Research Fellowships at IGCEB | Arturo Falaschi PhD Fellowships
The Arturo Falaschi PhD Fellowships for Scientists in Biosecurity (March 2026) is a high-impact research fellowship designed for early-career scientists focused on biodefense, pathogen detection, and global health security. Co-funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation via the UNODA (United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs) and the BWC ISU (Biological Weapons Convention Implementation Support Unit), this program bridges the gap between high-end biotechnology and international biosecurity governance. This ICGEB recruitment drive offers hands-on training at ICGEB’s global components in Italy, India, and South Africa, as well as its Regional Research Centre in China.
About The Institute
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is a unique international organization dedicated to advanced research and training in molecular biology and biotechnology. With state-of-the-art laboratories in Italy, India, South Africa, and China, ICGEB aims to foster innovation, discovery, and technology transfer that lead to the improvement of health, sustainability, and development across the globe.
About The Fellowship
With the co-funding of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation through the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), BWC ISU, the ICGEB offers early-career scientists from OECD/DAC countries a fellowship at ICGEB laboratories in Italy, India, South Africa and at the ICGEB Regional Research Centre in China, to receive hands on training in life sciences and detection and response to biological threats.
Specialized Subject Areas
Fellows will work on projects applied to humans, animals, and plants, covering:
- Molecular Detection: Tools for biological threats and point-of-care diagnostics.
- Genomic Surveillance: Epidemiology and surveillance of high-risk pathogens.
- Biotechnology Frontiers: Gene editing, synthetic biology, and industrial bioengineering.
- Global Health Risks: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and vaccine development.
- Emerging Tech: Computational biology and AI in biotechnology.
Eligibility Requirements
- Nationality: Must be a national of an ICGEB Member State or a country on the DAC list of ODA recipients.
- Career Stage: Early to mid-career scientists with a background in biotechnology and an interest in Dual-Use Research of Concern (DURC).
- Degree Requirements:
- Trieste & Cape Town: BSc (Honours).
- New Delhi & Taizhou (China): MSc or equivalent.
Financial Support & Duration
- Duration: Standard 2 months (may be extended to 6 months under co-funding).
- Monthly Stipend:
- Trieste: €1,500.
- New Delhi / Taizhou: US$ 1,122 / US$ 1,500.
- Cape Town: ZAR 16,500.
- Travel & Health: Provision for round-trip economy airfare and full medical health insurance.
- Bench Fees (China): Specific allowances for lab consumables (PCR kits, reagents, cell culture) are provided for fellowships in Taizhou.
Critical Deadlines & Dates
- Application Closing Date: 31 March 2026 (23:59 CET).
- Start Dates: * Trieste, Italy: 1 October 2026.
- New Delhi, India: 1 August 2026.
- Cape Town, South Africa: 15 January 2027.
Application Checklist
- Written Statement: You must contact an ICGEB Group Leader and obtain a mandatory written statement supporting your project. This must explicitly state it is for the “Fellowships for Scientists in Biosecurity”.
- China RRC Requirements: Applications for Taizhou must be submitted as a SMART PhD Fellowship. An automatic notification will be sent to your “Home” and “Receiving” labs for final confirmation.
- Documents: Upload a full CV, valid ID (passport), and an English Proficiency Certificate (TOEFL/Cambridge) if your previous degree was not taught in English.
Securing a Biotechnology opportunity through the Arturo Falaschi Research fellowships in Biosecurity is a definitive career move for scientists looking to address 21st-century biological threats. This ICGEB recruitment provides an unparalleled interface between laboratory science and international disarmament diplomacy under the UNODA framework. By training in world-class facilities in Italy, India, South Africa, or China, you become part of a global network of experts dedicated to the peaceful and secure use of biotechnology. Submit your application by 31 March 2026 to join this mission-critical initiative.
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