ICGEB SMART Fellowships (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the ICGEB SMART Fellowship Programme, a prestigious opportunity for early-career scientists in the life sciences. This fellowship supports 3–9 months of research in an ICGEB Member State, fostering skill development and international collaboration. Open to nationals of ICGEB Member States (e.g., Pakistan, India, South Africa, Brazil) who are PhD students, recent PhD holders (within 5 years), or MSc holders actively engaged in research, the programme offers a monthly stipend, travel support, and lab funding. The application deadline is September 30, 2025, and there is no application fee, making it accessible for eligible researchers to apply. You can also check more PhD positions here

Key Details

• Purpose: Funds 3–9 months of life sciences research to enhance skills and collaboration in ICGEB Member States.
• Eligibility: Nationals of ICGEB Member States; PhD students, PhD holders (within 5 years), or MSc holders; no age limit.
• Funding: US$800–1,500 monthly stipend, economy travel, health insurance, and up to US$500 monthly bench fee.
• Application Deadline: September 30, 2025.
• Application Fee: None.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a national of an ICGEB Member State (e.g., Pakistan, India, South Africa, Brazil, and others; check the full list at icgeb.org).
• Be an early-career scientist, either:
  • Registered for a PhD.
  • Holding a PhD obtained within the last 5 years.
  • Holding an MSc or equivalent and actively working in a research institution.
• Propose a project in any area of the Life Sciences (e.g., biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics).
• Plan to conduct research at a laboratory in an ICGEB Member State other than your own.
• Open to all ages, with preference for young scientists early in their research career.

Must apply for this: OIST Fully Funded PhD Program 2025/2026

What Benefits Does the SMART Fellowship Offer?

The SMART Fellowship provides comprehensive support to help you focus on your research:

• Travel Costs
• Health Insurance
• US$800 to US$1,500 Monthly Stipend
• Up to US$500 per month Bench Fee to cover lab consumables, paid directly to the host laboratory.

Note: The fellowship does not cover family members’ expenses or administrative support for dependents.

What Are the Responsibilities?

As a SMART Fellow, you’ll need to:

• Collaborate Closely: Work with your home and host laboratory supervisors to develop a strong research proposal showcasing collaboration.
• Complete the Research Project: Conduct the proposed research during your 3–9-month stay.
• Submit a Final Report: Prepare a joint scientific report with your host supervisor, detailing your achievements.
• Financial Accountability: The host laboratory must submit a signed financial statement for the bench fee expenditure, ensuring funds are used for approved research consumables.

Also Check: DAAD PRIME Fellowship Programme

How to Apply for the SMART Fellowship

Submit the following via the online application portal at icgeb.org:

• Your Full CV
• Host Laboratory Head’s CV
• Valid Identification: Passport or ID card (passport validity should be at least 12 months).
• Research Proposal: Outline the project, emphasizing:
  • Impact on your career development.
  • Benefits to your home laboratory.
  • Suitability of the host laboratory.
  • Evidence of strong collaboration between home and host labs.

Check Also: DARA Open Fellowship Call 

Home and Host Laboratory Confirmation

• After submitting details about your home and host laboratories, the heads of both labs will receive an automatic notification to confirm and complete their sections by the deadline.
• Important: Applications are incomplete without confirmation from both labs by 30 September 2025.

Study in Switzerland: CYD Doctoral Fellowships in Switzerland 2025

For application guidlines, visit here

Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email. The selection process may take several weeks due to the volume of applications.