The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), the University of Trieste (UNITS) and Fondazione Italiana Fegato (FIF) enter into an Agreement to develop and implement of a program focused on molecular hepatology within the PhD Program in Molecular Biomedicine of UNITS. This Fellowship program integrates basic research and clinics focusing on the study of molecular approaches to cancer biology, genetics, jaundice and metabolic diseases. The duration of the program is for 3 years.

Applicant’s research interests must be aligned with the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) and National Harmonized Research and Development Agenda.

Objectives

The PhD program aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. Develop a pool of high-quality human resources in molecular hepatology in particular who will contribute to the country’s global competitiveness and economic development;
2. Provide opportunities to deserving students to study and obtain PhD degrees in Molecular Biomedicine in reputable institutions abroad;
3. Contribute to the country’s health research and technological innovation capabilities through training on biomedical research;
4. Create the basis for a Filipino Liver Network integrating basic and clinical research in liaison with FIF.

Capacity

Two positions of PhD students will be available each year at UNITS (Subject to the availability of funds)

Eligibility

The applicant must:

1. Be a Filipino citizen;
2. Be in good health condition;
3. Not be more than 40 years old at the time of application;
4. Hold a Master’s degree in a field relevant to health and biomedicine;
5. Have an outstanding academic record;
6. Passed the admission requirements for the PhD study;
7. Passed the interview and other screening procedures;
8. Conduct her/his research for the entire duration of the scholarship and of the PhD Program.

Scholarship Privileges

1. Living allowance (20,000€/year);
2. Book allowance (500€/year);
3. Bench fee (4,000€/year);
4. Health and accident insurance; and
5. One round-trip economy fare from residence to Italy.

Selection Procedure

List of Application Documents (Forms) for PCHRD screening

1. CV
2. Accomplished application form with ID picture
3. PSA Birth Certificate
4. Valid NBI Clearance
5. Endorsement Letter from two (2) former professors in MS program
6. Certificate of Employment (if employed, recommendation and permission to take a leave of absence from employer or head of agency while on scholarship)
7. Medical Certificate as to health status from a licensed physician with his/her PRC license number indicated
8. Certificate of Master Degree
9. Admission to Graduate Studies/Graduate School
10. Transcript of Records (certified true copy)
11. Program of Study/Course Curriculum (if available or to follow)
12. Re-entry Plan (narrative)
13. Budgetary Requirements (attach at least 3 airfare canvasses and website references for items requested)

Timeline

The Call for Applications for the PhD Program in Molecular Biomedicine this year (2020) has been deferred and will be rescheduled early next year. For interested applicants, please watch out for our 2021 Call for Applications.

For inquiries, please email fellowship@pchrd.dost.gov.ph