Applications open for Arturo Falaschi SMART Fellowships

The ICGEB Arturo Falaschi SMART Fellowship Programme supports scientific mobility by enabling researchers from ICGEB Member States to undertake 3–9 months of research training at laboratories in another ICGEB Member State. The fellowship provides international travel, health insurance, monthly stipends, and research support while promoting international collaboration, advanced scientific training, and technology transfer.

ICGEB Arturo Falaschi SMART Fellowship Programme

The Arturo Falaschi SMART (Scientific Mobility for Advanced Research Training) Fellowship Programme, offered by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), provides funding for early-career researchers to gain advanced research experience at host laboratories in another ICGEB Member State.

The programme is designed to strengthen scientific cooperation, facilitate technology transfer, develop research skills, and encourage long-term collaboration between research institutions across ICGEB Member Countries.

Unlike traditional degree-based fellowships, SMART Fellowships focus specifically on international research mobility, allowing researchers to acquire practical expertise, learn new scientific techniques, and build international research networks.

About the Fellowship

The SMART Fellowship promotes collaborative scientific research by supporting temporary research placements at laboratories located in eligible ICGEB Member States.

Researchers work closely with host laboratories to gain hands-on experience with advanced technologies while contributing to collaborative research projects.

The programme strengthens research capacity within participating countries by encouraging the exchange of scientific knowledge, methodologies, and expertise.

Fellowship Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Promote scientific mobility among researchers from ICGEB Member States.
• Strengthen international scientific collaboration.
• Support advanced research training.
• Develop practical laboratory and technical skills.
• Facilitate technology transfer.
• Build long-term partnerships between research institutions.
• Enhance scientific excellence across participating countries.

Research Focus Areas

The fellowship supports research across biotechnology and related scientific disciplines, depending on the expertise of the host laboratory.

Priority includes:

• Biotechnology
• Life Sciences
• Molecular Biology
• Genetic Engineering
• Biomedical Research
• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology Innovation
• Scientific Research Collaboration
• Emerging Laboratory Technologies

Fellowship Duration

Selected fellows may undertake research for:

• Minimum duration: 3 months
• Maximum duration: 9 months

The duration depends on the approved research proposal and agreement between the applicant and the host institution.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows receive comprehensive support throughout their research stay.

Financial Support

The programme provides:

• International economy-class return airfare.
• Medical and health insurance.
• Monthly subsistence allowance.
• Research training support.

Monthly Fellowship Stipend

Funding includes:

• USD 1,500 per month for PhD Fellows.
• USD 2,000 per month for Postdoctoral Fellows.

The stipend is transferred directly to the fellow’s personal bank account.

Bench Fee

Where recommended by the ICGEB Fellowships Committee, the receiving laboratory may receive:

• USD 500 per month bench fee.

This funding supports laboratory research expenses and is managed directly by the host institution.

What Expenses Are Covered?

The fellowship covers:

• International return travel.
• Health insurance.
• Monthly living expenses.
• Approved research support.
• Laboratory bench fee (where approved).

What Is Not Covered?

Applicants should note that:

• Family members are not financially supported.
• Administrative support for accompanying family members is not provided.
• The fellowship cannot be used for conferences, workshops, or symposia.
• It cannot be used as a bridge between long-term fellowships.
• It is not intended to extend visits started under another programme.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements.

Nationality

Applicants must:

• Be nationals of an ICGEB Member State.

Academic Requirements

Applicants should:

• Be registered for a PhD; or
• Hold a PhD obtained within the previous five years; or
• Hold an MSc (or equivalent qualification) and be actively involved in research.

Career Stage

Preference is given to:

• Early-career researchers.
• Young scientists beginning their research careers.

There is no formal age limit.

Employment Status

Applicants must:

• Be actively working at a research institution.

Mobility Requirement

Research must take place:

• In another ICGEB Member State.
• At a laboratory outside the applicant’s home country.

Exceptional Mobility to ICGEB Laboratories

Research placements at ICGEB laboratories located in:

• Trieste (Italy)
• New Delhi (India)
• Cape Town (South Africa)

may be approved only in exceptional cases where the required research expertise is unavailable in other Member State laboratories.

Applicants requiring such placements may instead be directed to the ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Short-term Fellowships Programme.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee.

Assessment considers:

• Scientific excellence of the research proposal.
• Quality of the applicant’s CV.
• Career development potential.
• Benefits to the home country.
• Benefits to the host country.
• Research capacity of the receiving laboratory.
• Available facilities and scientific expertise.
• Additional institutional support provided by the host institution.

How the Selection Process Works

The selection process generally includes:

1. Submit a complete fellowship application before the deadline.
2. Administrative review of eligibility.
3. Scientific evaluation by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee.
4. Assessment of the proposed host laboratory.
5. Final selection and approval.
6. Notification of results via email.

The review process may take several weeks depending on application volume.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Identify a suitable host laboratory in another ICGEB Member State.
2. Develop a collaborative research proposal.
3. Prepare all required application documents.
4. Complete the fellowship application before the deadline.
5. Submit the application according to ICGEB guidelines.
6. Await evaluation and notification by email.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The SMART Fellowship strengthens scientific research by enabling researchers to gain international experience while building long-term research partnerships.

The programme helps researchers:

• Learn advanced laboratory techniques.
• Expand international research networks.
• Improve scientific skills.
• Promote technology transfer.
• Increase future research opportunities.
• Strengthen scientific capacity within ICGEB Member States.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances by:

• Selecting a host laboratory with strong expertise.
• Preparing a clear and feasible research proposal.
• Demonstrating how the fellowship will advance their career.
• Highlighting previous research achievements.
• Showing benefits for both home and host institutions.
• Submitting a complete application before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

• Applying to an ineligible host institution.
• Submitting incomplete documentation.
• Proposing research outside the programme’s objectives.
• Requesting support for conferences or workshops.
• Applying to extend another fellowship.
• Missing the application deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the ICGEB Arturo Falaschi SMART Fellowship Programme?

It is an international research mobility fellowship that supports PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from ICGEB Member States through research training at laboratories in another Member State.

How long does the fellowship last?

Research stays may last between 3 and 9 months.

What financial support is provided?

The fellowship covers international travel, health insurance, monthly living stipends, and, where approved, a laboratory bench fee.

How much is the monthly stipend?

PhD fellows receive USD 1,500 per month, while postdoctoral fellows receive USD 2,000 per month.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include nationals of ICGEB Member States who are registered PhD students, recent PhD graduates (within five years), or MSc-qualified researchers actively working in research institutions.

Is there an age limit?

No. However, preference is given to young researchers at the beginning of their scientific careers.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are assessed based on scientific quality, applicant qualifications, career development potential, expected impact, and the capabilities of the host laboratory.

Conclusion

The ICGEB Arturo Falaschi SMART Fellowship Programme offers an outstanding opportunity for early-career researchers from ICGEB Member States to strengthen their scientific expertise through international research collaboration. By providing funding for research mobility, advanced laboratory training, and global scientific networking, the programme helps researchers build valuable skills while fostering innovation, technology transfer, and long-term partnerships that contribute to scientific development across member countries.