2221 - Fellowships for Visiting Scientists and Scientists on Sabbatical Leave

The program aims to provide support for the following:
To contribute to Türkiye's science ecosystem by encouraging leading Turkish scientists and other scientists working in universities or research institutions abroad to come to Türkiye. This includes enabling them to carry out all kinds of academic and R&D activities such as conducting research, working in laboratories, developing products, giving part-time education, and writing joint projects.
To provide support for visiting scientists to carry out all kinds of academic and R&D activities in universities and institutes in Türkiye during their academic leave (sabbatical).

Please click on the link below to see call text.

For short-term invited visiting scientists, the duration is between 7 days and 3 months.
For long-term visiting scientists or scientists coming during their sabbatical leave, the duration is as specified by TÜBİTAK, ranging from 3 months to 12 months.

Visiting/sabbatical scientists will receive:

One-time round-trip airfare to Türkiye.
Daily/monthly living expense contributions based on the duration of their stay in Türkiye.
Health insurance support up to 370 TL/per month for scientists supported for 3-12 month.

Scope of the Support

A monthly stipend payment for Visiting Scientists is maximum 66.000 TL/month
A monthly stipend payment for Visiting Scientists on Sabbatical Leave is maximum 84.000 TL/month

For support periods of less than one month, the monthly amount shall be divided by 30 and paid on a pro-rata basis.

• Applications must be made by the Host Scientist.

• The host scientist must be a full-time staff member of the host institution in Türkiye and hold at least a doctoral degree.

• The visiting/sabbatical scientist must be invited for a period of at least 7 days and at most 12 months.

• Scientists coming during their sabbatical leave must be invited for a period of at least 3 months and at most 12 months.

• The visiting/sabbatical scientist must have been invited by the university, public institution, or public organization in Türkiye where the research will be conducted.

• The visiting/sabbatical scientist must not have been supported for more than a total of 12 months within the last 3 years as of the first day of the application period under this program.

• The visiting/sabbatical scientist can be invited a maximum of 2 times within the year, provided the total invitation period under the program does not exceed 12 months.

• The visiting/sabbatical scientists who have completed their doctorate and are working in a position requiring a doctoral degree abroad must have been working in a university, research center, or private sector for at least 4 years as of the application date.

Documents uploaded to the system during the application process must meet the following conditions, be legible, and match the information provided in the application. Otherwise, applications will be considered invalid.
 

For applications spanning 0-1 month, the following documents are required:

At the time of application, it is mandatory to upload to the system a work plan prepared in the format specified by TÜBİTAK and written in Turkish.
PhD degree certificate of the visiting scientist (For documents prepared in languages other than Turkish or English, certified Turkish translations must be uploaded together with the original documents.)

For applications exceeding one month, the following documents are required:

At the time of application, it is mandatory to upload to the system a research proposal prepared in the format specified by TÜBİTAK and written in Turkish.
PhD degree certificate of the visiting scientist (For documents prepared in languages other than Turkish or English, certified Turkish translations must be uploaded together with the original documents.)
An official invitation letter from the host institution in Türkiye*
A leave of absence letter issued by the applicant's current employer (for those applying under sabbatical status, this letter must explicitly state that the scientist is on sabbatical leave**).

* The invitation letter must be signed by an authorized institutional representative (such as a department chair, dean, rector, etc.), other than the host scientist.
** If a sabbatical leave letter is not provided, the application will be evaluated under “visiting” status, and the amount of support will be determined accordingly.

Applicants, regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools during and after the preparation and submission process of the application documents and all application -specific information, shall act in full and complete compliance with all principles, rules, and obligations set forth in the “Guide on the Responsible and Trustworthy Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Support Processes”, and ensure that all information provided and to be provided in this process is accurate, complete, and truthful; otherwise, they shall be deemed to have accepted in advance all potential legal and administrative consequences, including audits, examinations, and sanctions to be carried out by the relevant authorities, arising from any violations in this regard.

• The documents to be uploaded to the system at the time of application must meet the following requirements, be legible, and match the information provided in the application. Otherwise, the application will be deemed invalid.

• Applications must be submitted no later than the application period preceding the planned arrival date of the visiting/sabbatical scientist.

• Applications must be submitted online via TÜBİTAK Yönetim Bilgi Sistemi (TYBS). The applicant is responsible for checking that the files uploaded to the electronic application system can be opened and are accurate. The system will be closed to applications at 17:30 on the application deadline. Documents submitted after the deadline or sent via e-mail, post, or fax other than through the online application system will not be evaluated and will be destroyed.

