ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship

Scientist in lab working on molecular biology research for postdoctoral fellowship illustration

 

Fully Funded Fellowship for Early-Career Life Sciences Researchers

If you are a life sciences researcher seeking to expand your research potential through international collaboration, the ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 offers an unparalleled opportunity. Open exclusively to nationals of ICGEB Member States, this fellowship enables early-career scientists to work in world-class laboratories in Trieste (Italy), New Delhi (India), or Cape Town (South Africa) for up to six months.

As part of the renowned Arturo Falaschi Fellowship Program, this short-term initiative fosters global scientific exchange and supports research in fields such as molecular biology, infectious diseases, genetics, biotechnology, and allied life sciences. Backed by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), the program provides a comprehensive funding package covering stipends, travel, accommodation support, visa costs, and health insurance.

This guide covers every aspect of the fellowship—from eligibility and financial benefits to application timelines and strategic preparation tips—so you can confidently submit your application by September 2025 (tentative; exact date will be updated).

Unlock new frontiers in biomedical science with the ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025. This prestigious international fellowship offers fully funded opportunities for PhD holders to collaborate in cutting-edge life sciences research across ICGEB labs in Italy, India, or South Africa.


🌍 About the Fellowship: Advancing Scientific Collaboration Across Continents

The ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship is designed to foster collaborative research partnerships between emerging scientists and senior researchers at ICGEB’s three global laboratories:

    • Trieste, Italy

    • New Delhi, India

    • Cape Town, South Africa

Established in honor of Dr. Arturo Falaschi, a key figure in international scientific cooperation, the fellowship provides a platform for researchers to engage in short-term, high-impact projects. The aim is to promote knowledge transfer, strengthen scientific capabilities in member countries, and address critical challenges in the biomedical sciences.

⏳ Fellowship Duration

    • Minimum: 1 month

    • Maximum: 6 months

    • Mode: Full-time, in-person research at an ICGEB component laboratory

This duration allows scholars to contribute to ongoing research or gain targeted training in specialized techniques.


✅ Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

The ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Short-Term Fellowship is highly competitive, with a focus on merit, research alignment, and scientific impact. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following conditions:

🎓 Academic Qualifications

    • A PhD degree in life sciences is required, or

    • A minimum of three years of post-PhD research experience in relevant disciplines

🌐 Nationality Requirement

    • Applicants must be nationals of an ICGEB Member State

    • List of ICGEB Member States includes over 60 countries across Asia, Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe

🔄 Mobility Clause

    • Candidates cannot undertake research in their home country, unless they have been residing abroad for a minimum of three consecutive years prior to application submission

    • This clause is strictly enforced to ensure cross-border knowledge exchange

📈 Age Consideration

    • While there is no strict upper age limit, preference is given to candidates below 35 years of age at the time of application

🌍 Language Proficiency

    • Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, especially if their prior education or publications were not in English

    • Valid certifications such as TOEFL, IELTS, or institutional proof are accepted


💵 Financial Support and Fellowship Benefits

One of the most compelling features of the ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Short-Term Fellowship is its fully funded structure, designed to remove financial barriers and support focused research immersion.

💰 Monthly Stipend

The stipend is location-specific and aims to cover basic living costs, meals, and local transportation.

Host LaboratoryMonthly Stipend
Trieste, Italy  €2,300
New Delhi, India  USD 1,749 (varies; ~USD 1,590 noted in some reports)
Cape Town, South Africa  ZAR 25,000

✈️ Travel and Visa Coverage

    • Round-trip airfare from the researcher’s home country to the host ICGEB lab is provided

    • Visa expenses and immigration fees are fully reimbursed upon submission of receipts

🏥 Health & Safety Provisions

    • Comprehensive health insurance is included throughout the duration of the stay

    • Emergency medical services, outpatient visits, and limited hospitalization are covered

🏠 Accommodation Support

    • New Delhi: Guest house accommodation available on-campus at highly subsidized rates

    • Trieste & Cape Town: Host labs assist fellows in identifying short-term, secure rentals near the institute

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📄 How to Apply: Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship involves careful planning and timely submission of supporting materials. Below is a structured roadmap to help you navigate the process effectively:

🔍 Step 1: Identify and Contact a Host Principal Investigator (PI)

    • Begin by reviewing the faculty profiles at the ICGEB component laboratories to find a Principal Investigator whose research aligns with your interests.

    • You must obtain a formal written agreement from the host PI. This letter should confirm their willingness to host you and outline the relevance of your proposed work to ongoing projects in their lab.

Tip: Engage with the PI early. A well-aligned project and strong rapport with your host can significantly strengthen your application.


📝 Step 2: Prepare Application Materials

Applicants must compile and upload the following documents:

    • Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Including educational background, research experience, and publication history

    • Support Letter – Provided by your chosen host PI, confirming research feasibility and collaboration plan

    • Valid Passport or National ID – Must be valid for a minimum of 12 months from the application date

    • Proof of English Proficiency – Required if English was not the primary language of instruction; TOEFL, IELTS, or institutional verification letters are accepted

Note: Only one application per candidate is allowed in each cycle. Duplicate submissions will result in disqualification.


🌐 Step 3: Online Submission via ICGEB Portal

    • Visit the official ICGEB fellowship portal: https://www.icgeb.org/activities/fellowship/

    • Ensure all documents are in PDF format, clearly labeled, and meet the upload requirements.

    • Submit the complete application form before the specified deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.


🧠 Selection Process: Evaluation Criteria and Review Timeline

The fellowship selection is merit-based and conducted by the ICGEB Fellowship Selection Committee. Applications are assessed using a rigorous peer-review model that evaluates both the candidate and the proposed research plan.

