The ICGEB Biosecurity Grant Program is an initiative that supports principal investigators and researchers working in healthcare, diagnostic and research laboratories in African ICGEB Member States. The grant seeks to support the implementation of biosecurity and biosafety improvements, as well as pathogen-detection capacity-building activities. The grant programme offers up to €15,000 per year for projects lasting up to 24 months. Applications are currently open and close on 30 April 2026, 23:59 CET.
About The ICGEB Biosecurity Grant Program
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is a scientific organisation that provides research, training, and technology transfer in life sciences to address global challenges. The organisation administers the grant for principal investigators and researchers in healthcare, diagnostic and research laboratories in African ICGEB Member States.
The grant is funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) within the BIO-GUARD initiative. It seeks to strengthen laboratory biosecurity, biosafety and pathogen preparedness in healthcare, diagnostic and research laboratories. In exceptional cases, grants may be considered for applicants from ICGEB non-Member States in Africa, given the impact and importance of their projects.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: €15,000
- Maximum award: €15,000
- Project duration supported: 24 months
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Who Can Apply for the ICGEB Biosecurity Grant Program
- Eligible organisation types:
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- Principal investigators
- Healthcare diagnostic laboratories.
- Public health institutes
- Registration requirements:
-
- Applicants must be principal investigators with long-term positions in healthcare diagnostic laboratories.
- Applicants must be based in the ICGEB African Member States.
- Geographic eligibility: Institutions located in the ICGEB African Member States, including but not limited to Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe (non-Member States in Africa may be considered in exceptional cases).
- Sector or thematic focus:
- Laboratory biosecurity
- Biosafety
- Pathogen detection
- Outbreak preparedness
Application Process
- Visit the official grant website and register.
- Submit the complete application by the deadline.
- Include all required project documentation and details.
- The grant board conducts and reviews all applications for eligibility.
- Successful applications will receive email notifications.
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Required Materials
- Project proposal
- Budget
- Proof of institutional status
- Evidence of prior laboratory research
- Letters of support or collaboration
Key Dates
- Application deadline: April 30, 2026, at 23:59 CET
- Notification timeline: Not specified
Selection Notes
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- Grants are competitive and awarded to impactful biosecurity projects.
- Priority focus areas:
- To strengthen laboratory biosecurity systems
- Pathogen detection capabilities
- Biosafety practices
- Diagnostic and research settings
- Exclusions: Salaries for Principal Investigators and institutional overhead or infrastructure costs are not eligible for funding.