• In order to complete the application, the visiting scientist must have an ARBİS registration. The name and surname information in the visiting scientist’s ARBİS record must be identical to the name and surname stated in the passport.

• Except for documents obtained from abroad, all documents to be uploaded to the application system must be in Turkish. For documents prepared in other languages, certified Turkish translations must be uploaded.

• Applicants who provide misleading or false information during the application process will be held legally accountable.

• To withdraw an application, a signed petition must be submitted electronically to TÜBİTAK BİDEB (bideb2221@tubitak.gov.tr).

• The application withdrawal request may be made at any stage of the application process.

Applications are accepted for the program 4 times a year.

Applications are evaluated in two stages.

Preliminary Assessment

During the preliminary assessment phase, the application information and documents are checked. Applications that do not meet any of the application requirements, have missing documents, or are not submitted in the required format; applications for which the information entered into the system is not approved by the application deadline; and applications submitted via fax or e-mail are rejected at the preliminary assessment phase without being subject to scientific evaluation.

Scientific Evaluation

Scientific evaluation is carried out by expert panelists/consultants in the relevant field based on the following criteria and their respective weightings.

For applications with a duration of 0–1 month, the scientific evaluation is conducted based on the following criteria and weightings:

• Scientific Competence of the Visiting and Host Scientists (40%),

• Scientific Quality of the Activity (20%),

• Management of the Activity (20%),

• Contribution of the Activity to the Host Institution and to Türkiye (15%).

• Methodology of the Activity (5%),

For applications with a duration exceeding one month, the scientific evaluation is conducted based on the following criteria and weightings:

• Scientific Competence of the Visiting and Host Scientists (40%), 

• Scientific Quality of the Research (15%),

• Methodology of the Research (15%),

• Management of the Research (15%),

• Contribution of the Research to the Host Institution and to Türkiye (15%).

Evaluation is based solely on the documents uploaded to the system. Therefore, each required document must be uploaded through the application forms in a clear and specified format. Applicants must ensure that the forms used are the most up-to-date versions. Documents containing only web links will not be considered.

The host and visiting scientists are required to comply with universally accepted principles of scientific research and rules of scientific publication during the application and implementation of the research. In the event that a violation of these rules is identified during the scientific evaluation stage, actions may be taken against the relevant parties in accordance with the provisions of the AYEK Regulation.

Evaluation results are reviewed by the GYK and submitted to the Presidency. Applications selected for funding and the amounts of support become final upon the approval of the Presidency.

For applications related to critical technology areas and priority R&D and innovation topics identified in the 12th Development Plan and the 2030 Industry and Technology Strategy, a separate funding threshold score may be applied.

A separate threshold score may also be set for applications with a duration of 0–1 month.

In order for the support to be initiated, the following documents must be uploaded to BIDEB Applicatıon and Monitoring System by Host Scientist.

• Signed copy of the Letter of Commitment (for applications between 3 and 12 months).

• Paymaster Document (if the payment to the visiting/sabbatical scientist is to be made through the host scientist)

• Ethics Committee Approval, if required.

Matters Related to Disbursement of Fellowship and Expenditures

Supported visiting/sabbatical scientist must arrive in Türkiye and commence their research within 6 months from the date of the support notification. Any support not utilized within this 6-month period will be forfeited. 

In cases where commencement is delayed due to force majeure (such as health issues or natural disasters) or other reasons deemed acceptable by the GYK, the situation will be evaluated separately by GYK. The start period of the support may be extended by a maximum of 6 months with the approval of GYK.

Visa and residence procedures for supported visiting/sabbatical scientist must be carried out either by the scientist themselves or by the host institution/organization.

The flight ticket for the visiting/sabbatical scientist is purchased and delivered by TÜBİTAK. For flight ticket procedures, the information of the visiting /academic on leave must be entered by the inviting scientist at http://seyahat.tubitak.gov.tr. In order for the cost of a flight ticket procured by the visiting scientist personally to be reimbursed, the payment document must be submitted to the program’s e-mail address by the host scientist. In flight ticket reimbursements, the most reasonable cost determined by TÜBİTAK through market research shall be paid in Turkish Lira, calculated according to the exchange rate valid on the date of payment.

The visiting scientist is responsible for any fare differences and additional charges arising from changes made to the flight ticket issued by TÜBİTAK.

