The Network of Centres of Excellence involves scientific and technological institutions committed to strengthening links within the scientific community and increasing the mobility of scientists from developing countries, especially from Africa. To this end, the Network runs advanced and basic training courses for scientists and engineers in selected subject areas, such as biotechnologies and information and communication technologies (ICTs).

People from developing country scientific communities (scientists, engineers, university lecturers, researchers) are welcome to apply to the training courses and seminars organized by the Network of Centres of Excellence.

The Network of Centres of Excellence was established in 2005 at UNCTAD on the recommendation by the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD). It cooperates closely with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), based in Trieste, Italy.

UNCTAD´s Network of Centres of Excellence is sponsored by the Government of Italy.