Submissions open for Biotechnet SMART Fellowships Programme

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The ICGEB Biotechnet SMART Fellowships Programme supports research mobility for scientists in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, enabling 3–9 month research visits in host laboratories across East Africa. Fellowships cover stipend, international travel, health insurance, and bench fees, with a strong emphasis on collaboration between home and host institutions. Applications close 31 March 2026, 23:59 CET and require prior confirmation from both laboratories, detailed CVs, and a valid ID.

Programme Overview

The Biotechnet SMART Fellowships Programme by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) aims to promote researcher mobility and collaboration in East Africa.

• Supports research visits in any area of the Life Sciences

• Encourages meaningful partnerships between home and host laboratories

• Targets career development and capacity building for early-career scientists

Duration and Funding

• Fellowship length: Minimum 3 months, maximum 9 months

• Monthly stipend:

  • PhD fellows: USD 1,500

  • Postdoctoral fellows: USD 2,000

• Bench fee: USD 500 per month (paid to host laboratory upon fellow’s arrival)

• Coverage includes:

  • International economy return travel

  • Health insurance

  • Living subsistence for the fellow only

Note: No funding for family members or administrative support for family costs.

Eligible Costs

Funds may be used for laboratory consumables directly related to research, including:

• Labware (glassware, plasticware, cryoware)

• Chemicals and reagents

• Cell culture consumables

• Pipettes and tips

• Microplates

• PCR and qPCR consumables

Non-eligible costs: Maintenance, equipment purchase, office furniture, computers, software, travel unrelated to fellowship, literature, overheads, or administrative costs. Any unspent balance must be returned.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationalities: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda (including displaced researchers working in any of these countries)

• Educational qualifications:

  • Registered for a PhD, or

  • Completed a PhD, or

  • MSc or equivalent for early-career scientists

• Institution: Must be actively working in a research institution

• No age limit, though preference is given to early-career researchers

• Women applicants are strongly encouraged to apply

• Must not be using the fellowship to extend a previous visit or fund courses, workshops, or bridging fellowships

Host Laboratory Requirements

• Host lab must be located in a different country from the applicant’s home country

• Applicants are expected to contact the host laboratory before submission

• Host labs must provide adequate research provisions and manage bench fees without administrative overhead

• Any additional support to fellow’s living expenses is positively considered

Application Process

1. Online Submission via the ICGEB Service Gateway

2. Documents required:

   • Full CV of the applicant

   • Full CV of the Head of the Receiving Laboratory with a complete list of publications

   • Valid identification (passport or ID, passport recommended valid for ≥12 months)

3. Laboratory confirmation: Home and host labs must confirm details via automatic notification

   • Incomplete confirmations result in automatic disqualification

4. Only one application per candidate per call is accepted

Deadline

• 31 March 2026, 23:59 CET

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee based on:

• Scientific excellence of the project

• Candidate’s CV and qualifications

• Career impact

• Benefit to home and host laboratories/countries

• Competence and equipment availability at host lab

• Additional support from the host laboratory is positively considered

Note: Individual feedback may not be provided due to high application volume.

Reporting and Obligations

• Fellows must prepare a joint final scientific report with the host supervisor

• Host laboratories must submit a signed financial statement detailing bench fee expenditures

• Unspent funds must be returned to ICGEB

Tips for a Strong Application

• Contact your host laboratory early and ensure research alignment

• Submit complete CVs for both applicant and host lab head

• Ensure all sections of the application form are completed on time

• Highlight the impact of collaboration on career development and home institution benefits

• Clearly describe resources and capabilities available at the host laboratory

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?

Researchers who are nationals of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, or Uganda, including displaced researchers working in these countries.

2. What is the fellowship duration?

Minimum 3 months, maximum 9 months.

3. What costs are covered?

Stipend, international return travel, health insurance, and bench fee. Only lab consumables directly related to research are eligible; overheads, equipment, and unrelated expenses are excluded.

4. Can early-career MSc holders apply?

Yes, young scientists with MSc or equivalent are eligible.

5. Is prior host lab contact required?

Yes. Applicants must contact the host laboratory before submission and ensure research alignment.

6. Are family members supported?

No. The fellowship does not provide financial support for family members.

7. How are applications evaluated?

Based on scientific excellence, candidate qualifications, career impact, benefit to home and host labs, and suitability of host lab resources.

Conclusion

The ICGEB Biotechnet SMART Fellowships Programme provides East African researchers with a unique opportunity to enhance skills, foster collaboration, and conduct impactful life sciences research across borders.

By supporting career development, collaborative research, and lab mobility, the fellowship strengthens regional scientific capacity while ensuring meaningful benefits for both home and host institutions.

For more information, visit ICGEB.