For the payment to the visiting/sabbatical scientist, the host scientist must enter either their own or the visiting scientist’s bank account information into BIDEB Applicatıon and Monitoring System. Even if the documents have been submitted, payments will not be made for scientists who do not enter the bank account information into the system. In case the bank account into which the payment is made is to be changed, the new bank account information must be updated in BIDEB Applicatıon and Monitoring System. It is the responsibility of the host scientist to ensure that the bank account information is entered correctly, and any delays in payments due to incorrect information shall be borne by the host scientist.

For long-term support, payments are made regularly at the end of each month following the commencement of research, in accordance with the budget release principles and rates set by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, and subject to TÜBİTAK’s funding availability.

For visiting/sabbatical scientist entitled to health support, the cost of a private health insurance policy purchased by the scientist after arriving in Türkiye may be reimbursed by BİDEB, provided that the policy is submitted and the reimbursement remains within the specified limits.

Please review the briefing note for details regarding flight tickets, support procedures, and monitoring processes within the scope of the program.

Visiting/sabbatical scientist receiving long-term support may utilize their support in multiple separate periods. The interval between such periods may not exceed 6 months. For split use of the support, the host scientist must submit a petition to BİDEB at least 15 days before the end of the first period. No payments will be made for the durations in which the visiting/sabbatical scientist is abroad. The host scientist must also submit a petition to BİDEB at least 15 days prior to the start of the remaining support period.

Scientists receiving support for a period between 4 and 6 months are entitled to up to 1 week of paid leave, while those supported for more than 6 months are entitled to up to 2 weeks of paid leave. If the visiting/sabbatical scientist requests leave exceeding the paid allowance, the request will be reviewed by GYK.

If deemed appropriate, up to 2 months of unpaid leave may be granted, or the support may be suspended or terminated if necessary.

If the visiting/sabbatical scientist anticipates completing their work before the end of the approved support period, the host scientist may apply to BİDEB to request a reduction in the duration of the support. The application will be reviewed and decided upon by the GYK based on the following documents:

• A justified petition from the visiting/sabbatical scientist,

• A justified petition from the host scientist,

• A detailed report outlining the work conducted since the beginning of the research.

If, after the start of the support, a situation arises that requires the suspension of the support due to a valid excuse or force majeure as accepted by the GYK, the host scientist must submit a justified petition to BİDEB within 15 days from the date the situation occurred. The support may be suspended by decision of the GYK. No payments will be made to the visiting/sabbatical scientist during the suspension period.

Support that has been suspended by decision of the GYK may be resumed upon the request of the host scientist and with the approval of GYK. In such cases, the suspension period will be added to the total support duration.

If no request for the resumption of support is submitted by the host scientist during the suspension period, the support shall be terminated or cancelled based on the recommendation of the GYK and the decision of the Presidency.

After the visiting/sabbatical scientist has started and/or completed their research, the following documents must be uploaded to the BİDEB Application and Monitoring System by the Host Scientist.

For applications lasting 0–1 month:

• Report of the Visiting Scientist,

• Evaluation Report,

• If the payment to the visiting scientist was made through the host scientist: a signed declaration confirming that the monthly payment was delivered to the visiting scientist.

For applications exceeding one month:

• Report of the Visiting Scientist,

• Progress Report (support duration exceeds 6 months),

• Final Report,

• If the payment to the visiting/sabbatical scientist was made through the host scientist: a signed declaration confirming that the monthly payment was delivered to the visiting scientist.

Host scientists are required to submit progress and final reports related to their research in accordance with the timelines specified by TÜBİTAK, based on the duration of their support starting from the research commencement date. If the support duration exceeds 6 months, a progress report must be submitted at the end of the 6th month, and the final report along with other required documents must be uploaded to BİDEB Application and Monitoring System by the host scientist within 2 month following the end of the support period.

Projects for which progress reports are not submitted by the deadlines specified in the commitment letter without a valid excuse, projects determined—upon review—not to be conducted in line with their stated objectives and work plan, or projects rendered temporarily unfeasible due to force majeure conditions, may be suspended by decision of the GYK upon the justified request of the host scientist. No support payments will be made during the suspension period.

If, following a review initiated by the application of the host scientist, the reasons for the suspension are found to be no longer valid, the research activity may be resumed by decision of the GYK, and the suspension period shall be added to the total duration of the project.

