The TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2025 is an esteemed collaborative initiative between The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), based in Karachi, Pakistan. The programme is designed to support talented postgraduate researchers from developing countries (excluding Pakistan) by providing them with the opportunity to conduct research and pursue a PhD in chemical and biological sciences.
This fellowship is a unique opportunity for young scientists to enhance their research skills, access cutting-edge scientific infrastructure, and work with internationally recognized researchers at ICCBS, a leading institution renowned for its work in organic chemistry, biotechnology, molecular medicine, and other areas of natural sciences. By offering a research platform in one of the most well-equipped labs in the world, the fellowship aims to increase scientific capacity in developing countries and promote sustainable development globally.
The overarching goal of the TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship Programme is to provide fellows with the scientific knowledge and mentorship they need to further their research careers, contribute to their local communities, and make a significant impact in addressing pressing global challenges such as health crises, environmental issues, and economic inequality.
This fellowship presents an exceptional opportunity for young scientists from developing countries to enhance their research expertise, gain global exposure, and contribute meaningfully to solving global challenges in science, health, and the environment.
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Requirements & Eligibility
The TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship Programme is open to young scientists from developing countries (excluding Pakistan) who meet the following eligibility criteria:
– Age Limit: Applicants should be no older than 35 years of age as of December 31, 2025.
– Educational Qualifications: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a field of natural sciences such as chemistry, biology, biotechnology, or pharmacology. A strong academic background in scientific research is crucial.
– PhD Registration: Applicants must be currently registered for a PhD in their home country. The programme allows fellows to pursue their doctoral research in a “sandwich” model, which means that applicants can carry out research at ICCBS while maintaining their registration at their home institution.
– Health Requirements: A certificate of good health from a licensed medical doctor is required, ensuring that the fellow can fully participate in research activities.
– Residency: Applicants must not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in Pakistan or any developed country. The fellowship is specifically intended for developing country nationals.
– English Proficiency: If the applicant’s medium of instruction was not English, proof of English language proficiency is required.
– Commitment to Return: Applicants must provide evidence that they intend to return to their home country upon completion of the fellowship. This is to ensure that the benefits of the research experience and training are brought back to the developing country.
Other Criteria:
– Applicants must be able to commit to the full duration of the fellowship and not hold any other assignments or jobs during the tenure of the fellowship.
– Family members of applicants are not covered by the fellowship stipend. If applicants intend to bring family members, they must be financially responsible for them.
Application Requirements:
– Preliminary Acceptance Letter from ICCBS.
– Two-page CV outlining academic background and research interests.
– Copy of the latest degree certificate (e.g., Master’s degree).
– At least two letters of recommendation (one from the current academic supervisor).
– Certificate of good health from a qualified medical doctor.
– Evidence of English proficiency (if applicable).
– Registration and No Objection Certificate from the home university confirming PhD registration.
Duration / Stipends
Duration:
The fellowship lasts for a minimum of 6 months and can extend up to 12 months. During this time, fellows will conduct research in their field of study, benefiting from the advanced research infrastructure at ICCBS and under the guidance of world-class scientists.
Stipends:
– The fellowship includes a monthly stipend provided by ICCBS to cover essential living expenses such as food, accommodation, transportation, and minor health costs during the fellowship.
– The stipend is intended to ensure that fellows can focus entirely on their research without financial distractions. However, the stipend is not convertible into foreign currency and should be adequate for local living costs in Karachi, Pakistan.
Additional Benefits:
– Fellows will receive access to state-of-the-art laboratories, research facilities, and library resources at ICCBS.
– They will also benefit from continuous mentorship from experienced researchers and the opportunity to collaborate with international scientists working on similar research projects.
The programme does not provide any funding for family members, but fellows are welcome to arrange for their own support if they wish to bring their families to Pakistan during their stay.
Deadline:
– Opening Date: The application process for the TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship Programme begins on April 17, 2025.
– Closing Date: All applications must be submitted by August 14, 2025, no later than midnight (CEST). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, even before the official start date of the application period, to allow time for securing the Preliminary Acceptance Letter from ICCBS, a necessary component of the application.
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