Apply for the 2025 TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship Programme for Eligible Applicants from Developing Countries
The TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship Programme is a prestigious opportunity designed for young scientists from developing countries (excluding Pakistan) who are pursuing PhD research in chemical and biological sciences. Offered jointly by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) in Karachi, Pakistan, this fellowship supports scholars registered for PhD degrees in their home countries under a “sandwich” model.
Fellows benefit from advanced research training at ICCBS institutions—including the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry and the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular and Drug Research—while working under the supervision of leading scientists in fields such as organic chemistry, molecular medicine, biotechnology, and pharmacology.
The fellowship aims to foster scientific capacity, collaboration, and innovation in the Global South.
TWAS-ICCBS Postgraduate Fellowship Programme Overview
The International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) — comprising the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry and the Dr. Panjwani Centre for Molecular and Drug Research in Karachi, Pakistan — and TWAS offer fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (excluding Pakistan) who wish to pursue research towards a PhD in chemical and biological sciences.
Key Details:
Application Period:
- Opens: 17 April 2025
- Closes: 14 August 2025 (midnight CEST)
- Duration: Minimum 6 months, maximum 12 months
- Level: PhD (Sandwich model – candidates must be enrolled in a PhD programme in their home country)-
Fields of Study:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Structural, Cell, and Molecular Biology
- Biological Systems and Organisms
- Medical and Health Sciences (incl. Neurosciences)
- Chemical Sciences
- Including: Organic chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular medicine, pharmacology, physical chemistry, and analytical chemistry
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age under 36 by 31 December 2025 – Hold a Master’s degree in a natural science
- Be a national of a developing country (excluding Pakistan)
- Be enrolled in a PhD programme in their home country
- Provide a certificate of good health
- Must not hold a visa for residency in Pakistan or any developed country
- Submit a “Registration and No Objection Certificate” from home university
- Submit an official Preliminary Acceptance Letter from ICCBS
- Provide proof of English proficiency (if not educated in English)
- Commit to returning home after fellowship completion
- Be financially responsible for accompanying family members
- Must not take up other assignments during the fellowship
- May only apply for one TWAS/OWSD programme per year
Preliminary Acceptance Letter:
Applicants must contact Prof. Dr. Raza Shah ([email protected] / [email protected]) with:
- Two-page CV Copy of last degree
- Research proposal outline
- Two recommendation letters
Acceptance letters are valid only if issued in the year of application.
Financial Support: ICCBS provides a monthly stipend for living expenses (not convertible to foreign currency). Instruction is in English.
Application Process:
- Apply via the TWAS online portal.
- Applications without an acceptance letter by the deadline will not be considered
- Reference letters must be signed and on official letterhead
- Only complete applications submitted online will be accepted
For more details & to apply visit official website here
Contact:
TWAS Fellowships Office
ICTP Campus, Strada Costiera 11, 34151 Trieste, Italy
Email: [email protected] Tel: +39 040 2240 687
ICCBS, University of Karachi Prof. Dr. Raza Shah, Director Karachi-75270, Pakistan
Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Tel: +92 21 4824 924 / 925