If the reasons for suspension are not resolved within the timeframe specified by TÜBİTAK and the continuation of the research is deemed unfeasible, termination or cancellation procedures will be initiated based on the underlying justification. 

Following suspension, projects that have become unfeasible due to force majeure circumstances shall be terminated based on the recommendation of the GYK and the decision of the Presidency.

It is mandatory to report the outputs produced as a result of the research conducted within the scope of the program (such as articles, conference papers, books, book chapters, etc.) to TÜBİTAK BİDEB. The output information must be uploaded to the BİDEB Application and Monitoring System. In all announcements, publications, and scientific activities carried out within the scope of the program, it is mandatory to acknowledge TÜBİTAK’s support and to use the TÜBİTAK logo (except in cases such as theses, articles, etc., where the use of the logo is not permitted due to applicable legislation). The TÜBİTAK logo must be used in accordance with the formats and standards published on the TÜBİTAK website. No statements may be made that give the impression of acting on behalf of TÜBİTAK and/or that the activity is conducted in cooperation with TÜBİTAK.

For support periods of 3 months or longer, the required progress and final reports are evaluated by expert reviewers appointed by TÜBİTAK BİDEB. If a report is deemed insufficient as a result of the evaluation, the scientist will be requested to revise and resubmit it within 2 months. Applications for which the necessary revisions are not submitted within the given timeframe, or whose revised reports are not accepted, may be terminated or cancelled based on the severity of the deficiency, upon the recommendation of the GYK and approval of the Presidency.

Under the scope of the programme, the supported visiting or sabbatical scientist and the host scientist are required to comply with the obligations outlined below.

The visiting/sabbatical scientist and/or the host scientist are obliged to comply with the programme regulations, refrain from providing false or misleading information at any stage of the application process, and complete the research/project within the designated timeframe.

If the visiting/sabbatical scientist wishes to leave Türkiye or withdraw from the programme before the end of the support period, the host scientist must notify BİDEB of this situation at least 15 days prior to the departure.

In case of non-compliance with the obligations of this programme, the support shall be terminated or cancelled.

Any short-term or long-term absence of the visiting/sabbatical scientist from their duties, along with the duration of such absence, must be reported to BİDEB by the host scientist.

In the event that the inviting scientist changes institutions, a letter obtained from the authorized representatives of both the former and the new institutions stating that the study may be conducted at the new institution must be submitted to TÜBİTAK BİDEB. The request regarding this matter shall be finalized upon the decision of the GYK.

Notifications from TÜBİTAK BİDEB are generally made via electronic means. Therefore, a valid email address suitable for official notifications must be provided, and the contact information must be kept up to date.

Individuals who have signed the Letter of Commitment are required to comply with universally accepted rules of scientific research and publication during the execution of the proposed work. If the nature of the research requires it, an Ethics Committee Approval and all necessary legal and special permissions must be obtained. In cases of non-compliance with the above-mentioned rules, actions will be taken against the responsible parties in accordance with the provisions of the TÜBİTAK Regulation of the Research and Publication Ethics Committee.

The visiting and the host scientists are obliged to fully and completely comply with all principles, rules, and obligations set forth in the “Guide on the Responsible and Trustworthy Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Support Processes” regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) tools during the preparation and submission of progress and final reports and thereafter. The relevant parties shall be deemed to have acknowledged and accepted that all information provided and to be provided regarding the use of GAI during this process is accurate, complete, and truthful; otherwise, they shall accept all legal and administrative consequences that may arise from violations in this regard, and that I accept in advance the audits, examinations, and sanctions to be carried out by the relevant authorities.

• Directive on the Programmes to be carried out by the Department of Science Fellowships and Grant Programmes under The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye.

• Rules and Procedures with regard to the running of the Department of Science Fellowships and Grant Programmes under The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye.

• Instruction on Evaluation of Applications and Reports in BİDEB Fellowship and Support Programmes by Panel/Advisor/Advisor Board Method.

• Guideline on The Responsible and Reliable Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in Research Funding Processes

• Regulation of the TÜBİTAK Research and Publication Ethics Committee

TÜBİTAK Science Fellowship and Grant Programmes Directorate

2221 - Fellowships for Visiting Scientists and Scientists on Sabbatical Leave

Address: TUBITAK, Science Fellowship and Grant Programmes Directorate, Tunus St. No:80, 06100 Kavaklidere, Ankara, Türkiye
E-mail: bideb2221@tubitak.gov.tr