Apply for the UNU-BIOLAC Research Fellowships 2026–2027, a fully funded 3-month research program for biotechnology professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean. Receive up to USD 4,000, travel support, and health insurance to conduct research in top laboratories across the LAC region.
Overview
The United Nations University Biotechnology Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNU-BIOLAC) invites applications for its Research Fellowship Programme 2027, designed to strengthen regional biotechnology capacity and support cutting-edge scientific innovation.
Through these short-term research fellowships, UNU-BIOLAC empowers early-career scientists and graduate students to pursue specialized research in biotechnology at leading institutions across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) — and occasionally in other parts of the world.
Applications for the 2026 cohort closed on 30 May 2025, but the next call for 2027 fellowships will open in March 2026.
Programme Objective
The UNU-BIOLAC Research Fellowship aims to:
- Enhance scientific excellence in biotechnology across the LAC region.
- Foster international collaboration among institutions and researchers.
- Promote the development of biotechnological innovations with social and environmental impact.
- Strengthen regional capacity building by training and empowering young scientists.
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Details UNU-BIOLAC Research Fellowships
Duration:
Three (3) months
Location:
Research must be conducted at a UNU-BIOLAC-approved institution in a Latin American or Caribbean country other than the fellow’s home institution.
Funding:
Each selected fellow receives a USD 4,000 stipend to cover:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation and meals
- Local transportation
- Other research-related costs
Additionally, fellows are provided with:
- Health insurance for the entire duration of the fellowship
- A bench fee of USD 500/month available to the host institution to support laboratory expenses
Research Focus Areas
The fellowship supports research across all fields of biotechnology, including but not limited to:
- Genomics and Metagenomics: Deep sequencing, gene discovery, and molecular characterization.
- Synthetic Biology & Genetic Engineering: Gene and genome manipulation, tissue or organ engineering.
- Biomedical Biotechnology: Vaccine development, disease control in humans, plants, and animals.
- Bioinformatics and Omics Technologies: Integration of genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data.
- Environmental and Agricultural Biotechnology: Sustainable production, soil health, and ecosystem restoration.
- Drug Discovery & Bioproduct Development: Innovative therapeutic compounds and bio-based materials.
- Climate and Food Security Biotechnology: Biotechnological solutions for sustainability challenges.
For 2026–2027, UNU-BIOLAC encourages projects that:
- Use biotechnology to address social or environmental problems, and
- Create innovative biotechnological products or solutions derived from research.
Fellowship Expectations
Fellows are expected to:
- Conduct 3 months of research under the supervision of a host institution.
- Submit a final technical report summarizing objectives, findings, and outcomes.
- Provide documentation (photos/videos) for public dissemination.
- Participate in follow-up surveys or interviews to assess research impact.
- Share updates via social media to promote collaboration and outreach.
If results are published, UNU-BIOLAC must be acknowledged as a funding source.
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Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of Latin America or the Caribbean (LAC) currently residing in the Americas.
- Be graduate students, early-career researchers, or academics working in biotechnology-related fields.
- Have confirmation of acceptance from the host institution prior to applying.
- Be supported by a sending institution or local authority in their home country.
- Submit all documents in English.
Note: UNU-BIOLAC fellowships do not fund long-term study programs such as master’s or PhDs, nor participation in short courses or conferences only.
Financial Coverage
| Funding Type | Amount (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fellowship Stipend | 4,000 | For travel, accommodation, meals, and local expenses |
| Health Insurance | Covered | Provided for 3 months |
| Bench Fee | 500/month | Paid to host institution to support lab costs |
| Duration | 3 months | Short-term research stay |
Funds are typically transferred to the fellow or processed through the UNDP office in the host country.
Application Process
Applications for 2027 open in March 2026. The process includes two main stages:
Stage 1: Pre-selection
Submit the following documents via the online registration system:
- Completed Working Plan Form
- Cover Letter describing the biotechnological focus of the project
- Academic CV of the applicant
- CVs of host tutor and home supervisor
- Acceptance Letter from the hosting institution
- Recommendation Letter from the home supervisor or institutional authority
Stage 2: Evaluation and Selection
Shortlisted proposals will be reviewed by three international evaluators and the UNU-BIOLAC Programme Head. Pre-selected candidates must provide:
- Vendor Form (Fellow and Host Institution)
- Host Institution Tax ID
- Medical Report (for insurance)
- Signed Fellowship Acceptance Form
Final decisions are expected one month after the deadline, though this may vary.
Important Dates
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| 2026 Call Closes | 30 May 2025 |
| 2027 Call Opens | March 2026 |
| 2027 Call Closes | May 2026 |
| Results Announced | June–July 2026 |
| Fellowships Executed | Throughout 2027 |
How to Apply
- Visit the official UNU-BIOLAC website: https://biolac.unu.edu
- Register through the Fellowship Application Portal.
- Complete the online registration form and upload all required documents in English.
- Await confirmation of pre-selection and prepare to submit additional administrative documents.
All inquiries related to applications should be directed to:
📧 applications.biolac@unu.edu
For general questions:
📧 info.biolac@unu.edu
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Only citizens from Latin America and the Caribbean currently residing in the Americas are eligible.
2. Can I apply for a long-term degree program?
No. The fellowship only funds short-term (3-month) research projects, not degree programs.
3. Where can I conduct my fellowship?
At a research institution in a different Latin American or Caribbean country from your home institution.
4. How much funding will I receive?
USD 4,000 for travel and living expenses, plus insurance and up to USD 1,500 in bench fees for your host lab.
5. Do I need a visa?
Yes, if required by the host country. Fellows are responsible for obtaining necessary travel documents.
6. When will I receive the funds?
Usually within the first days or weeks of the fellowship. Fellows should be prepared to cover initial costs.
7. Can I apply more than once?
A second fellowship may be granted only in exceptional, well-justified cases.
8. Does UNU-BIOLAC fund conference attendance?
No. Separate travel grants may be available for scientific meetings, but these require a different application.
About UNU-BIOLAC
UNU-BIOLAC is a regional program under the United Nations University (UNU) that promotes biotechnology research, training, and knowledge exchange across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Its mission is to bridge science and development by enabling innovation, education, and collaboration in biotechnology for social impact.
UNU-BIOLAC operates as an autonomous UN entity, independent from any government, and adheres to principles of equality, transparency, and inclusivity.
Final Thoughts
The UNU-BIOLAC Research Fellowship 2027 is a transformative opportunity for early-career scientists in Latin America and the Caribbean to advance biotechnology research, strengthen international collaboration, and drive innovation for sustainable development.
With comprehensive financial support, global networking, and professional recognition, this fellowship is ideal for researchers aiming to make a meaningful impact through science.
Get ready to apply in March 2026 — and take your biotechnology research to the global stage.
👉 Learn more at: https://biolac.unu.edu
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