Open Call for Bioinoculants SMART Fellowships Programme

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The ICGEB Bioinoculants SMART Fellowships Programme supports mobility of researchers in agri-food biotechnology, focusing on bio-fertilisers, bio-pesticides, bio-inoculants, and microbiome-based solutions. Fellowships provide 3–9 months of funding, covering stipend, travel, health insurance, and optional bench fees, with strong emphasis on collaboration between home and host laboratories. Applications close 31 March 2026, 23:59 CET and require CVs, identification, and host lab confirmation.

Overview

The Bioinoculants SMART Fellowships Programme by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) promotes applied, high-impact science in agri-food systems.

The programme supports research mobility, enabling researchers to gain hands-on training, enhance technical skills, and strengthen bilateral cooperation between home and host laboratories.

Eligible Research Areas

• Bio-fertilisers for sustainable agriculture

• Bio-pesticides for crop protection

• Bio-inoculants for food production

• Microbiome-based products and solutions impacting agricultural or food value chains

• Focus on applied science with practical impact for food safety, security, and agriculture

Fellowship Duration and Funding

• Duration: 3–9 months

• Monthly stipend:

  • PhD fellows: USD 1,500

  • Postdoctoral fellows: USD 2,000

• Bench fee: USD 500/month (paid directly to receiving laboratory)

• Coverage includes:

  • International economy return travel

  • Health insurance

  • Living subsistence for the fellow only

Note: Bench fees are managed by the host lab; unspent funds must be reported.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Researchers from eligible countries; exceptional applications from other ICGEB Member States are considered

• Education:

  • Registered for a PhD or obtained a PhD within the last 5 years

  • MSc holders with relevant experience may also apply

• Professional affiliation: Must be actively working in a research institution or research-active company

• No age limit, preference for early-career researchers

• Focus: Fellowships cannot extend prior visits, support courses, workshops, or act as bridging fellowships

Application Process

1. Contact Host Laboratory prior to submission to ensure alignment of research proposal with laboratory capacity

2. Online submission via the ICGEB portal

3. Documents required:

   • Full CV of applicant

   • Full CV of Head of Receiving Laboratory

   • Valid identification (passport recommended)

4. Laboratory confirmation: Automatic notifications sent to home and host lab heads for confirmation; incomplete confirmations disqualify the application

5. Limit: One application per candidate per call

Application Deadline

• 31 March 2026, 23:59 CET

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee and evaluated on:

• Scientific excellence of the project

• Candidate qualifications and CV

• Impact on the fellow’s career

• Benefits to the home laboratory and country

• Suitability of the host laboratory and available resources

• Additional support from host laboratory is positively considered

Note: Individual feedback is generally not provided due to high application volume.

Research Proposal Focus

• Must clearly demonstrate contribution to food safety, security, or agricultural impact

• Include preliminary data supporting feasibility and potential impact

• Show evidence of strong collaboration between home and host laboratories

Reporting and Obligations

• Fellows must prepare a joint scientific report with the host supervisor at the end of the fellowship

• Host laboratory manages bench fee expenditures and submits a financial statement to ICGEB

Tips for a Strong Application

• Engage with the host laboratory early and confirm research feasibility

• Provide complete and detailed CVs for both applicant and host PI

• Highlight the practical impact of the project on agri-food systems

• Demonstrate collaboration and bilateral benefits between laboratories

• Ensure timely completion of all required online sections and documentation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to apply?

Researchers from eligible countries, including exceptional candidates from other ICGEB Member States, with PhD or MSc qualifications.

2. What is the fellowship duration?

Minimum 3 months, maximum 9 months.

3. What costs are covered?

Stipend, bench fee, international return travel, and health insurance for the fellow.

4. Can fellows apply if they have ongoing ICGEB visits?

No. Fellowships cannot extend previous visits or support courses/workshops.

5. How is the host laboratory involved?

Applicants must secure agreement from the host lab, ensure research alignment, and the lab receives the bench fee.

6. What is the evaluation based on?

Scientific excellence, candidate CV, career impact, benefit to home lab, and host lab suitability.

7. When is the deadline?

31 March 2026, 23:59 CET

Conclusion

The ICGEB Bioinoculants SMART Fellowships Programme offers early-career and postdoctoral researchers a unique opportunity to gain applied research experience in agri-food biotechnology, strengthen collaborations, and contribute to innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture and food security.

This fellowship fosters career development, knowledge transfer, and practical impact across home and host laboratories while enhancing regional and international research capacity.

For more information, visit ICGEB.