local Impact
Generation of solutions applicable to specific communities, institutions, organizations or territories.
National Impact
Strengthening of public policy, scientific systems, national programmes or strategic sectors.
International Impact
Consolidation of new scientific alliances between Latin America and the United Arab Emirates with potential to expand to other regions of the world.
Science turns knowledge into evidence. International cooperation turns that evidence into solutions for society. That is the essence of the AION Doctoral Research Fellowship.
Why Apply?
Much more than a doctoral scholarship
The AION Doctoral Research Fellowship is not just a funding mechanism. It is an international platform designed to drive researchers capable of generating new knowledge, building strategic alliances and developing research with real impact on society.
The Fellowship has been conceived to accompany the researcher during the most important stage of their academic career, facilitating access to international cooperation networks, institutions of excellence and scientific collaboration opportunities that strengthen their doctoral project.
Our purpose is not only to contribute to the completion of a doctoral thesis. Our purpose is to drive research capable of turning knowledge into solutions.
What makes this Fellowship unique?
International Scientific Cooperation
Research is developed while strengthening cooperation between Latin America and the United Arab Emirates, promoting alliances between universities, research centres, public institutions, social organizations and the private sector.
Research of Excellence
Aimed exclusively at doctoral researchers with innovative, rigorous projects with high scientific-impact potential. Conventional projects or merely descriptive research are not funded.
Innovation
The proposal must offer original solutions to scientific problems not yet resolved, or that require new conceptual, methodological, technological or interdisciplinary approaches. Innovation is one of the call's main evaluation criteria.
Connecting Academia, Government, Business and Society
Research must demonstrate the ability to effectively connect academia with the public sector, the private sector and civil society.
Knowledge Transfer
Each research project must include mechanisms that facilitate the use of its results by public institutions, companies, social organizations, communities or research centres.
International Mobility
When the nature of the project requires it, the Fellowship will support academic and research stays in the United Arab Emirates to strengthen the scientific quality of the doctoral project.
A cooperation model built on partnerships
- 1
Doctoral Researcher
Develops the research and leads the scientific project.
- 2
Home university
Guarantees academic backing for the doctoral programme.
- 3
Institution backing the fieldwork
Facilitates access to the territory, population or context where the research is carried out.
- 4
AION Synapse Foundation
Funds the Fellowship, promotes international scientific cooperation and carries out institutional monitoring of the programme.
- 5
Host institution in the United Arab Emirates (when applicable)
Strengthens the international component of the research through academic, scientific or cooperation activities.
An international community of researchers
Selected Fellows will become part of AION Synapse Foundation's international academic community, participating in scientific activities, conferences, seminars and knowledge-exchange spaces promoted by the Foundation.
They may also become involved, voluntarily or through independent contracting when applicable, in research, international cooperation or consulting projects developed by AION, provided this is compatible with their doctoral research plan.
A Fellowship designed for those who seek to generate knowledge with impact.
We are not looking only for excellent students.
We are looking for researchers capable of turning ideas into evidence, evidence into knowledge, and knowledge into solutions for the great challenges of our time.
Scientific Focus
What kind of research are we looking for?
The AION Doctoral Research Fellowship was created to support doctoral research that goes beyond generating academic knowledge and contributes to developing innovative solutions to scientific, technological, social, environmental or humanitarian challenges.
We are not looking for research that merely describes an already-known reality.
We are looking for researchers capable of questioning existing knowledge, proposing new approaches, and producing evidence that contributes to the advancement of science and the strengthening of international cooperation.
What characteristics should the research have?
Originality
The proposal must address a scientific problem that has not been satisfactorily resolved or that requires new conceptual, methodological, technological or interdisciplinary approaches.
Innovation
Special value will be given to research that develops new models, methodologies or technologies; proposes original solutions to complex problems; integrates different scientific disciplines; and strengthens international cooperation through research.
International Cooperation
Every proposal must clearly justify the added value of developing an international research component between Latin America and the United Arab Emirates, strengthening the project's scientific quality.
Institutional Articulation
The research must demonstrate the ability to connect academia, the public sector, the private sector and civil society, contributing to the development and application of the results.
Impact
Every research project must demonstrate the possibility of generating verifiable results at the local, national or international level, and clearly identify its potential beneficiaries.
Knowledge Transfer
Research must incorporate a transfer strategy that facilitates the practical use of results by governments, companies, social organizations, universities, research centres or communities.
Research that will receive special consideration
- Interdisciplinary projects.
- Research with practical application.
- Development of new models or methodologies.
- Research aligned with global challenges.
- Projects with high scientific-publication potential.
- Research that strengthens scientific cooperation between Latin America and the United Arab Emirates.
- Projects with the potential to become public policy, technological developments or institutional solutions.
