Deadline: 14-Aug-2026
The Arturo Falaschi Short-term PhD Fellowships 2026, offered by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), provide 1–12 months of pre-doctoral research training at ICGEB laboratories in Trieste (Italy), New Delhi (India), and Cape Town (South Africa). The fellowship supports researchers from ICGEB Member States by providing monthly stipends, international travel, health insurance, and access to advanced laboratory facilities to strengthen scientific collaboration and research capacity.
Arturo Falaschi Short-term PhD Fellowships 2026
About the Fellowship
The Arturo Falaschi Short-term PhD Fellowships are designed to support pre-doctoral researchers through advanced research training at ICGEB Component Laboratories.
The programme promotes collaborative research between scientists from ICGEB Member States and ICGEB research groups, enabling fellows to develop scientific skills, learn advanced laboratory techniques, and contribute to international research projects in biotechnology and life sciences.
By combining hands-on laboratory experience with international scientific collaboration, the fellowship strengthens research capacity in ICGEB Member States and promotes long-term scientific partnerships.
Fellowship Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Support pre-doctoral research training.
- Strengthen scientific collaboration between ICGEB Member States.
- Provide access to advanced laboratory facilities.
- Promote technology transfer and scientific knowledge exchange.
- Enhance research capacity in biotechnology and life sciences.
- Develop the next generation of scientific researchers.
Research Focus Areas
The fellowship supports collaborative research in biotechnology and related Life Sciences.
Eligible research areas include:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetic Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Microbiology
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Life Sciences
- Related interdisciplinary scientific fields
Host Research Laboratories
Selected fellows may undertake research at one of the following ICGEB Component laboratories:
- Trieste, Italy
- New Delhi, India
- Cape Town, South Africa
Fellowship Duration
Research placements may last:
- Minimum duration: 1 month
- Maximum duration: 12 months
The duration depends on the approved research project and agreement with the host laboratory.
Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship provides financial and logistical support throughout the research stay.
Monthly Stipend
Successful fellows receive:
- EUR 1,500 per month for Trieste, Italy.
- USD 1,122 per month for New Delhi, India.
- ZAR 16,500 per month for Cape Town, South Africa.
Additional Benefits
The fellowship also includes:
- International return airfare from the fellow’s home country.
- Medical health insurance throughout the fellowship.
- Reimbursement of visa or residence permit application and renewal costs.
- Access to internationally recognized research laboratories.
- Training in advanced scientific techniques.
What Is Not Covered?
Applicants should note that:
- Family members are not financially supported.
- No administrative assistance is provided for accompanying family members.
- Personal family expenses are not covered by the fellowship.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements.
Nationality Requirement
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of an ICGEB Member State.
Applicants generally cannot undertake the fellowship in their country of origin, unless they are already working abroad at the time of application.
Academic Requirements
Academic qualifications depend on the chosen host laboratory.
For Trieste (Italy)
Applicants should hold:
- A BSc (Honours) degree.
For Cape Town (South Africa)
Applicants should hold:
- A BSc (Honours) degree.
For New Delhi (India)
Applicants should hold:
- An MSc degree.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate a good working knowledge of English through one of the following:
- TOEFL
- Cambridge English Certificate
- Equivalent English language qualification
Applicants are exempt if English was the official language of instruction and their university provides an official certificate confirming this.
Selection Criteria
Applications are reviewed by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee.
The committee evaluates:
- Scientific excellence of the proposed research project.
- Quality of the applicant’s curriculum vitae.
- Academic achievements.
- Research potential.
- Expected benefits for the applicant’s home country.
How the Selection Process Works
The selection process generally includes the following steps:
- Submission of a complete application before the deadline.
- Administrative review for eligibility.
- Scientific evaluation by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee.
- Assessment of the research proposal and applicant qualifications.
- Final selection.
- Notification of results via email.
Both successful and unsuccessful applicants are informed by email after the evaluation process.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Choose an appropriate ICGEB laboratory.
- Develop a collaborative research proposal.
- Prepare all required supporting documents.
- Obtain proof of English proficiency or a university medium-of-instruction certificate.
- Complete the fellowship application.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Await the official selection results via email.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Arturo Falaschi Short-term PhD Fellowship helps young scientists gain valuable international research experience while strengthening scientific collaboration across ICGEB Member States.
The programme contributes to:
- Capacity building in biotechnology.
- Development of advanced laboratory skills.
- International scientific networking.
- Knowledge exchange.
- Technology transfer.
- Long-term research partnerships.
- Career development for early-stage researchers.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your chances of selection:
- Prepare a clear and scientifically sound research proposal.
- Demonstrate previous research experience.
- Highlight the relevance of your project to your home country.
- Ensure your CV is complete and up to date.
- Submit all supporting documents.
- Apply well before the deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common application errors:
- Applying without meeting nationality requirements.
- Selecting an ineligible host location.
- Submitting incomplete documents.
- Missing proof of English proficiency.
- Providing an unclear research proposal.
- Missing the application deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Arturo Falaschi Short-term PhD Fellowship?
It is a pre-doctoral research fellowship offered by ICGEB that enables researchers from Member States to undertake advanced research training at ICGEB laboratories.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship supports research stays lasting between 1 and 12 months.
Which countries host the fellowship?
Research may be carried out at ICGEB laboratories in:
- Trieste, Italy
- New Delhi, India
- Cape Town, South Africa
What financial support is provided?
The fellowship provides a monthly stipend, international return airfare, health insurance, reimbursement of visa costs, and access to advanced research facilities.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be nationals of an ICGEB Member State and meet the academic qualification requirements for their selected host laboratory.
Is proof of English proficiency required?
Yes. Applicants must provide an accepted English language certificate unless English was the official language of instruction and this is confirmed by their university.
How are applicants selected?
Applications are assessed based on the scientific quality of the research proposal, the applicant’s CV, academic qualifications, and the expected impact of the research on the applicant’s home country.
Conclusion
The Arturo Falaschi Short-term PhD Fellowships 2026 offer an outstanding opportunity for pre-doctoral researchers from ICGEB Member States to strengthen their scientific expertise through international research training. By providing financial support, access to world-class laboratories, advanced research techniques, and opportunities for international collaboration, the programme helps develop highly skilled researchers while contributing to scientific innovation and research capacity across ICGEB Member States.
For more information, visit ICGEB.
