The cgeb-sawbp-phd-fellowship-2025 South African Women in Biotechnology Programme SAWBP – PhD Fellowship 2025 is now open for applications. This prestigious opportunity, developed in partnership with the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has been designed to empower and support South African women researchers in pursuing PhD degrees in Biotechnology.
Through this program, the ICGEB SAWBP PhD Fellowship provides not just academic funding but also fosters global scientific collaboration, mentorship, and innovation. The fellowship is hosted at the Cape Town Component of ICGEB and offers opportunities to engage with other international research centers in Trieste, Italy, and New Delhi, India. To begin with, this fellowship stands out for its strong commitment to supporting women in science, particularly those in biotechnology. The program provides:
- A three-year fully-funded PhD Fellowship
- Tuition coverage and a competitive annual stipend (ZAR 219,749)
- Access to mentoring and peer-to-peer learning
- Opportunities to utilize cutting-edge research methodologies
- Additional mobility funding to engage with ICGEB Components abroad
- Immersion in a world-class international scientific research environment
Not only does the cgeb-sawbp-phd-fellowship-2025 cover all academic costs, but it also provides practical experience and the global exposure necessary to shape tomorrow’s biotech leaders.
Research Focus Areas
Proposed doctoral projects must align with one of ICGEB Cape Town’s macro research areas, including:
- Infectious Diseases
- Non-Communicable Diseases
- Bioinformatics
- Plant Systems Biology
- Virology
Projects must be innovative and contribute to current global and regional scientific challenges.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility is strictly for:
- South African women only
- South African citizens or permanent residents holding a valid South African ID
- Priority will be given to Black and disabled applicants
Additionally, applicants must hold an MSc degree or provide evidence of intention to submit their MSc thesis. Before the fellowship commences, official proof of degree completion is mandatory.
Application Process
To apply for the ICGEB South African Women in Biotechnology Programme SAWBP – PhD Fellowship 2025, candidates must:
- Contact an ICGEB Cape Town Group Leader to discuss and align the proposed project
- Secure a written letter of endorsement from the Group Leader
- Prepare the following documents:
- Copy of South African ID
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Detailed project proposal
- Letter confirming MSc submission (if degree not yet awarded)
- Email the application to: [email protected]
All applications must be submitted on or before 17 June 2025.
Why This Fellowship Matters
By funding advanced research and creating opportunities for collaboration, the cgeb-sawbp-phd-fellowship-2025 plays a vital role in addressing gender disparities in science. Moreover, this program enhances South Africa’s research capacity by nurturing female scientists and promoting international research partnerships. Scholars will not only receive financial backing but also benefit from being part of an elite community of researchers working on some of the most critical scientific questions of our time. APPLY HERE