Not eligible
- Research that reproduces previously developed studies without contributing significant innovation.
- Projects whose sole purpose is a literature review without generating new knowledge.
- Research without institutional backing for fieldwork.
- Proposals without a clearly justified international component.
- Research oriented exclusively towards commercial purposes.
- Projects that do not demonstrate scientific or methodological viability.
We do not fund research alone. We fund researchers capable of generating knowledge that transforms realities.
Opportunity
Fellowship Benefits
The AION Doctoral Research Fellowship provides the researcher with the resources needed to develop their doctoral project to the highest academic standards, strengthening both the research and international scientific cooperation.
The Fellowship combines financial support, international mobility, institutional strengthening and academic collaboration opportunities, allowing the researcher to concentrate on developing research of excellence with verifiable impact.
Financial Benefits
Maximum reference amounts, subject to the approved budget and the conditions of the General Regulations and the Fellowship Agreement.
| Monthly Fellowship allowance | USD 2,500 per month |
| Accommodation during the international stay | Up to USD 900 per month |
| Local mobility | Up to USD 250 per month |
| International medical insurance | USD 454 per year |
| Research and residency visa | USD 1,500 |
| Emirates ID | USD 796 |
| Mandatory medical examinations | USD 250 |
| International incorporation flight | USD 1,500 |
| Annual flight | Up to USD 1,800 per year |
| Participation in scientific congresses and events | Up to USD 500 per year |
| Scientific publications | Up to USD 1,000 per year |
| Research equipment | Up to USD 1,000 |
| Supplementary research support | Up to USD 750 |
| Memberships in scientific associations | Up to USD 250 per year |
| Academic translation and interpretation | Up to USD 400 per year |
| Bonus for extraordinary results | Up to USD 300 |
Maximum Coverage
The maximum estimated institutional coverage throughout the Fellowship may reach USD 210,000, according to the project's duration (up to four years, through renewable annual contracts), the approved research plan, and compliance with the conditions established in the General Regulations and the Fellowship Agreement.
Academic Benefits
- Official recognition as an AION Doctoral Research Fellow.
- Integration into AION Synapse Foundation's international scientific cooperation network.
- Participation in seminars, conferences and academic activities organized by AION.
- Strengthened alliances with universities, research centres and international organizations.
- Greater international visibility for the research and its results.
- Institutional accompaniment throughout the execution of the Fellowship.
Collaboration Opportunities
During the Fellowship, the researcher may participate in projects developed by AION Synapse Foundation, provided such participation is compatible with the development of their doctoral research. This engagement may take place:
- As a collaborating researcher.
- Through a professional services contract.
- As a specialized consultant.
- As a volunteer in international cooperation initiatives.
Participation in these projects will be independent of the Fellowship and will not affect the financial benefits granted by it.
Extraordinary research requires extraordinary support. At AION Synapse Foundation, we believe that when a researcher has the right resources, knowledge can become innovation, innovation can become cooperation, and cooperation can become solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Eligibility
Who can apply?
The AION Doctoral Research Fellowship is aimed at doctoral researchers developing original, innovative research capable of contributing to strengthening international scientific cooperation.
The call will select researchers with academic excellence, a research track record and a firm commitment to generating solutions for the great challenges of our time. Researchers who meet all of the following requirements may apply.
Academic Background
Doctoral Enrolment
Be officially enrolled in a doctoral programme recognized by a legally established higher education institution.
Programme Progress
Not have completed more than 50% of the doctoral programme at the time of application.
Status during the Fellowship
Maintain doctoral student status throughout the execution of the Fellowship.
Research Project
- Correspond to the doctoral project approved or officially submitted to the university.
- Develop original research.
- Address a scientific problem not yet resolved or insufficiently addressed.
- Demonstrate innovation and contribution to knowledge.
- Incorporate a clear international cooperation component between Latin America and the United Arab Emirates.
The researcher must also demonstrate that the fieldwork has institutional backing, has real access to the territory or population under study, and will be carried out with the support of a legally established university, research centre, public organization, private organization or social organization. The researcher's prior experience in the territory will be considered an added value during evaluation.
Institutional Backing
- Letter from the Thesis Director/Supervisor.
- Endorsement letter from the institution backing the fieldwork.
- Certification of doctoral enrolment.
- Certification of the percentage of doctoral progress.
Scientific Cooperation
- The research must demonstrate how cooperation between Latin America and the United Arab Emirates will strengthen the development of the doctoral project.
- The international stay must be fully justified from a scientific standpoint.
May not apply
- Persons not enrolled in a doctoral programme.
- Researchers who have exceeded 50% doctoral progress.
- Research without scientific innovation.
- Projects whose sole objective is to replicate existing research.
- Research without institutional backing.
