Apply for Arturo Falaschi SMART Fellowships Programme

The ICGEB SMART Fellowship Programme enables early-career scientists to conduct research in a laboratory located in an ICGEB Member State other than their own. The fellowship provides funding for travel, health insurance, and subsistence, and aims to enhance skills, promote collaboration, and advance scientific careers through short-term mobility of three to nine months.

Enhancing Scientific Collaboration Across Member States

The ICGEB SMART Fellowship Programme supports early-career researchers in pursuing short-term research stays in laboratories of ICGEB Member States. The program strengthens skill development, promotes knowledge exchange, and fosters collaborative research between home and host laboratories.

Programme Objectives

• Promote mobility and skill acquisition for early-career scientists

• Enable hands-on training in new technologies

• Encourage international scientific cooperation and collaboration

• Enhance career development of fellows while benefiting both home and host laboratories

Fellowship Benefits

• Financial Support:
  • Economy-class return travel
  • Health insurance
  • Monthly subsistence allowance: PhD fellows USD 1,500; postdoctoral fellows USD 2,000

• Laboratory Support: Optional bench fee of USD 500/month for consumables (subject to ICGEB Fellowships Committee approval)

• Research Duration: Minimum 3 months, maximum 9 months

• Mentorship and Networking: Close coordination between home and host lab supervisors

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Nationals of ICGEB Member States

• Career Stage: Early-career scientists (PhD registration or PhD obtained within the last 5 years)

• Alternative Qualifications: MSc or equivalent holders actively working in research institutions

• Purpose of Mobility: Must demonstrate alignment with career trajectory, home and host laboratory benefit, and research feasibility

• Other Considerations: Preference for young scientists; only one application per call

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit through the ICGEB Service Gateway:

• Full CV of the applicant

• Full CV of the Head of the Receiving Laboratory

• Valid identification document

• Detailed research project proposal

• Completed confirmation sections from both home and host laboratories

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Scientific excellence and research quality

• CV and professional track record of the applicant

• Anticipated impact on the fellow’s career

• Benefits for both home and host laboratories

• Competence, skills, and infrastructure of the receiving laboratory

• Additional support provided to assist living expenses

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Identify a host laboratory in an ICGEB Member State other than your own

2. Develop a research proposal aligned with the expertise of the host lab

3. Coordinate with supervisors at both home and host institutions

4. Prepare and submit application through the ICGEB Service Gateway

5. Ensure all sections are confirmed by home and host laboratories

6. Await evaluation by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee

Key Considerations and Tips

• Clearly demonstrate the impact of mobility on your career

• Highlight mutual benefits for both home and host laboratories

• Provide detailed and realistic project planning for 3–9 months

• Ensure all documentation is complete, including CVs and identification

• Engage in early communication with host lab supervisors to strengthen collaboration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible for the SMART Fellowship?

Early-career scientists from ICGEB Member States with a PhD or registered for a PhD, or MSc holders actively engaged in research.

2. What is the duration of the fellowship?

Research stays must be minimum 3 months and maximum 9 months.

3. What financial support is provided?

The fellowship covers economy-class return travel, health insurance, and a monthly stipend (PhD USD 1,500; postdoctoral USD 2,000). Optional bench fee of USD 500/month may be provided to the host lab.

4. Can I extend my visit through this fellowship?

No, the program is not intended to extend existing visits or act as a bridge to longer-term fellowships.

5. What documents are required for application?

Applicant CV, CV of the head of the receiving laboratory, valid ID, project proposal, and confirmation by home and host laboratories.

6. How is the application evaluated?

Applications are assessed based on scientific excellence, career impact, benefits to home and host labs, and resources available at the host laboratory.

7. How many applications can I submit?

Only one application per open call is allowed.

Conclusion

The ICGEB SMART Fellowship Programme provides early-career scientists with a unique opportunity to enhance their research skills, gain international exposure, and foster collaboration between laboratories in ICGEB Member States. This short-term mobility strengthens scientific networks, promotes hands-on training, and supports career development while benefiting both home and host laboratories.