ICGEB SMART Fellowship Programme for Developing Countries 2026

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) SMART Fellowship Programme promotes the Scientific Mobility for Advanced Research Training of researchers between ICGEB Member States as a way of enhancing skill development, acquisition of specific hands-on training in new technologies and increasing cooperation in science and technology and should provide clear evidence of strong collaboration between the two laboratories. The programme promotes the mobility of researchers between ICGEB Member States as a way of enhancing skill development, acquisition of specific hands-on training in technologies available in the receiving laboratory and increasing bilateral cooperation in science and technology, and should provide clear evidence of strong collaboration between the two laboratories. Applicants should focus on the impact for the fellow’s career, the benefit to the applicant’s home laboratory and the suitability of the receiving laboratory. As a major aspect of this programme is the promotion of scientific collaboration, applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure that the Supervisors in the two laboratories liaise closely in the preparation of the research project.

About International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)

Established under UNIDO in 1983, the ICGEB is a unique, autonomous, Intergovernmental Organisation, with biotech labs in Italy, India, and South Africa.

ICGEB SMART Fellowship Programme for Developing Countries

Aim and Benefits of ICGEB SMART Fellowship Programme for Developing Countries

• Awards are for a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 9 months.
• The fellowship covers international economy return travel, health insurance plus subsistence of the fellow only.
• The stipend for PhD fellowships is USD 1,500 (one thousand five hundred) per month, while the stipend for Postdoctoral fellowships is USD 2,000 (two thousand). Additionally, a USD 500 monthly bench fee can be paid directly to the receiving laboratory based on the recommendation of the ICGEB Fellowships Committee.
• The fellowship stipend will be paid by bank transfer directly to the fellow’s bank account. Upon joining the receiving laboratory, ICGEB will transfer the bench fee allocation to the receiving laboratory, which will be responsible for the management of the funds and the certification of expenditures to ICGEB.
• The receiving laboratory is expected to ensure that adequate provisions are in place for the specific research project and to make the bench fee allocation available to the ICGEB SMART Fellow immediately, free from any administrative overhead costs.

Note: ICGEB makes no financial provision, nor can it provide administrative support for family members of participants in the programme

Requirements for ICGEB SMART Fellowship Programme for Developing Countries Qualification

• The call is open to nationals of ICGEB Member States and provides fellowships to scientists in the early stage of their career wishing to spend between 3 and 9 months at a research institution in an ICGEB Member State other than their own. SMART Fellowships are intended to promote collaboration among researchers in ICGEB Member Countries. Mobility support to laboratories located in Italy, India and South Africa can be considered under exceptional circumstances and only if the research activity proposed is not covered by one of the ICGEB laboratories in Trieste, New Delhi or Cape Town. If the latter case applies, please refer to the ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Short-term fellowships programme.
• There is no age limit. However, preference is given to young scientists at the beginning of their research career. Applicants should be either registered for a PhD or have obtained their PhD degree within the last 5 years and be actively working in a research Institution.
• Young scientists holding an MSc or equivalent can apply. SMART Fellowships support mobility between laboratories located in Member States. Awards are not intended to prolong visits begun under other auspices, to support participation in courses, workshops or symposia or as bridging fellowships between, or prior to, long term stays funded by ICGEB or other organisations.

Interview date, Process and Venue for ICGEB SMART Fellowship Programme for Developing Countries

• The ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee will evaluate complete applications received by the closing date.
• The candidates will be notified of the outcome by e-mail as soon as possible following the closing date for applications.
• Please note that the selection might take several weeks according to the amount of applications received. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual feedback to all applicants at the end of the selection process.
• The main criteria for selection include scientific excellence of the project, the qualities of the candidate’s CV and the impact on his/her career, the potential benefit for the home and the host country, competence, skills and equipment available in the receiving laboratory.
• ICGEB will positively value any additional support provided by the receiving institute to the fellow’s living expenses (i.e. a direct contribution for living expenses, guest house accommodation, etc.).

Documents Required for Application

Please note that you will be requested to upload the following documents (pdf files):

• Your full CV;
• The full CV of the Head of the Receiving Laboratory (complete with list of publications);
• A valid identification document (passport or identity card). Recommended passport validity should be 12 months at least.

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Application Deadline

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) on isg.icgeb.org to apply

For more information, kindly visit ICGEB scholarship webpage.