Key Evaluation Criteria

    1. Scientific Excellence – Quality and novelty of the proposed research project

    2. Candidate’s Profile – Academic achievements, publication record, and alignment with ICGEB focus areas

    3. Institutional Match – Strength of collaboration with the host lab and integration with existing research

    4. Capacity Building Impact – Potential benefit to the applicant’s home institution and country

All shortlisted candidates will be informed via email. Feedback is not provided for unsuccessful applications.


🗓️ Important Dates and Deadline

Current Cycle

    • Application Deadline: September 2025
      (Exact date to be updated once announced on the official portal)

    • Results Notification: Typically issued via email 4 to 6 weeks after the deadline

🧾 Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Making your application stand out is crucial in a competitive global pool. Here are expert-backed strategies to enhance your submission:

🔗 Build a Meaningful PI Relationship

    • Demonstrate familiarity with your host lab’s past work

    • Suggest a feasible mini-project that fits within 1–6 months but contributes meaningfully to the PI’s research

✍️ Write a Targeted Proposal

    • Focus on clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and mutual benefits

    • Avoid generic statements; tailor your proposal to the specific lab and ICGEB goals

📚 Showcase Impactful Publications

    • Include peer-reviewed publications, particularly those indexed in Scopus/Web of Science

    • If you’ve co-authored with international collaborators, highlight that as evidence of prior global engagement

🧾 Document Everything Professionally

    • Use consistent formatting across documents

    • Triple-check for grammatical errors and factual inconsistencies

    • Name files clearly (e.g., CV_YourName_ICGEB2025.pdf)


🌱 Why This Fellowship Matters: Strategic Benefits for Your Career

The ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Short-Term Fellowship is more than a research grant—it’s a career accelerator for scientists from developing and transitioning economies.

🌍 Global Collaboration and Networking

Participants gain access to world-class research environments and networks that can lead to co-authored publications, joint projects, or even long-term postdoctoral or faculty appointments.

🧪 Technical and Institutional Capacity Building

The hands-on training and exposure to advanced research methods allow fellows to bring back skills and technologies that directly benefit their home institutions.

🏛️ Alumni Impact

Past fellows have successfully transitioned into academic, industry, and government roles in biotechnology, molecular medicine, vaccine development, and policy advisory positions.


🔍 Where to Focus Your Application (Lab Domains)

Depending on your specialization, here’s a quick guide to each ICGEB location’s primary focus areas:

    • Trieste, Italy – Immunology, molecular genetics, neurobiology, genome editing

    • New Delhi, India – Plant biotechnology, metabolic engineering, vaccines, RNA biology

    • Cape Town, South Africa – Virology, drug discovery, genomics, neglected tropical diseases

If your expertise aligns with any of these domains, tailor your proposal to highlight how your work can contribute to or extend the lab’s goals.


 

🧾 Summary and Final Takeaway

 

The ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship offers an invaluable opportunity for early-career researchers to immerse themselves in global science, contribute to high-impact research, and bring innovation back to their home countries.

With comprehensive funding, access to cutting-edge labs, and the chance to forge lasting research collaborations, this program is ideal for scholars passionate about making a difference in the life sciences. Whether you’re investigating genetic pathways, engineering bio-products, or decoding viral genomes, this fellowship can be a significant stepping stone in your research journey.


📌 Call to Action

Start preparing today. Reach out to potential ICGEB mentors, align your research vision, and polish your documents well before the official application deadline in September 2025. A world-class research experience awaits.

FeatureDetails
Program NameICGEB Arturo Falaschi Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship
Host CountriesItaly (Trieste), India (New Delhi), South Africa (Cape Town)
Funded ByInternational Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
Duration1 to 6 months
Study ModeFull-time, in-person
EligibilityPhD holders or ≥3 years post-PhD experience from ICGEB Member States
Mobility RequirementCannot apply for a host lab in one’s home country (unless abroad ≥3 years)
Age PreferenceBelow 35 years (not mandatory)
Language RequirementProficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS or institutional proof if applicable)
Financial SupportMonthly stipend, round-trip airfare, visa fees, health insurance, housing support
Monthly Stipend€2,300 (Trieste), USD 1,749 (New Delhi), ZAR 25,000 (Cape Town)
Fields of StudyLife Sciences – Molecular Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Biotech, etc.
Deadline (Current)5th September 2025 (Exact date will be updated)
Deadline (Next Cycle)September 2026 (Tentative – check for updates)
Official Website

ICGEB Fellowship Portal – Official Site

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Short-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship?

Researchers holding a PhD in life sciences or with at least three years of post-PhD experience from ICGEB member countries can apply.

What is the duration of the ICGEB short-term postdoc fellowship?

The fellowship runs from 1 to 6 months, depending on the proposed project and host lab agreement.

Does the ICGEB fellowship cover travel and accommodation costs?

Yes, the fellowship provides round-trip airfare, health insurance, visa reimbursement, and accommodation assistance at the host institution.

Can I apply to an ICGEB lab in my own country?

No, unless you have lived abroad for at least three consecutive years prior to applying.

What is the monthly stipend for ICGEB short-term postdocs?

Stipends vary by location: €2,300 (Trieste), USD 1,749 (New Delhi), and ZAR 25,000 (Cape Town).

How do I find a host PI for the ICGEB fellowship?

Review ICGEB lab websites and contact PIs whose research aligns with your project goals.

Is English proficiency required for the ICGEB postdoc fellowship?

Yes, applicants must provide proof of English proficiency if their education was not in English.

When is the ICGEB fellowship application deadline?

The deadline usually falls in September. Check the official site for updates each year.

What research fields are supported by the ICGEB short-term fellowship?

Eligible fields include molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, immunology, and infectious disease research.

How competitive is the ICGEB short-term postdoctoral program?

It is highly competitive, with selection based on scientific merit, impact potential, and candidate qualifications.

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