Overview

The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), the University of Trieste (UniTS) and Fondazione Italiana Fegato (FIF) entered into an Agreement to develop and implement a program focused on molecular hepatology within the PhD Program in Molecular Biomedicine of UniTS. The three-year program integrates basic research and clinics focusing on the study of molecular approaches to cancer biology, genetics, jaundice, and metabolic diseases in the liver.

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

Program Objectives

The PhD program aims to achieve the following objectives:

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

Two (2) positions for the PhD program are available each year at UniTS-FIF (subject to the availability of funds).

Eligibility

The applicant must:

be a Filipino citizen;
be in good health condition;
not be more than 50 years old at the time of application;
have a Master’s degree in a field relevant to health and biomedicine;
have an outstanding academic record;
have passed the admission requirements for the PhD study;
have passed the interview and other screening procedures;
not avail or enjoy any other scholarships; and
be willing to render the required service obligation for a period equivalent to twice the length of time or a fraction thereof that they enjoyed the PhD scholarship.
Scholarship Privileges

School fees (i.e. bench fees, permits, etc.)
Learning materials and/or connectivity allowance
Living/subsistence allowance
Health and accident insurance
One round-trip economy fare from residence to Italy (start and end of the scholarship period only)
Pre-departure allowance (one-time only)
Outright dissertation grant
SELECTION PROCEDURE

Scholarship Application The applicant must submit the necessary requirements for the Foreign Graduate Scholarship Program to DOST-PCHRD
Document Screening Documentary evaluation of the accomplished forms and other requirements
Technical interview and evaluation Technical interview by a panel composed of DOST-PCHRD Director, FIF Scientific Director, member(s) of the PhD program in molecular medicine of UniTS, and other health research experts to assess:
Academic background and learning ability
Capacity for completing the study in Italy
Possibility of contributing to the development of the country
Compatibility to the university course
Final Selection The panel will identify the successful PhD student(s) among the candidates interviewed.
Note: An applicant who has already started their studies abroad prior to application to the scholarship program can no longer apply.

2024 TIMELINE

February 1 Opening of the Call for Applications/Submission of Application
March 15 Application deadline
March (last week) In-person interview at PCHRD
April Final evaluation of PCHRD-UniTS-FIF selection committee
May Announcement of the accepted candidate(s)
June-September Preparation of necessary documents (visa, insurance, bank account, etc.) and signing of scholarship agreement
October Orientation of Scholars and Departure
November Start of PhD program
HOW TO APPLY

Please check the eligibility criteria in this Call before submitting your application. To signify interest in applying for the PhD scholarship program, applicants may submit their CVs on or before March 15, 2024 (Friday) through the online portal. Only eligible applicants will be entertained.

Eligible applicants will be asked to submit the following documents for the initial screening:

1) Application Form with recent ID pic

2) Re-Entry Action Plan

3) Certifications for all qualifications undertaken (i.e. Certificate of Master’s Degree)

4) Transcript of records (Certified true copy)

5) Endorsement letters from two (2) former professors in the MD/MS program

6) Certificate of employment (if employed, provide also a letter of recommendation and permission to take a leave of absence from employer or head of agency while on scholarship)

All documentary requirements must be submitted not later than March 20, 2024 (Wednesday).

For submission of documents and any other inquiries, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..