- Projects without an international component.
- Research oriented exclusively towards the development of commercial products.
Required Documents
To complete the application, the following documents must be submitted within the deadline established in the call:
Official Application Form.
Doctoral Research Project.
Curriculum Vitae.
Certificate of Doctoral Enrolment.
Certificate of Doctoral Progress.
Letter from the Thesis Director.
Institutional Endorsement Letter.
Official Budget Form (when applicable).
Scientific excellence begins with solid research.
The evaluation will be based on the scientific merit of the proposal and the research's potential impact, ensuring a transparent, competitive and independent process.
Step by Step
How to apply?
The AION Doctoral Research Fellowship has designed a simple, structured application process to guarantee equal opportunities for all researchers.
Before starting your application, we recommend carefully reading all the official call documentation.
Read the Official Call
Download and carefully review the Official Call, the Terms of Reference and the Official Applicant's Guide — these documents contain all the information needed to properly prepare your application.
Verify that you meet the requirements
Confirm that you are enrolled in a doctoral programme, have not exceeded 50% doctoral progress, your research meets the innovation requirements, you have institutional backing, and your project incorporates international scientific cooperation.
Prepare your documentation
Gather all required documents. Check that each file is complete, up to date and signed where applicable.
Complete the Official Application Form
Carefully fill in all requested information. The form is the main evaluation document; the information provided must be truthful, complete and verifiable.
Submit your application
Once your documentation is complete, click APPLY NOW and upload all requested files. Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be evaluated.
Scientific Evaluation
All proposals will be evaluated by an International Scientific Committee made up of independent experts, based exclusively on the criteria established in the Terms of Reference.
Publication of Results
Official results will be published on August 11, 2026. The selected researcher will also receive an official notification by email.
Formalization of the Fellowship
The selected researcher will have three (3) calendar days to sign the Fellowship Agreement, submit the required documentation, and formalize their incorporation into the Programme.
Start of the Fellowship
The AION Doctoral Research Fellowship will officially begin on August 15, 2026, the date on which the researcher officially acquires the status of AION Doctoral Research Fellow.
Every great research project begins with a decision.
Today could be the first step towards research with international impact.
Submit Application
Complete your details and upload the complete application package here.
For administrative inquiries or technical problems with the form: grantsaionsynapse.org.
Resources
Official Documentation
All the information you need to prepare a successful application.
To guarantee a transparent, equitable and technically sound process, AION Synapse Foundation makes available to all applicants the official documentation governing the First International Call of the AION Doctoral Research Fellowship. We recommend carefully reading each document before starting your application.
Call Documents
Official Call
The call's main document: general programme information, timeline, benefits, requirements, selection process, researcher obligations and general conditions.
DownloadTerms of Reference (ToR)
Establish the call's technical scope, eligibility criteria, researcher profile, research characteristics and evaluation procedure.
DownloadOfficial Applicant's Guide
Explains step by step how to prepare your application, correctly fill out the forms, and submit all required documentation, with recommendations to avoid common mistakes.
DownloadOfficial Forms
Official Application Form
The document through which the researcher officially submits their candidacy, containing all the academic, scientific and administrative information used during evaluation.
DownloadOfficial Budget Form
Format for submitting the detailed research budget when required by the call.
DownloadInstitutional Endorsement Letter Template
Official format to be completed by the university, research centre, public entity, private organization or social organization backing the fieldwork.
DownloadInstitutional Documents
In compliance with the principles of transparency, scientific integrity and good governance, AION makes available to applicants the main institutional documents governing the operation of the Programme.
Fellowship Agreement
Agreement to be signed by the selected researcher before the start of the Fellowship.
Fellowship General Regulations
Regulatory framework governing the administration, execution and monitoring of the Programme.
International Scientific Committee Manual
Establishes the functions and responsibilities of the Scientific Committee responsible for evaluating applications.
Conflict of Interest Declaration
Guarantees the independence and impartiality of all evaluators.
Confidentiality Agreement
Protects the scientific information submitted by researchers during the evaluation process.
Need help?
If you have questions about any of the call documents, you can contact our team before the official application deadline.
grantsaionsynapse.org
Calendar
Timeline and Evaluation Process
A transparent, independent process based on scientific merit.
All applications will be evaluated by an International Scientific Committee, made up of independent specialists with experience in research, international cooperation and scientific project evaluation. Selection of the researcher will be based exclusively on the criteria established in the Terms of Reference, guaranteeing equal opportunities, objectivity and academic integrity.
- July 20, 2026
Publication of the Call
Official start of the First International Call and opening of the application period.
- July 20 to August 5, 2026
Receipt of Applications
Researchers may submit their applications along with all required documentation.
- August 6 to 10, 2026
Scientific Evaluation
The International Scientific Committee will carry out the independent technical evaluation of all eligible proposals.
