The Arturo Falaschi SMART (Scientific Mobility for Advanced Research Training) Fellowship, run by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), funds PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to spend 3–9 months training at a laboratory in a different ICGEB Member State. If you’re in life sciences and want structured international research exposure without committing to a full degree abroad, this is worth a serious look.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Run By | International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) |
| Fellowship Type | Research mobility — training at a lab in another ICGEB Member State |
| Duration | 3 to 9 months |
| Stipend | USD 1,500/month (PhD Fellows), USD 2,000/month (Postdoctoral Fellows) |
| Expression of Interest Deadline | 14 August 2026 |
| Full Application Deadline | 30 September 2026 (for shortlisted EOI candidates only) |
| Eligible Countries | Nationals of ICGEB Member States |
| Field | Basic life sciences, health, industrial and agricultural biotechnology, bioengineering |
Eligibility
You can apply if you:
- Are a national of an ICGEB Member State
- Are a registered PhD student, OR
- Obtained your PhD within the last 5 years, OR
- Hold an MSc and are actively working in a research institution
- Are actively affiliated with a research institution or company engaged in R&D
Preference goes to young scientists at the beginning of their research careers. The fellowship is specifically for mobility — it’s not meant to extend a visit already funded through other means, support attendance at courses or symposia, or bridge gaps before or between other long-term ICGEB-funded stays.
Stipend & Benefits
- PhD Fellows: USD 1,500/month
- Postdoctoral Fellows: USD 2,000/month
- International economy return travel covered
- Health and medical insurance for the duration
- Research training support, and where approved, a laboratory bench fee
- Stipend is transferred directly to the fellow’s personal bank account
Application Process
ICGEB introduced a two-stage process for the September 2026 intake:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit through the ICGEB Service Gateway by 14 August 2026. This is a screening stage, not the full application.
- Shortlisting: Candidates who clear the EOI screening receive an invitation to submit a full fellowship application.
- Full Application: Must be completed by 30 September 2026. Only those invited after Stage 1 can proceed to this stage.
Before applying, it helps to contact your intended host lab’s Principal Investigator directly — a motivation letter and written statement of support from the receiving Group Leader is typically required as part of a strong application, confirming lab space and defining the research project.
FAQs
1. What is the ICGEB SMART Fellowship stipend? USD 1,500/month for PhD Fellows and USD 2,000/month for Postdoctoral Fellows, paid directly to the fellow.
2. What is the EOI deadline for the September 2026 intake? 14 August 2026. This is a two-stage process — clearing the EOI is required before you can submit a full application.
3. How long does the fellowship last? A minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 9 months, spent at a host laboratory in a different ICGEB Member State.
4. Can MSc holders apply, or do I need a PhD? Both. Registered PhD students, those who completed a PhD within the last 5 years, and MSc holders actively working in research are all eligible.
5. Does the fellowship cover travel and insurance? Yes — international economy return travel and health insurance are both covered, in addition to the monthly stipend.
6. Can this fellowship extend a stay I’m already doing abroad? No. SMART Fellowships aren’t intended to prolong visits begun under other funding, support course/workshop attendance, or bridge other ICGEB-funded stays.
7. Do I need to line up a host lab before applying? Yes, practically speaking. Applications typically require confirmation from the receiving lab’s Principal Investigator that they’re willing to host you and support the project.