Apply for ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Fellowship Programme

Deadline: 20-Oct-2026

The ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Programme (SAWBP) PhD Fellowship is inviting applications from South African women who want to undertake innovative doctoral research in biotechnology at the ICGEB Cape Town Component. The fellowship was established to support the development of South African women researchers in biotechnology while promoting scientific interaction, mobility, mentoring, peer-to-peer learning, and participation in an international research environment. The programme is a partnership between the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.

About the SAWBP PhD Fellowship

The South African Women in Biotechnology Programme is designed to strengthen the participation and development of South African women researchers in biotechnology. The fellowship provides doctoral researchers with the opportunity to conduct innovative research while becoming part of the wider ICGEB scientific community.

The programme promotes:

- Development of South African women researchers. - Innovative biotechnology research. - Scientific interaction and mobility. - Mentoring opportunities. - Peer-to-peer learning. - Exposure to an international scientific research environment. - Application of advanced techniques and methodologies. PhD Research Areas Fellowships support innovative doctoral research projects within one of the ICGEB Cape Town Component macro areas.

The eligible research areas are:

- Infectious Diseases - Non-Communicable Diseases - Bioinformatics - Plant Systems Biology - Virology Applicants should develop research proposals that clearly fit within one of these scientific areas. Innovative Biotechnology Research The fellowship is intended to support innovative doctoral research. Applicants are encouraged to consider the application of the latest techniques and methodologies in their proposed research. The programme also provides an environment where fellows can benefit from scientific interaction and collaboration within the ICGEB community. This combination of doctoral research, advanced methodologies, mentoring, and international exposure can help fellows develop their scientific expertise and research careers. Fellowship Duration The fellowship provides support for a period of three years. Continuation of the fellowship is contingent on satisfactory performance. This provides fellows with sustained support while they undertake their doctoral research at the ICGEB Cape Town Component. Financial Support The SAWBP PhD Fellowship provides financial and academic support during the fellowship period.

The support includes:

- University of Cape Town tuition fees. - ZAR 16,500 monthly stipend. - Support for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory performance. - Additional mobility support for research at other ICGEB Components. The mobility component provides fellows with opportunities to conduct research at ICGEB Components in: International Research Mobility A distinctive feature of the fellowship is the opportunity for fellows to undertake research at other ICGEB Components. Additional mobility support can enable fellows to conduct research at ICGEB facilities in Trieste, Italy, and New Delhi, India. This provides an opportunity for doctoral researchers to gain exposure to different scientific environments and interact with researchers within the broader ICGEB community. Mentoring and Peer-to-Peer Learning The programme encourages fellows to benefit from mentoring and peer-to-peer learning.

These opportunities can support:

- Scientific development. - Research skills. - Knowledge exchange. - Collaboration. - Professional development. - Interaction with researchers in the ICGEB community. The programme’s international scientific environment further supports interaction and exposure beyond the fellow’s primary research setting. Who Can Apply? Eligibility is specifically restricted to female applicants who meet the nationality or residency requirements.

Applicants must:

- Be women. - Be South African citizens or permanent residents. - Have a valid South African ID number. - Meet the academic and application requirements. - Propose innovative doctoral research within one of the eligible ICGEB Cape Town Component macro areas. Preference is given to Black and disabled applicants. Academic Requirement Applicants must provide proof of an MSc degree or a letter confirming their intention to submit their MSc thesis. This requirement demonstrates that applicants have the relevant postgraduate academic preparation for doctoral research. Applicants who have not yet submitted their MSc thesis can provide the required confirmation of their intention to submit it. ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader Endorsement Applicants must submit a letter of endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader. This endorsement is an important part of the application package and connects the proposed doctoral research with the ICGEB Cape Town research environment. Applicants should therefore identify an appropriate ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader and obtain the required endorsement before submitting their application. Application Documents Applicants are required to submit several documents as part of their fellowship application.

The application package includes:

- Letter of endorsement from an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader. - Curriculum vitae (CV). - Detailed project proposal. - Proof of MSc degree, or a letter confirming intention to submit the MSc thesis. Applicants should ensure that all required documents are complete and clearly present their academic background, research experience, and proposed doctoral project. How to Prepare a Strong Fellowship Application Applicants should develop a clear and well-structured application demonstrating their suitability for innovative biotechnology research.

Important preparation steps include:

- Choose an eligible research area: Ensure your proposed pr