CICOPS aims at fostering research collaboration between academics from developing countries and from the University of Pavia. Since 1996, the University of Pavia and the Institute for University Studies (EDiSU) have been offering about ten scholarships annually to junior and senior academicians for a period of stay from 1 to 3 months. During their stay in Pavia, scholars carry out research with professors in their host departments and often hold seminars.