The TWAS-ICCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme is a prestigious opportunity designed to support young scientists from developing countries (excluding Pakistan) to pursue advanced postdoctoral research at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) in Karachi, Pakistan. This fellowship aims to foster scientific capacity, collaboration, and innovation in key fields of chemical and biological sciences, contributing to the development of science in the Global South.
| Host Country | Pakistan |
| Host Institute | International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) |
| Level | Postdoc |
| Eligible Nationality | Developing countries |
| Fellowship Type | Fully Funded |
| Duration | 6-12 months |
| Opening Date | 17 April 2025 |
| Closing Date | 14 August 2025 |
1. Host Institution and Program Background
Established in 1976, ICCBS houses two flagship entities: the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry and the Dr Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine & Drug Research. Facilities include:
- 17 research wings covering synthetic chemistry, genomics, proteomics, and green chemistry
- A biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) virology unit—critical for infectious-disease studies
- Pakistan’s largest natural-products repository (>500,000 extracts)
- A Science Information Centre and Pakistan’s first ISO-certified animal house
These resources empower fellows to execute cutting-edge, interdisciplinary projects that rival those in high-income countries.
These institutes are internationally recognized for their cutting-edge research in chemistry and biological sciences. The ICCBS offers a stimulating research environment with state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, fostering collaboration among scientists worldwide.
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2. Fields of Research Supported
The TWAS-ICCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship supports research in the following scientific disciplines:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Physical Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
These fields represent critical areas of natural sciences with significant potential for scientific breakthroughs and societal impact.
3. Fellowship Duration and Stipend
- Duration: The fellowship is tenable for a minimum of six months and a maximum of twelve months.
- Stipend: ICCBS provides a monthly stipend intended to cover living costs such as food, accommodation, local transportation, and minor incidental illnesses. However, the stipend is not convertible into foreign currency, and fellows are expected to budget accordingly.
The language of instruction and research at ICCBS is English, ensuring accessibility to international scholars.
4. Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the TWAS-ICCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship:
- Be a national of a developing country, excluding Pakistan.
- Be 45 years old or younger as of 31 December of the application year.
- Hold a PhD degree in a relevant field of natural sciences.
- Not hold any visa for temporary or permanent residency in Pakistan or any developed country.
- Be regularly employed in a developing country (other than Pakistan) with a current research assignment.
- Provide a certificate of good health from a qualified medical doctor.
- Obtain an official preliminary acceptance letter from ICCBS.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English (if English was not the medium of prior education).
- Provide evidence of intent to return to their home country upon completion of the fellowship.
- Commit to not undertaking other assignments during the fellowship period.
- Be financially responsible for any accompanying family members.
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5. Application Process
The application process involves several key steps:
- Preliminary Acceptance Letter: Applicants must secure a preliminary acceptance letter from ICCBS by contacting the designated faculty member, Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen. This requires submitting a two-page curriculum vitae (CV), a research proposal outline, and at least two letters of recommendation (preferably one from the last supervisor).
- Submission: Once the call opens (from 17 April 2025 to 14 August 2025, midnight CEST), applicants can submit their applications online via the TWAS portal. Only acceptance letters dated within the application year are valid.
- Recommendation Letters: Letters must be on official letterhead, signed, and include the subject line “ICCBS/PDoc” along with the candidate’s surname.
- Restrictions: Applicants may apply for only one TWAS or OWSD fellowship program per calendar year and cannot visit other institutions under TWAS programs in the same year.
To apply for the TWAS-ICCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship, visit the official website.
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6. Benefits of the Fellowship
- Research Excellence: Fellows gain access to world-class research facilities and work alongside leading scientists in their fields.
- Capacity Building: The fellowship enhances research skills, scientific knowledge, and international collaboration capabilities.
- Networking: Fellows become part of a vibrant scientific community, fostering future collaborations and career opportunities.
- Contribution to Home Countries: The program encourages fellows to apply their advanced skills to scientific and technological development in their home countries.
7. Important Dates and Contact Information
- Opening Date: 17 April 2025
- Closing Date: 14 August 2025 (midnight CEST)
- Contact for Preliminary Acceptance: Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen at ICCBS
Applicants are encouraged to initiate contact early to secure their acceptance letter before the official call opens.
8. Conclusion
The TWAS-ICCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme represents a significant opportunity for emerging scientists from developing countries to advance their research careers in a supportive and resource-rich environment. By focusing on critical scientific fields and fostering international cooperation, the program contributes to the global advancement of science and the empowerment of researchers from the Global South.
This detailed overview provides a comprehensive guide for prospective applicants interested in the TWAS-ICCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship, highlighting the program’s scope, eligibility, application process, and benefits based on the latest information available.
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FAQs: TWAS-ICCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme
1. What is the TWAS-ICCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme?
It is a fellowship offered by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) in partnership with the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) in Karachi, Pakistan, supporting young scientists from developing countries (excluding Pakistan) to conduct postdoctoral research in chemical and biological sciences for 6 to 12 months.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
Candidates from developing countris can apply for the TWAS-ICCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship.
3. What fields of research are supported?
The fellowship supports research in organic chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular medicine, pharmacology, physical chemistry, and analytical chemistry.
4. How long is the fellowship duration?
The fellowship is tenable for a minimum of six months and a maximum of twelve months.
5. What financial support does the fellowship provide?
ICCBS provides a monthly stipend intended to cover living expenses such as food, accommodation, local transportation, and incidental minor illnesses. The stipend is not convertible into foreign currency.
6. How do I apply?
- First, request a preliminary acceptance letter from ICCBS by contacting the Director or designated faculty with your CV, research proposal outline, and two recommendation letters.
- Once you have the acceptance letter dated in the application year, submit your application online through the TWAS portal once the call opens.
- The application period for 2025 is from 17 April to 14 August (midnight CEST).
7. Can I apply to more than one TWAS fellowship program in the same year?
No, applicants may apply for only one TWAS or OWSD fellowship program per calendar year and cannot visit another institution under TWAS programs in the same year.
8. What language is used during the fellowship?
English is the language of instruction and communication at ICCBS.
9. Are family members supported financially?
No, fellows are financially responsible for any accompanying family members.
10. What documents are required for the application?
- Two-page CV
- Copy of the highest degree certificate
- Research proposal outline
- Two letters of recommendation (preferably one from the last supervisor)
- Preliminary acceptance letter from ICCBS
- Certificate of good health
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable).
These FAQs cover the essential information to help prospective applicants understand the TWAS-ICCBS Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme and prepare their applications accordingly.
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