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 PhD program integrates basic research and clinics focusing on the study of molecular approaches to cancer biology, genetics, jaundice, and metabolic diseases. 

Applicants’ 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:

1. 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;
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 in biomedical research; and
4. Create the basis for Liver Network integrating basic and clinical research in liaison with FIF.

Capacity

Two (2) positions for the PhD program will be available each year at UNITS-FIF (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 50 years old at the time of application;
4. have a Master’s degree in a field related to health and biomedicine;
5. have an outstanding academic record; 
6. have passed the admission requirements for the PhD study; 
7. have passed the interview and other screening procedures;
8. not avail or enjoy any other scholarships; and
9. 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

1. School fees (i.e. bench fees, permits, etc.);
2. Living allowance;
3. Book allowance;
4. Outright dissertation grant;
5. Travel/Health and accident insurance;
6. One round-trip economy fare from residence to Italy (start and end of the scholarship period only); and
7. Pre-departure expenses (one-time only)

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Note: An Applicant who has already started their studies abroad prior to application to the scholarship program can no longer apply.

2023 TIMELINE 

HOW TO APPLY

Program Admission/Scholarship Application

Requirements

1. Curriculum vitae (CV)
2. Accomplished Application form with recent ID picture
3. Endorsement letters from two (2) former professors in the MSc Program
4. If employed:
   • Certificate of Employment
   • Recommendation letter from the Head of the Agency
   • Permission to take a leave of absence (LOA) while on scholarship
5. Testamurs for all qualifications undertaken (i.e. Certificate of Master’s Degree)
6. Transcript of records (Certified true copy)
7. Accomplished Re-entry Action Plan form (narrative)
8. Program of Study/Course Curriculum 

*Interested applicants may send their CV to fellowship@pchrd.dost.gov.ph for initial evaluation/screening and submit other documents as required by the PCHRD Secretariat.

Applicant/s who were able to pass the interview will be asked to submit the following:

1. PSA Birth Certificate (Photocopy)
2. Valid NBI Clearance (Original)
3. Medical Certificate as to health status from a licensed physician with their PRC license number indicated

Applicant/s who will be accepted in the program will be asked to submit the following before departure to Thailand: 

Budgetary Requirements – attach at least three (3) airfare and three (3) health and accident insurance canvasses (include respective website references)

Submission of documents:

• For advance (scanned) copy of documents, send via email to: fellowship@pchrd.dost.gov.ph

Subject: 2023 PhD Mol BioMed Application_(Surname, First Name)

• For hard copy of documents, send to:

Dr. Jaime C. Montoya (c/o Jessica Marie Suerte)
Executive Director III, DOST-PCHRD
DOST-PCHRD Office, Saliksik Bldg., Sikap St., DOST Compound,
Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City 1631 Philippines

For any other inquiries, please email us at fellowship@pchrd.dost.gov.ph