The ICGEB SMART Fellowship programme promotes the mobility of researchers between ICGEB Member States as a way of enhancing skill development, acquisition of specific hands-on training in new technologies and increasing cooperation in science and technology and should provide clear evidence of strong collaboration between the two laboratories.

The bench fee allowance paid in the framework of the ICGEB SMART fellowship is a contribution to the implementation of the research project proposal presented by the candidate. The receiving laboratory is expected to use the entire bench fee allocation to the benefit of the approved research-training programme.

Any unspent balance left will have to be returned to ICGEB. Funds can only be used to cover the purchase of laboratory consumables that that are directly related to the SMART Fellow’s research activities including: general labware, cryoware, glassware and plasticware, chemicals and reagents, cell culture consumables, pipettes and pipette tips, microplates PCR and qPCR consumables. The following items are not considered eligible costs: costs of maintenance, repair, running or insurance of existing assets belonging to the Host Institute; purchase of equipment, office furniture or fittings; computer hardware or software; office stationary; travel costs; literature; administrative costs, and overhead expenses of the Institute; bank charges. 

Applications are welcome in any area of the Life Sciences.

The call is open to nationals of ICGEB Member States and provides fellowships to scientists in the early stage of their career wishing to spend between 3 and 9 months at a research institution in an ICGEB Member State other than their own. SMART Fellowships are intended to promote collaboration among researchers in ICGEB Member countries. Mobility support to laboratories located in Italy, India and South Africa can be considered under exceptional circumstances and only if the research activity proposed is not covered by one of the ICGEB laboratories in Trieste, New Delhi or Cape Town. If the latter case applies, please refer to the ICGEB Arturo Falaschi Short-term fellowships programme.

There is no age limit. However, preference is given to young scientists at the beginning of their research career. Applicants should be either registered for a PhD or have obtained their PhD degree within the last 5 years and be actively working in a research Institution.

Young scientists holding an MSc or equivalent can apply. SMART Fellowships support mobility between laboratories located in Member States. Awards are not intended to prolong visits begun under other auspices; to support participation in courses, workshops or symposia or as bridging fellowships between, or prior to, long term stays funded by ICGEB or other organizations.

The programme promotes the mobility of researchers between ICGEB Member States as a way of enhancing skill development, acquisition of specific hands-on training in technologies available in the receiving laboratory and increasing bilateral cooperation in science and technology, and should provide clear evidence of strong collaboration between the two laboratories. 

Applicants should focus on the potential impact of the collaboration on their career development, the benefits it will bring to their home laboratory, and the suitability of the receiving laboratory. As a major aspect of this programme is the promotion of scientific collaboration, applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure that the Supervisors in the two laboratories liaise closely in the preparation of the research project.

Please note that you will be requested to upload the following documents (pdf files):
(i) Your full CV;
(ii) The full CV of the Head of the Receiving Laboratory (complete with list of publications);
(iii) A valid identification document (passport or identity card). Recommended passport validity should be 12 months at least.

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