PhD Fellowships at ICGEB | Arturo Falaschi PhD Fellowships | Life Sciences | Apply Now
For researchers aiming to elevate their professional trajectory, securing one of the Arturo Falaschi PhD Fellowships is a transformative milestone in a global Life Science career. This prestigious program, offered by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), provides fully funded PhD Fellowships that allow scientists to work at the cutting edge of molecular medicine and biotechnology. By applying for these highly competitive ICGEB vacancies, candidates gain access to world-class laboratory facilities in Italy, India, or South Africa, fostering international collaboration and scientific excellence. Whether your focus is on infectious diseases, plant biology, or industrial biotechnology, this fellowship serves as a premier gateway to a successful and impactful career in the global scientific community.
About the Institute
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is a unique intergovernmental organization within the United Nations Common System. Established in 1983, it operates as a center of excellence for research, training, and technology transfer to promote sustainable global development. With three global components—Trieste (Italy), New Delhi (India), and Cape Town (South Africa)—the institute hosts over 700 personnel from more than 40 countries. Its research is guided by a Council of Scientific Advisers that includes Nobel laureates, ensuring that PhD fellows work at the absolute forefront of modern science.
Arturo Falaschi PhD Fellowships – March 2026
ICGEB offers postgraduate studies with the aim of obtaining the “Doctor Philosophiae” (PhD) degree in the life sciences.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for these PhD Fellowships, applicants must meet the following strict criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a national of an ICGEB Member State.
- Academic Degrees:
- Trieste: Minimum BSc (Honours).
- New Delhi / Cape Town: Minimum MSc degree.
- Language: High proficiency in English. A certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent) is required unless your university provides an official document stating English was the medium of instruction.
- Age Limit:
- Trieste: Below 32 years at the time of application.
- New Delhi / Cape Town: No age limit.
Fellowship Benefits & Support
The Arturo Falaschi program is a comprehensive package designed to allow students to focus entirely on their research:
- Monthly Stipend:
- Trieste: €1,500.
- New Delhi: US$1,122.
- Cape Town: ZAR 16,500.
- Duration: 3 years (possible 1-year extension).
- University Fees: Fully covered by ICGEB.
- Travel: Includes round-trip economy airfare at the start and end of the fellowship.
- Medical Insurance: Full health coverage provided for the duration.
- Visa Assistance: Costs for permit-to-stay applications and renewals are reimbursed.
Critical Deadlines & Dates
- Application Closing Date: 31 March 2026 (23:59 CET).
- Selection Notification: Generally, several weeks after the deadline via email only.
- Fellowship Start Dates:
- Trieste, Italy: 1 October 2026
- New Delhi, India: 1 August 2026
- Cape Town, South Africa: 15 January 2027
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Contact a PI: You must first reach out to an ICGEB Group Leader in your field of interest. Secure a Written Statement from them confirming their willingness to support your project and available lab space.
- Define Research: Work with the Group Leader to draft the research project proposal that will be part of your online application.
- Online Submission: Complete the form at the ICGEB Application Portal.
Mandatory Documents for Upload:
- Full CV and a valid ID (Passport/ID Card).
- Academic records (Diplomas and Transcripts with English translations).
- The Written Statement from the ICGEB Group Leader.
- English Proficiency Certificate.
Research Environment & Locations
ICGEB’s three main components offer distinct research advantages:
- Trieste (Italy): Located in the AREA Science Park, it focuses on molecular medicine, structural biology, and biotechnology. Partnered with the University of Trieste and The Open University (UK).
- New Delhi (India): Focuses on plant biology, human health (Malaria, TB, Dengue), and bioenergy. Partnered with Jawaharlal Nehru University.
- Cape Town (South Africa): Focuses on infectious diseases, cancer, and biopharma. Partnered with the University of Cape Town.
Additional & Important Information
- Member State Endorsement: A unique requirement for this fellowship is that your application must be endorsed by the Liaison Officer of your home country. This endorsement is a fundamental prerequisite for the selection committee’s review.
- Global Academic Standing: PhD titles are awarded by prestigious partner institutions, including The Open University (UK) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), giving your degree immense international mobility.
- Competitive Selection: Selection is based on three pillars: the scientific excellence of your proposed project, the strength of your CV, and the potential impact on your home country’s scientific capacity.
- Career Trajectory: Successful Arturo Falaschi fellows often transition into ICGEB Early Career Research Grants, facilitating their growth into independent Principal Investigators (PIs) in their home Member States.
Applying for the Arturo Falaschi PhD Fellowships is a transformative step for any researcher aiming for a top-tier Life Science career. This program goes beyond a traditional PhD Fellowship, offering a stipend-supported, internationally recognized degree within a UN-aligned research environment. Whether you are targeting infectious disease research in Cape Town or plant biotechnology in New Delhi, an ICGEB vacancy provides the prestige and resources necessary to launch a global scientific legacy. Ensure your application is submitted via the online portal by 31 March 2026.
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