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Request for Proposals: ICGEB Biosecurity Grant Program

Deadline: 30-Apr-2026

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Biosecurity Grant Program funds projects that strengthen laboratory biosecurity, pathogen detection, and outbreak preparedness in eligible African Member States. Grants of up to €15,000 per year for a maximum of 24 months support essential equipment, consumables, training, and project-related travel. Applications must be led by qualified Principal Investigators, demonstrate international collaboration, and be endorsed by national liaison officers.

Program Overview

The ICGEB Biosecurity Grant Program supports initiatives that enhance biosecurity, biosafety, pathogen detection, and outbreak preparedness in healthcare and research laboratories. Funded projects aim to improve laboratory readiness, diagnostics, surveillance, and technical capacity, ensuring safe and efficient responses to infectious threats.

This programme is part of the MAECI-funded BIO-GUARD initiative and primarily targets ICGEB African Member States, with limited eligibility for exceptional applications from other countries.

Focus Areas

Projects should address one or more of the following priorities:

  • Laboratory Biosecurity and Bio-preparedness: Strengthening protocols, safety measures, and readiness for handling pathogens

  • Pathogen Detection: Improving diagnostic capabilities and surveillance methods

  • Capacity Building: Hands-on training and professional development for laboratory personnel

  • Technical Support: Procurement of essential laboratory equipment and materials directly linked to biosecurity activities

  • Project-related Travel: Travel necessary for training, collaboration, or implementation of project activities

Funding and Duration

  • Maximum Grant: €15,000 per year

  • Maximum Duration: 24 months

  • Funding Coverage: Direct project costs related to biosecurity, diagnostics, training, and travel

  • Non-eligible Costs:

    • Salaries of Principal Investigators

    • Infrastructural or institutional overhead (administrative costs, equipment rental, building maintenance)

Eligibility Criteria

  • Principal Investigators must hold permanent or long-term positions in:

    • Healthcare diagnostic laboratories

    • Public health institutes

    • Research or training institutions with applied biomedical and laboratory functions

  • Applicants must be based in eligible ICGEB African Member States; exceptional applications from non-African countries may be considered if highly relevant

  • Applicants with unresolved prior funding obligations or incomplete projects are not eligible

International Collaboration Requirement

  • Projects must include international collaboration as an integral component

  • Applicants should define the precise role of collaborators and justify their involvement

  • Collaborations may involve ICGEB Member State institutions or other countries

  • Preference is given to projects addressing region-specific challenges, creating new partnerships, or involving cross-country cooperation

Application Process

  1. Online Submission: Applications must be submitted through the ICGEB Service Gateway by 30 April at 23:59 CET

  2. National Endorsement: All applications must be endorsed by the relevant Country Liaison Officer to be considered

  3. Documentation: Include project objectives, budget justification, roles of collaborators, and detailed work plan

Incomplete or unendorsed applications will not be acknowledged.

Project Design Guidelines

  • Demonstrate feasibility within 24 months

  • Clearly define objectives, expected outcomes, and measurable impact

  • Include detailed budget justification for equipment, consumables, training, and travel

  • Ensure alignment with ICGEB biosecurity and outbreak preparedness priorities

  • Embed cross-country collaboration and capacity building wherever relevant

Why This Programme Matters

The ICGEB Biosecurity Grant Program plays a vital role in:

  • Strengthening laboratory readiness for infectious disease threats

  • Enhancing diagnostic and surveillance capabilities

  • Building technical and professional capacity in African Member States

  • Promoting international collaboration and knowledge sharing in biosecurity

  • Supporting sustainable, safe, and effective laboratory practices

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting applications after the deadline

  • Failing to obtain national endorsement

  • Including ineligible costs such as PI salaries or overheads

  • Lacking clearly defined international collaboration

  • Applying with incomplete or unfeasible project plans

  • Reapplying without completing prior funded projects

Conclusion

The ICGEB Biosecurity Grant Program offers critical support to laboratories aiming to strengthen biosecurity, pathogen detection, and outbreak preparedness in African Member States. By providing targeted funding, hands-on training, and fostering international collaborations, the program enhances laboratory capacity and regional resilience against biological threats. Qualified Principal Investigators with well-designed, feasible projects have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to biosecurity and global health preparedness.

For more information, visit ICGEB.