Apply Now: ICGEB Fellowships for Scientists in Biosecurity

The ICGEB Fellowships for Scientists in Biosecurity offer early-career researchers from OECD/DAC countries a hands-on training opportunity in life sciences and biosecurity at ICGEB laboratories in Italy, India, South Africa, and China. Fellowships focus on molecular detection, pathogen surveillance, vaccine development, synthetic biology, AI in biotech, and dual-use research, with stipends, travel, and accommodation provided. Applications require pre-confirmation with host laboratories, submission of project proposals, and evaluation based on scientific excellence and career impact.

Overview

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) provides short-term fellowships to early-career scientists from OECD/DAC countries to train in biosecurity, life sciences, and biotechnology.

Fellowships emphasize applied training in areas critical to human, animal, and plant health, including detection and response to biological threats.

Key Research Areas

• Molecular detection tools for biological threats

• Epidemiology and genomic surveillance of pathogens

• Drug discovery and vaccine development

• Fundamental pathogen studies

• Point-of-care diagnostics

• Genetic editing and synthetic biology

• Industrial bioengineering

• Antimicrobial resistance studies

• Regulatory science and quality assurance

• Computational biology and AI applications in biotech

Fellowship Duration and Locations

• Standard duration: 2 months

• Extension: Up to 6 months (with co-funding)

• Host laboratories:

  • Trieste, Italy

  • New Delhi, India

  • Cape Town, South Africa

  • Taizhou, China (ICGEB Regional Research Centre, under SMART scheme)

Accommodation

• Trieste: No housing; list of possible contacts provided

• New Delhi: On-campus guest house (twin-share, nominal rate)

• Cape Town: Arrangements agreed prior to arrival

• Taizhou: Accommodation provided by host institute

Stipends

• Trieste: €1,500/month

• New Delhi: US$1,122/month

• Cape Town: ZAR 16,500/month

• Taizhou: US$1,500/month

Additional support:

• International economy return travel

• Health insurance for the fellow

• Visa or permit costs reimbursed

• Family members not supported financially

Eligibility

• Nationality: ICGEB Member States or DAC-listed ODA countries

• Career stage: Early or mid-career scientists in biotechnology

• Preferred: Women scientists

• Degree requirements:

  • Trieste and Cape Town: BSc (Honours)

  • New Delhi: MSc

  • China (Taizhou): MSc or equivalent

• Language requirement: Good working knowledge of English (certificate required if not previously studied in English)

Who Can Apply?

• Early-career researchers in biotechnology and life sciences

• Scientists interested in dual-use research of concern

• PhD students or recent graduates depending on location requirements

How to Apply

1. Identify Host Laboratory

   • Contact an ICGEB Group Leader or Principal Investigator in the target lab

   • Obtain a written statement confirming willingness to host the project

2. Prepare Application

   • Full CV of applicant

   • Written statement from host Group Leader

   • Valid identification document

   • English language proficiency certificate (if required)

   • For Taizhou: full CV of the Head of the Receiving Laboratory with publication list

3. Submit Online

   • Use the ICGEB online application portal

   • Only one application per candidate per call is accepted

   • Ensure home and receiving laboratory details are confirmed by both parties before the deadline

4. Selection Process

   • Evaluated by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee

   • Criteria: scientific excellence, candidate’s CV, project relevance, benefit to home country

   • Notification via email; individual feedback not provided

Key Notes

• Early submission is advised to allow host lab confirmation

• Fellowships are not intended to prolong ongoing visits, fund courses, or bridge other ICGEB grants

• Focus is on hands-on biosecurity research and career development

FAQs

1. What is the fellowship duration?

Standard: 2 months, extendable up to 6 months with co-funding.

2. Which laboratories are eligible as hosts?

ICGEB labs in Trieste, Italy; New Delhi, India; Cape Town, South Africa; and Taizhou, China.

3. What funding is provided?

Monthly stipend (varies by location), international travel, health insurance, visa costs; family support not included.

4. Who can apply?

Early or mid-career scientists from OECD/DAC countries with a background in biotechnology and interest in dual-use research.

5. What documents are required?

Full CV, host Group Leader’s written statement, valid ID, English certificate (if required); for China, add Head of Laboratory CV with publications.

6. How is selection made?

Based on scientific excellence, candidate qualifications, project impact, and benefit to home country.

7. Is prior approval from the host lab mandatory?

Yes, a written confirmation from the host lab is required for the application to be valid.

Conclusion

The ICGEB Fellowships for Scientists in Biosecurity provide a high-impact training opportunity for early-career researchers in biotechnology, offering hands-on experience, international collaboration, and career development. Fellows gain expertise in biosecurity, pathogen detection, and dual-use research, preparing them for advanced roles in research, public health, and applied biotechnology.