The ICIQ Master Projects Fellowship Programme 2nd Call 2026 has officially opened applications for highly talented graduates worldwide.

Hosted by the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia in Spain, this competitive fellowship offers students the opportunity to undertake advanced research in chemistry while pursuing a Master’s degree in a world-class scientific environment.

The application deadline for this prestigious programme is 17 May 2026, with selected fellows expected to begin in October 2026.

About the Fellowship Programme

The ICIQ Master Projects Fellowship Programme is designed to support outstanding graduates who wish to pursue advanced studies in chemistry and related scientific disciplines. It enables selected candidates to enroll in the University of Rovira i Virgili (URV)/ICIQ Master in Synthesis, Catalysis and Molecular Design or other related Master’s programmes.

Fellows conduct their research at ICIQ, working directly within internationally recognized research groups and benefiting from cutting-edge laboratory facilities.

The programme is conducted entirely in English and is open to students from all over the world.

Purpose and Academic Environment

The fellowship aims to attract highly motivated and academically strong students with a passion for chemical research. Participants join a stimulating scientific environment where innovation, collaboration, and advanced research are central.

Fellows are assigned individual research projects under the supervision of experienced group leaders. These supervisors are internationally recognized scientists working on frontier topics in chemistry and materials science.

The programme offers an ideal pathway for graduates seeking to transition into high-level scientific research or doctoral studies.

Research Areas and Available Projects

The 2026 fellowship cycle includes several specialized research projects in advanced chemistry fields. Each project is led by a senior research supervisor at ICIQ.

Key Research Themes Include:

Energy Materials
Focused on developing advanced materials for energy applications, including sustainable energy storage and conversion technologies.
Molecular Scaffold Design
Investigating triplet state reactivity to build new molecular structures with applications in synthetic chemistry.
Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery
Exploring innovative skeletal modifications of molecules to support pharmaceutical development and chemical biology research.

Each project provides hands-on experience in modern laboratory techniques and exposure to cutting-edge scientific discovery.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected candidates receive a financial grant designed to support living expenses during their Master’s studies.

Key Benefits Include:

Monthly stipend of €750
Access to advanced laboratory facilities
Supervision by leading international researchers
Opportunity to join active research groups
Exposure to interdisciplinary scientific environments

While tuition fees for the Master’s programme are not covered, the fellowship provides essential financial support to enable students to focus on their research and academic development.

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is open to graduates from any country, provided they meet the academic requirements.

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must hold, or be completing, a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:

Chemistry
Physics
Biochemistry
Chemical Engineering
Related scientific disciplines

Candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance and a solid foundation in scientific research.

English Language Requirements:

Applicants must show proficiency in English through one of the following:

B2 level certificate or equivalent (e.g., IELTS 6.0)
Academic interview for shortlisted candidates
Exemption for native speakers from English-speaking countries

Application Process

The entire application process is completed online through the official ICIQ career portal. Applications submitted via email are not accepted.

Required Documents:

Applicants must submit a single PDF file containing:

Bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcript
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Proof of English proficiency
Any additional relevant academic documentation

Documents not in English, Spanish, or Catalan must include certified translations.

Only one application per candidate is allowed, and incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selection Process

The selection process is highly competitive and merit-based. It involves several stages:

Eligibility screening of submitted applications
Academic evaluation based on grades and CV
English language assessment
Interview stage for shortlisted candidates

Final selections are made by project supervisors in collaboration with the ICIQ Human Resources team.

Successful applicants will be notified by June 2026.

Programme Timeline

Application opening: 13 April 2026
Application deadline: 17 May 2026
Selection results: June 2026
Programme start: October 2026

This structured timeline ensures a smooth transition for selected candidates into their research roles.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The ICIQ Master Projects Fellowship Programme provides a unique opportunity for young scientists to gain early exposure to high-impact research in chemistry. By working in a globally recognized institution, fellows develop advanced technical skills and contribute to scientific innovation.

The programme also supports career development by preparing students for PhD studies, research positions, and careers in academia or industry.

Apply Now

The ICIQ Master Projects Fellowship 2026 represents a valuable opportunity for aspiring scientists seeking to advance their academic and research careers in Europe. With strong mentorship, access to world-class facilities, and a focus on cutting-edge chemistry, the programme offers an ideal environment for academic growth and innovation.

Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply before the 17 May 2026 deadline and take advantage of this competitive international fellowship opportunity in Spain.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.