Deadline: 14-Aug-2026
The ICGEB BIOTECHNET II Short-term Advanced Fellowships provide scientists from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda with 1–6 months of advanced research training at ICGEB laboratories in Italy, India, or South Africa. Supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) under the BIOTECHNET II initiative, the fellowship offers a monthly stipend, travel support, health insurance, and access to advanced research facilities to strengthen scientific collaboration and research capacity in East Africa.
ICGEB BIOTECHNET II Short-term Advanced Fellowships
About the Fellowship
The ICGEB BIOTECHNET II Short-term Advanced Fellowships are designed to strengthen scientific research capacity in East Africa by supporting advanced research training at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB).
The programme enables experienced researchers to collaborate with internationally recognized scientists, gain hands-on experience with advanced laboratory techniques, and contribute to ongoing collaborative research projects in biotechnology and life sciences.
Funded through the BIOTECHNET II initiative by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the fellowship aims to enhance scientific excellence, foster international collaboration, and promote knowledge transfer that benefits research institutions across East Africa.
Fellowship Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Strengthen collaborative research between East African scientists and ICGEB laboratories.
- Improve scientific and technical research skills.
- Provide access to modern laboratory technologies and research infrastructure.
- Build long-term research partnerships.
- Enhance scientific capacity in participating countries.
- Promote knowledge exchange and technology transfer.
Research Focus Areas
The fellowship supports advanced research in biotechnology and related Life Sciences.
Research may include areas such as:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetic Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Infectious Diseases
- Life Sciences
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Cellular Biology
- Microbiology
- Related interdisciplinary research fields
Participating ICGEB 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
The fellowship supports research stays ranging from:
- Minimum duration: 1 month
- Maximum duration: 6 months
The approved duration depends on the proposed research project and host laboratory.
Fellowship Benefits
The programme offers comprehensive financial and research support throughout the fellowship period.
Monthly Stipend
Successful fellows receive:
- EUR 2,300 per month for research in Trieste, Italy.
- USD 1,749 per month for research in New Delhi, India.
- ZAR 27,500 per month for research in Cape Town, South Africa.
Additional Benefits
The fellowship also provides:
- International return airfare from the fellow’s home country.
- Medical health insurance during the fellowship.
- Reimbursement of visa or residence permit application and renewal costs.
- Access to advanced laboratory facilities.
- Opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists.
Professional Development Support
Participation in external:
- Conferences
- Scientific meetings
- Training courses
- Workshops
may be supported by the supervising Group Leader or Principal Investigator, depending on available resources and research needs.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements.
Nationality Requirements
Applicants must be:
- Nationals of Djibouti
- Nationals of Ethiopia
- Nationals of Kenya
- Nationals of Uganda
Displaced researchers currently working in any of these four countries are also considered eligible.
Academic Requirements
Applicants should:
- Hold a recent PhD in Life Sciences, or
- Have at least three years of relevant research experience.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate a good working knowledge of English through:
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Cambridge English Certificate
- Another equivalent English language qualification
This requirement is waived if English was the official language of instruction, provided the applicant submits an official university certificate confirming this.
Age Limit
There is no age limit for this fellowship.
Selection Criteria
Applications are reviewed by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee.
The committee evaluates:
- Scientific excellence of the proposed research.
- Quality of the applicant’s curriculum vitae.
- Academic and research achievements.
- Expected benefit of the project for the applicant’s home country.
- Overall quality and feasibility of the research proposal.
How the Selection Process Works
The fellowship selection process generally follows these steps:
- Submit a complete application before the deadline.
- Administrative eligibility screening.
- Scientific evaluation by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee.
- Assessment of the research proposal and applicant qualifications.
- Final selection.
- Notification of results by email.
Applicants should note that the evaluation process may take several weeks depending on the number of applications received.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Identify an appropriate ICGEB laboratory aligned with your research interests.
- Prepare a strong research proposal.
- Gather all required supporting documents.
- Provide proof of English proficiency or an official medium-of-instruction certificate if applicable.
- Complete the fellowship application.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
- Wait for the official notification sent via email.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The BIOTECHNET II Short-term Advanced Fellowships help strengthen scientific capacity across East Africa by enabling researchers to access internationally recognized laboratories and cutting-edge research techniques.
The programme contributes to:
- Capacity building in biotechnology.
- International scientific collaboration.
- Technology transfer.
- Research excellence.
- Career development for African scientists.
- Sustainable scientific partnerships between East Africa and ICGEB laboratories.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their chances by:
- Preparing a well-structured and scientifically sound research proposal.
- Demonstrating previous research achievements.
- Explaining how the fellowship will benefit their home institution and country.
- Highlighting ongoing collaborations where applicable.
- Providing complete and accurate documentation.
- Applying well before the deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors:
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Providing insufficient research details.
- Missing proof of English proficiency where required.
- Uploading incorrect or outdated documents.
- Missing the application deadline.
- Failing to explain the project’s relevance to capacity building.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ICGEB BIOTECHNET II Short-term Advanced Fellowship?
It is an international research fellowship that enables scientists from selected East African countries to undertake advanced research training at ICGEB laboratories in Italy, India, or South Africa.
Who can apply?
Scientists who are nationals of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, or Uganda, including displaced researchers working in these countries, are eligible to apply.
How long is the fellowship?
Research stays may last from 1 month to 6 months.
What financial support is provided?
The fellowship includes a monthly stipend, international return travel, health insurance, reimbursement of visa costs, and access to advanced research facilities.
Is there an age limit?
No. There is no maximum age limit for applicants.
Is proof of English language proficiency required?
Yes. Applicants must provide a recognized English proficiency certificate unless their university confirms that English was the official language of instruction.
How are applicants selected?
Applications are evaluated based on the scientific quality of the research proposal, the applicant’s qualifications and research experience, the quality of the CV, and the expected benefit of the project for the applicant’s home country.
Conclusion
The ICGEB BIOTECHNET II Short-term Advanced Fellowships provide an excellent opportunity for scientists from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda to strengthen their research expertise through advanced training at internationally recognized ICGEB laboratories. By combining financial support, international collaboration, access to cutting-edge research facilities, and professional development opportunities, the programme helps build scientific capacity, promote innovation, and foster long-term partnerships that contribute to biotechnology and life sciences research across East Africa.
For more information, visit ICGEB.
