The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), in partnership with COMSTECH, invites applications for its Collaborative Research Grant Programme (CRP). The programme supports innovative scientific research, international collaboration, and capacity-building for women researchers under 45 in ICGEB–COMSTECH Member States. Grants up to €9,000 per year cover project-related costs, with a special Early Career Return category for researchers recently returning from abroad.
Overview
The CRP Grants aim to stimulate collaborative scientific research, promote the training of young scientists, and strengthen research infrastructure in ICGEB–COMSTECH Member States. The programme supports projects across the following fields:
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Basic Science
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Human Healthcare
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Industrial Biotechnology
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Agricultural Biotechnology
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Bioenergy
The scheme encourages research that addresses original scientific problems of relevance to the host country and the wider region, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Funding Details
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Maximum Funding: €9,000 per year
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Duration: One-year grants
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Eligible Costs:
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Consumables
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Scientific literature
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Basic laboratory equipment
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Travel and training expenses
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Excluded Costs:
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Salaries of principal investigators
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Institutional overheads, including administrative and maintenance costs
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Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is restricted to women researchers under 45 based at universities or research institutes in ICGEB–COMSTECH Member States, including: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates.
Exclusions:
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Institutions in Italy
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Applicants with previously awarded projects that are not satisfactorily concluded
Special Early Career Return Grant
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For women researchers aged 40 years or below
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Must have spent at least two consecutive years abroad
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Must have returned to a Member State within the last two years to establish independent research laboratories
Key Requirements
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International Collaboration: Projects must involve collaboration with researchers from other ICGEB Member States or international partners.
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Role Definition: Clearly outline collaborators’ roles and explain the importance of the partnership to project success.
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Regional Relevance: Preference for projects addressing region-specific challenges, multi-country teams, or new collaborations.
How to Apply
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Prepare Project Proposal: Define research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and collaboration plan.
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National Endorsement: Obtain endorsement from the designated Country Liaison Officer.
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Online Submission: Submit applications via the ICGEB Service Gateway.
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Deadline: 30 April 2026, 23:59 CET
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Acknowledgement: Only endorsed applications will be considered for review.
Expected Outcomes
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Advancement of scientific knowledge in priority fields
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Strengthened research capacity in ICGEB–COMSTECH Member States
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Development of international collaborations and networks
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Training and professional development of early-career women scientists
Common Tips for Applicants
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Emphasize the regional relevance and feasibility of the project
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Clearly define the roles of international collaborators
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Highlight capacity-building and training opportunities for young scientists
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Ensure the proposal complies with funding limits and eligible costs
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Seek timely endorsement from the national liaison officer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
Women researchers under 45 in ICGEB–COMSTECH Member States with positions at universities or research institutes.
2. Is international collaboration required?
Yes. Projects must involve collaborators and demonstrate the significance of partnerships.
3. What expenses can the grant cover?
Consumables, scientific literature, basic lab equipment, travel, and training costs. Salaries and overheads are not funded.
4. What is the Early Career Return Grant?
A special category for women researchers ≤40 years old who spent ≥2 years abroad and have recently returned to a Member State to establish an independent laboratory.
5. Can institutions outside Member States apply?
No. Only institutions in ICGEB–COMSTECH Member States are eligible.
6. How are applications submitted?
Through the ICGEB Service Gateway, with national-level endorsement from the Country Liaison Officer.
7. What is the maximum funding amount?
€9,000 per project per year.
Conclusion
The ICGEB–COMSTECH Collaborative Research Grant Programme offers a unique opportunity for women researchers in Member States to pursue innovative, collaborative scientific projects. With funding support, international partnerships, and a focus on regional relevance, the programme promotes capacity-building, scientific advancement, and professional development for early-career scientists.
For more information, visit ICGEB.