- August 11, 2026
Publication of Results
The selected researcher will be officially published and notified of the result by email.
- August 11 to 13, 2026
Formalization of the Fellowship
The selected researcher must sign the Fellowship Agreement and submit the documentation needed to formalize their incorporation.
- August 15, 2026
Official Start of the Fellowship
Start of the academic, scientific and administrative activities contemplated in the research plan.
How will my research be evaluated?
- Scientific quality of the research.
- Originality and innovation.
- Methodological soundness.
- Technical and academic feasibility.
- Expected impact.
- International scientific cooperation.
- Knowledge-transfer strategy.
- Ability to connect academia, the public sector, the private sector and civil society.
Principles of the evaluation process
Scientific excellence deserves a transparent evaluation. Every proposal will be evaluated solely on the quality of its research, its potential impact, and its contribution to strengthening international scientific cooperation.
Help
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Before starting your application, we recommend checking the following questions. If you need further information after reviewing them, our team will be available to guide you.
Who can apply?
Researchers officially enrolled in a doctoral programme recognized by a legally established higher education institution may participate, provided they have not completed more than fifty percent (50%) of their doctoral programme and meet the other requirements established in the Official Call and the Terms of Reference.
How many Fellowships will be awarded?
The First International Call will award one (1) AION Doctoral Research Fellowship. Future calls may expand the number of available Fellowships according to budget availability and the strategic alliances established by AION Synapse Foundation.
What is the duration of the Fellowship?
The Fellowship will fund the remaining time of the selected researcher's doctoral programme for a maximum period of four (4) years, through renewable annual contracts subject to satisfactory compliance with the conditions established by AION.
Can the Fellowship be renewed each year?
Yes. Annual renewal will depend on compliance with the research plan, submission of progress reports, satisfactory performance evaluation, and the Programme's budget availability.
Must I travel to the United Arab Emirates?
Not necessarily. The international stay will depend on the nature of the research project and the plan proposed by the researcher. The duration, frequency and format of the mobility will be jointly defined by the researcher, AION Synapse Foundation and the participating institutions.
Can I receive other scholarships at the same time?
Yes. The AION Doctoral Research Fellowship is compatible with other scholarships, financial aid or funding sources, provided these are compatible with the regulations of the institutions involved and there is no express prohibition.
Who retains the intellectual property of the research?
The intellectual property of the research and all derived results will continue to belong to the researcher, in accordance with applicable regulations and their university's policies. The support provided by AION Synapse Foundation does not imply any transfer of intellectual property rights.
Will AION be acknowledged in publications?
Yes. The researcher must acknowledge the support received by including the following mention, or an equivalent, in publications, academic products and activities derived from the Fellowship: "This research was financed by AION Synapse Foundation through the AION Doctoral Research Fellowship — International Call No. 001-2026." This acknowledgement does not modify the researcher's ownership of intellectual property rights.
Can I work during the Fellowship?
Yes. The Fellowship does not prevent the researcher from carrying out professional, teaching or research activities compatible with completing their doctoral project. Additionally, the researcher may participate in projects developed by AION Synapse Foundation through independent contracts or volunteer activities, without affecting the Fellowship's benefits.
How will the evaluation process be carried out?
All applications will be evaluated by an International Scientific Committee, made up of independent experts acting under criteria of scientific merit, confidentiality, transparency and impartiality.
What happens if my application is incomplete?
Incomplete applications or those submitted after the official deadline will not be admitted to the evaluation process. For this reason, we recommend carefully reviewing all documentation before submission.
Where can I get more information?
You can contact AION Synapse Foundation directly through the official contact channels indicated in this call.
Communication
Contact and Application
The next AION Doctoral Research Fellow could be you. Scientific research has the capacity to transform societies, strengthen institutions and build solutions for the most complex challenges of our time. If you believe your doctoral research meets the conditions of excellence, innovation and impact this call is looking for, we invite you to officially submit your application.
Before submitting your application, confirm that you have completed the following steps:
- I have read the Official Call.
- I have reviewed the Terms of Reference.
- I meet all the eligibility requirements.
- My research meets the innovation criteria established by the call.
- I have fully completed the Official Application Form.
- I have prepared all required documents.
- I have carefully reviewed the information before submission.
Contact Information
AION Doctoral Research Fellowship
grantsaionsynapse.org
www.aionsynapse.org
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Office Hours
Monday to Friday · 09:00 – 17:00 · Gulf Standard Time (GST)
Ready to get started?
Applications will remain open only during the period established in the official timeline. We recommend not waiting until the last day to submit your application.
Science connects ideas. Cooperation connects people. Innovation transforms societies.
Welcome to the AION Doctoral Research Fellowship.