The Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships are a fully funded research opportunity offered by the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) for early career scientists in the life sciences. Named after Professor Arturo Falaschi, the founding force behind ICGEB, the programme allows postdoctoral researchers from ICGEB Member States to carry out advanced research at one of three world class ICGEB laboratories located in Trieste (Italy), New Delhi (India), or Cape Town (South Africa). The Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships combine a competitive monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel support, making them one of the most attractive postdoctoral funding routes for life science researchers from developing and emerging economies.
Candidates selected for the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships get to work alongside leading ICGEB group leaders on cutting edge projects in genetic engineering and biotechnology, gaining hands on exposure to advanced laboratory techniques and international scientific collaboration. The fellowship period runs for two years, with the possibility of a one year extension for outstanding fellows. On successful completion, fellows also become eligible to apply for ICGEB Early Career Research Grants, which support them in launching independent research programmes as young principal investigators after returning to their home country. For 2027, ICGEB is expected to open its next call for the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships in January, giving applicants ample time to identify a supporting group leader and prepare a strong application.
Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) |
| Fellowship Level | Postdoctoral |
| Field of Study | Life Sciences |
| Host Locations | Trieste (Italy), New Delhi (India), Cape Town (South Africa) |
| Duration | 2 years, extendable by 1 year |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | Nationals of ICGEB Member States |
| Application Mode | Online, with mandatory Liaison Officer endorsement |
Eligibility for Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships
General Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships, applicants must be nationals of an ICGEB Member State and cannot apply to complete the fellowship in their own country, unless they have already been working abroad for at least the previous three years. Applicants need a recent PhD in Life Sciences or at least three years of relevant research experience, along with a good working knowledge of English. Before applying, candidates must also secure a supporting ICGEB Group Leader who agrees, in writing, to host the proposed research project.
Age and Academic Requirements
While there is no strict upper age cutoff, preference for the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships is generally given to candidates below the age of 35. Academically, applicants are expected to hold a doctoral degree in a life sciences discipline, or comparable postdoctoral level research experience, along with a strong publication and research track record that demonstrates readiness for independent scientific work.
Benefits of Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships
Financial Benefits
Fellows selected for the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships receive a monthly stipend that varies by host city, along with health insurance coverage and travel provisions from their home country to the host laboratory and back at the end of the fellowship. Fellows placed in Cape Town also receive support in arranging accommodation before arrival.
Academic and Personal Benefits
Beyond financial support, the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships offer access to advanced laboratories, mentorship from established ICGEB scientists, and a genuinely international research environment. Fellows build a global professional network, strengthen their publication record, and gain eligibility to apply for ICGEB Early Career Research Grants once they complete the fellowship and return to their home country.
Documents Required for Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships
- A complete and updated curriculum vitae
- A motivation letter outlining the proposed research project
- A written statement of support from the ICGEB Group Leader hosting the project
- Copies of academic degree certificates and transcripts
- A valid passport or national identification document, with at least 12 months validity
- An English language certificate (TOEFL, Cambridge or similar), unless prior education was conducted in English
- Any additional documents requested by the ICGEB online application portal
How to Apply for Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Review the official ICGEB fellowships page to confirm that the 2027 call for the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships is open.
- Contact an ICGEB Group Leader or Principal Investigator in Trieste, New Delhi, or Cape Town whose research matches your interests.
- Discuss laboratory space availability and jointly define a research project proposal with the Group Leader.
- Obtain a written statement of support from the Group Leader confirming their willingness to host you.
- Prepare all required documents, including your CV, motivation letter, academic records, and identification.
- Complete the online application form on the ICGEB portal and upload all supporting documents before the deadline.
- Ensure your application is forwarded to your country’s ICGEB Liaison Officer for the mandatory endorsement.
- Wait for the ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee to review your application and notify you by email.
Application Tips for Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships
Reach out to prospective ICGEB Group Leaders early, since securing their written support is mandatory and can take time. Tailor your motivation letter to the specific research group and clearly connect your past research experience to the proposed project. Double check that every document is uploaded in the correct format, and follow up with your national Liaison Officer well before the deadline to confirm endorsement, since incomplete or unendorsed applications are not considered.
Deadline for the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships
The next call for the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships is expected to open in January 2027, with a final application deadline of 31 March 2027. Applicants are strongly advised to check the official ICGEB fellowships page regularly, as exact dates and requirements can be updated closer to the opening of the call.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships?
They are fully funded ICGEB postdoctoral fellowships in life sciences research based in Trieste, New Delhi, or Cape Town.
Who can apply for the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships?
Nationals of ICGEB Member States holding a recent PhD or equivalent research experience in life sciences can apply.
Is there an age limit for the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships?
There is no strict cutoff, but preference in this Fellowships goes to candidates under 35.
Do the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships cover travel costs?
Yes, the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships include travel provisions to and from the host laboratory.
Is a supporting ICGEB Group Leader required for this Postdoctoral Fellowships?
Yes, a written statement of support from a Group Leader is mandatory for the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships.
What stipend do fellows receive under the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships?
Stipends vary by host city and are paid monthly for the duration of the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships.
How long do the Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships last?
The Arturo Falaschi Postdoctoral Fellowships run for two years, with a possible one year extension.
