ICGEB-AICAD Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowships Program

The ICGEB-AICAD Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowships Program offers African postdoctoral researchers a fully funded six-month research training opportunity at International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) laboratories in Italy, India, or South Africa. The fellowship supports advanced research in biotechnology, health, sustainable agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and renewable energy while providing a monthly stipend, travel, medical insurance, and visa reimbursement.

What is the ICGEB-AICAD Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowships Program?

The ICGEB-AICAD Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowships Program is an international research fellowship jointly offered by the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB).

The programme is designed to strengthen scientific research capacity in Africa by providing postdoctoral scientists with advanced laboratory training and research experience at internationally recognized ICGEB laboratories.

Selected fellows conduct research under the supervision of leading scientists while gaining access to modern research infrastructure, advanced laboratory techniques, and international scientific networks.

Fellowship Overview

Programme Name: ICGEB-AICAD Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowships Program

Organized By: African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) and International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)

Programme Type: International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Duration: Six months

Research Locations:

• Trieste, Italy
• New Delhi, India
• Cape Town, South Africa

Eligible Countries:

• Kenya
• United Republic of Tanzania
• Uganda

Fellowship Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen biotechnology research capacity across Africa.
• Provide advanced postdoctoral research training.
• Support international scientific collaboration.
• Enhance research skills through hands-on laboratory experience.
• Promote innovation in biotechnology and life sciences.
• Develop expertise that contributes to scientific advancement in participants’ home countries.

Research Areas

The fellowship supports research in biotechnology and related disciplines, including:

• Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Non-Communicable Diseases
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Industrial Biotechnology
• Renewable Energy

Applicants should propose research projects that align with one or more of these priority research areas.

Fellowship Duration

The fellowship provides:

• Six months of full-time research and professional training at an ICGEB laboratory.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive comprehensive financial and research support, including:

• Monthly stipend based on the host laboratory:
  • Trieste, Italy: Euro 2,300 per month
  • New Delhi, India: USD 1,749 per month
  • Cape Town, South Africa: ZAR 27,500 per month
• International travel from the fellow’s home country to the assigned ICGEB laboratory.
• Return travel after successful completion of the fellowship.
• Medical health insurance for the full fellowship period.
• Reimbursement of visa or residence permit application and renewal costs.
• Access to world-class research laboratories.
• Supervision by internationally recognized scientists.
• Opportunities to expand international research networks.

Host Research Centres

Successful applicants will undertake research at one of the following ICGEB laboratories:

• Trieste, Italy
• New Delhi, India
• Cape Town, South Africa

Each centre specializes in advanced biotechnology research and offers state-of-the-art scientific facilities.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be nationals of:
  • Kenya
  • United Republic of Tanzania
  • Uganda
• Hold a recent PhD in Life Sciences, or
• Have at least three years of research experience.
• Be capable of undertaking advanced biotechnology research.
• Submit a complete fellowship application before the deadline.

Preference is given to candidates below 35 years of age.

Selection Criteria

The ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee evaluates applications based on:

• Scientific quality of the proposed research project.
• Academic qualifications.
• Quality of the applicant’s curriculum vitae.
• Research achievements and experience.
• Potential impact of the proposed research on the applicant’s home country.
• Overall strength of the application.

Only complete applications submitted before the closing date are considered.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The ICGEB-AICAD Fellowship helps develop the next generation of African scientific leaders by providing access to advanced international research facilities and specialized training.

The programme strengthens biotechnology capacity across Africa by enabling researchers to gain practical laboratory experience, develop international collaborations, and acquire knowledge that can support innovation in healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy, and industrial biotechnology.

It also contributes to long-term scientific development by encouraging fellows to transfer newly acquired expertise to their home institutions and research communities.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the following steps:

1. Confirm that they meet all nationality and academic eligibility requirements.
2. Develop a strong research proposal aligned with the fellowship’s priority research areas.
3. Prepare an updated curriculum vitae highlighting research experience and publications.
4. Gather all required supporting documents.
5. Complete the official fellowship application.
6. Submit the application before the published deadline.
7. Wait for evaluation by the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee.

Successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified by email after the selection process is completed.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of selection:

• Prepare a clear and scientifically relevant research proposal.
• Demonstrate how the research will benefit your home country.
• Highlight previous laboratory experience and publications.
• Show alignment with the fellowship’s biotechnology priority areas.
• Carefully review all application requirements before submission.
• Submit the application well before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following mistakes:

• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Providing an unclear or poorly structured research proposal.
• Missing supporting documents.
• Ignoring eligibility requirements.
• Waiting until the final day to apply.
• Failing to explain the potential impact of the research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the ICGEB-AICAD Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowships Program?

It is a six-month international postdoctoral research fellowship that supports African scientists through advanced biotechnology research training at ICGEB laboratories in Italy, India, or South Africa.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be nationals of Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda and hold a recent PhD in Life Sciences or have at least three years of relevant research experience.

Which research fields are supported?

The fellowship supports research in biotechnology, including infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, sustainable agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and renewable energy.

What financial support is provided?

The fellowship includes a monthly stipend, international travel, medical insurance, and reimbursement of visa or residence permit expenses.

How long does the fellowship last?

The fellowship is awarded for a continuous period of six months.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are assessed based on scientific excellence, research quality, the applicant’s CV, and the potential benefit of the research to the applicant’s home country.

How will applicants receive the results?

Both successful and unsuccessful applicants are informed of the outcome by email. Due to the large number of applications, individual feedback is generally not provided.

Conclusion

The ICGEB-AICAD Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowships Program provides an outstanding opportunity for African postdoctoral researchers to strengthen their scientific expertise through advanced international research training. With comprehensive financial support, access to world-class laboratories, and collaboration with leading scientists, the fellowship equips researchers with the knowledge, skills, and global networks needed to contribute to biotechnology innovation and sustainable development across Africa.