WE-STAR Fellowships PhD and Postdoctoral mobility scheme for WomEn ScienTists in AfRica 2022

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) have partnered to offer early-career female scientists from the African Continent, mobility fellowships of 6 to 12 months at the ICGEB laboratories in Trieste (Italy), New Delhi (India) and Cape Town (South Africa), to perform research work on biotechnology and related fields, including Health (Infectious Diseases and Non-Communicable Diseases), Sustainable and Effective Agriculture, Industrial Biotechnology and Renewable Energy. 

This new programme promotes and supports success stories of women scientists from Africa. Five (5) PhD and five (5) postdoc fellowships of 6-12 months duration will be awarded to early-career women researchers from ICGEB Member States in Africa*to perform their research at the ICGEB Components in Trieste, Cape Town or New Delhi.

These fellowships include:(i) stipend, health insurance and travel; (ii)Applying the latest techniques and methodologies to your chosen research topic; (iii)Opportunities for mentoring, peer-to-peer learning and complementary skills; (iv)Immersion in a top class international scientific environment.

About International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)

Established under UNIDO in 1983, the ICGEB is a unique, autonomous, Intergovernmental Organisation, with biotech labs in Italy, India, and South Africa.

WE-STAR Fellowships PhD and Postdoctoral mobility scheme

Aim and Benefits of WE-STAR Fellowships PhD and Postdoctoral mobility scheme

• Monthly stipend: Euro 1300 for PhD students and Euro 2000 for postdoctoral fellows, or equivalent.
• A bench fee allowance of Euro 500/month or equivalent will be paid as a contribution to the receiving laboratory to cover the purchase of laboratory consumables that are directly related to the WE-STAR Fellow’s research activities.
• Travel: the fellowship includes provision for travel expenses from the participant’s home country to the host lab at the beginning of the fellowship and a return travel provision upon completion of the fellowship. Medical health insurance coverage is provided for the duration of the fellowship.
• Visa/permit of stay application and renewal costs are reimbursed.
• ICGEB makes no financial provision, nor can it provide administrative support for family members of participants in the programme.

Requirements for WE-STAR Fellowships PhD and Postdoctoral mobility scheme Qualification

• Applicants must be nationals of ICGEB Member States in the African Continent*
• Applicants may not apply for fellowships to be undertaken in their country of origin unless working abroad at the time of application
• Pre-docs having completed their university degree and enrolled in a PhD course, as well as postdoctoral researchers having completed their PhD or equivalent may apply. Tentatively, 5 – Pre-doc and 5 post-doc fellowships will be awarded.
• No age limit applies, but preference will be given to candidates below the age of 45
• Good working knowledge of English is mandatory

Interview date, Process and Venue for WE-STAR Fellowships PhD and Postdoctoral mobility scheme

• The ICGEB Fellowships Selection Committee will evaluate complete applications received by the closing date. The candidates will be notified of the outcome by e-mail as soon as possible following the closing date for applications.
• The main criteria for selection include the scientific excellence of the project, the qualities of the candidate’s CV, and the potential benefit in terms of mentoring and acquisition of new expertise.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details,visit ICGEB website