Applications are now open for the fully funded 2026 ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Fellowships for PhD and Postdoctoral research graduates
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The 2026 ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Fellowships supports talented researchers through fully funded training opportunities in biotechnology and the life sciences. Whether you are beginning your PhD, pursuing postdoctoral research, or looking to strengthen international collaborations, these fellowships offer valuable opportunities to develop your scientific career.
Named in honour of Professor Arturo Falaschi, the first Director General of ICGEB, the fellowship programme continues his vision of strengthening scientific excellence and research capacity across ICGEB Member States.
2026 ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Fellowships Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) |
| Fellowship Name | Arturo Falaschi Fellowships |
| Fellowship Types | PhD, Postdoctoral, Short Term, SMART Mobility, Biotechnet, AICAD |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Research Area | Life Sciences and Biotechnology |
| Eligible Applicants | Scientists from ICGEB Member States (varies by fellowship) |
| Training Location | ICGEB Laboratories |
| Expression of Interest Deadline | 14 August 2026 |
| Full Application Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
About the ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Fellowships
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is an international research organisation that promotes advanced scientific research, education, and technology transfer in biotechnology.
Every year, ICGEB opens several fellowship programmes that allow researchers to work in internationally recognised laboratories while collaborating with leading scientists in the life sciences.
The fellowships are designed to strengthen scientific knowledge, encourage international collaboration, and support innovative research that addresses global health, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and biotechnology challenges.
Applicants become part of an international scientific community where they gain practical laboratory experience while building long term research partnerships.
Fellowship Categories
1. Arturo Falaschi Short Term PhD Fellowships
These fellowships support pre doctoral researchers who wish to carry out part of their PhD research at an ICGEB laboratory.
The programme is intended to strengthen ongoing collaborative research between scientists from ICGEB Member States and ICGEB research groups.
This fellowship is ideal for PhD students seeking access to specialised laboratory facilities and advanced research training.
2. Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships
These fellowships are designed for highly motivated scientists who have completed their doctoral studies and wish to continue advanced research in the life sciences.
Successful applicants work alongside internationally recognised researchers while developing independent scientific expertise.
3. Arturo Falaschi Short Term Postdoctoral Fellowships
This programme supports short term research visits for postdoctoral scientists working on collaborative projects between their home institutions and ICGEB laboratories.
The fellowship strengthens international scientific partnerships while allowing researchers to gain new technical skills.
4. Arturo Falaschi SMART Fellowships
The SMART Fellowship promotes the movement of researchers between ICGEB Member States.
The programme encourages knowledge sharing, research collaboration, and scientific networking by allowing researchers to undertake research visits in another Member State.
5. Biotechnet Short Term Advanced Fellowships
These fellowships support scientists from East Africa who wish to undertake advanced research training at ICGEB laboratories.
The programme strengthens biotechnology research capacity across the East African region.
6. Biotechnet Short Term PhD Fellowships
Designed specifically for doctoral researchers from East Africa, these fellowships support pre doctoral research and laboratory training at ICGEB research centres.
7. ICGEB AICAD Short Term Postdoctoral Fellowships
This fellowship is offered through a partnership between ICGEB and the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD).
The programme provides postdoctoral training opportunities for researchers from African countries, helping strengthen scientific capacity across the continent.
Fellowship Benefits
Although benefits may vary slightly depending on the fellowship category, successful applicants generally receive several important advantages.
- Researchers gain practical experience in internationally recognised biotechnology laboratories.
- Fellows work closely with leading scientists and researchers from around the world.
- Participants develop practical skills using modern scientific equipment and research techniques.
- The fellowship strengthens applicants’ research profiles, making them more competitive for future academic positions and international grants.
- Researchers become part of an international scientific community that encourages long term collaboration beyond the fellowship period.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the fellowship programme.
However, applicants should generally:
- Be highly motivated researchers.
- Be pursuing research in biotechnology or the life sciences.
- Meet the academic requirements of their chosen fellowship category.
- Be affiliated with institutions in eligible ICGEB Member States where required.
- Demonstrate strong research potential and academic achievement.
Research Areas
ICGEB supports multidisciplinary research across many areas of biotechnology and life sciences.
Examples include:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Genomics
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Virology
- Plant Biotechnology
- Medical Biotechnology
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Bioinformatics
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Cellular Biology
How to Apply
The application process is similar across most fellowship categories and includes;
Step 1
Choose the fellowship programme that best matches your academic level and research interests.
Step 2
Identify an appropriate ICGEB research laboratory and ensure your research interests align with its work.
Step 3
Submit your Expression of Interest before the deadline.
Step 4
If invited, prepare and submit your complete fellowship application together with all required supporting documents.
Step 5
Wait for the review process and notification from ICGEB.
Why Choose an ICGEB Fellowship?
- The ICGEB Fellowship programme is more than financial support. It provides access to an international research environment where scientists can develop technical expertise while building lasting professional relationships.
- For many researchers, these fellowships become an important stepping stone toward academic leadership, international collaborations, and future research funding.
- Working alongside experienced scientists also allows fellows to gain valuable mentoring that can shape their long term research careers.
Tips for a Strong Application
Competition for ICGEB Fellowships is highly competitive. Consider the following recommendations when preparing your application.
- Select an ICGEB laboratory whose research closely matches your interests and future career plans.
- Highlight publications, research projects, conference presentations, laboratory techniques, and other academic achievements.
- Clearly describe how the fellowship will help you advance your scientific career and contribute to research in your home country.
- Do not wait until the application deadline. Preparing research documents and communicating with potential supervisors often takes several weeks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid:
- Applying for the wrong fellowship category.
- Submitting incomplete documents.
- Writing vague research objectives.
- Ignoring eligibility requirements.
- Waiting until the final days before applying.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Expression of Interest Deadline | 14 August 2026 |
| Full Application Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR APPLICATION
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Fellowship?
It is an international fellowship programme that supports PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and scientists pursuing research in biotechnology and the life sciences.
2. Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship provides funded research and training opportunities, although the exact support varies by fellowship category.
3. Who can apply?
Eligibility depends on the fellowship category, but most programmes are open to qualified researchers from eligible ICGEB Member States.
4. What research fields are supported?
The programme supports biotechnology and life sciences research across multiple disciplines.
5. What is the deadline for the Expression of Interest?
The deadline is 14 August 2026.
6. When is the final application due?
The full application must be submitted by 30 September 2026.
7. Are there fellowships specifically for African researchers?
Yes. The programme includes Biotechnet Fellowships for East African scientists and ICGEB AICAD Postdoctoral Fellowships for researchers from Africa.
8. What is the SMART Fellowship?
The SMART Fellowship promotes researcher mobility and scientific collaboration between ICGEB Member States.
9. Can PhD students apply?
Yes. Several fellowship categories are specifically designed for PhD researchers.
10. Why should I apply for an ICGEB Fellowship?
The fellowship provides international research experience, access to world class laboratories, expert mentorship, advanced scientific training, and valuable global research collaborations.
