ICGEB Biotechnet SMART Fellowships Programme 2026

🏢 About ICGEB Biotechnet SMART Fellowships Programme

The ICGEB SMART Fellowship programme promotes the mobility of researchers in East Africa. Thanks to the contribution of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the programme facilitates collaboration between researchers in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.

Objectives:

• Enhance skill development.
• Provide hands-on training in new technologies.
• Foster cooperation in science and technology.
• Strengthen collaboration between laboratories.

🎁 Benefits of the Programme

• Duration: Awards are for a minimum of 3 months to a maximum of 9 months.
• Coverage:
  • International economy return travel.
  • Health insurance.
  • Subsistence for the fellow only.
• Stipends:
  • PhD Fellowships: USD 1,500 per month.
  • Postdoctoral Fellowships: USD 2,000 per month.
• Bench Fee:
  • USD 500 monthly bench fee paid directly to the receiving laboratory (based on the recommendation of the ICGEB Fellowships Committee).
• Payment Method: Fellowship stipend paid via bank transfer directly to the fellow’s bank account.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Open to researchers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
  • Displaced researchers currently working in any of these countries are considered nationals.
• Age Limit: No age limit, but preference is given to young scientists at the beginning of their research careers.
• Academic Requirements:
  • Applicants should be registered for a PhD or have obtained their PhD degree and actively working in a research institution.
  • Young scientists holding an MSc or equivalent can also apply.
• Encouragement: Women applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Deadline: 31 March, 2026.
• To apply, visit the ICGEB Biotechnet SMART Fellowships Programme Application Portal.

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the programme here.
• Apply directly via the ICGEB Application Portal.

📌 Sponsor Organisation

• International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)

This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for researchers in East Africa to advance their careers, gain hands-on experience, and foster international collaboration in science and technology. Don't miss the chance to apply!

• Awards are for a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 9 months. The fellowship covers international economy return travel, health insurance plus subsistence of the fellow only.
• The stipend for PhD fellowships is USD 1,500 (one thousand five hundred) per month, while the stipend for Postdoctoral fellowships is USD 2,000 (two thousand).
• Additionally, a USD 500 monthly bench fee can be paid directly to the receiving laboratory based on the recommendation of the ICGEB Fellowships Committee.
• The fellowship stipend will be paid by bank transfer directly to the fellow’s bank account.