ICIQ Master’s Research Fellowships in Spain 2026: Two fully funded master’s research fellowships are now open at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) in Tarragona, Spain. Each position is tied to a specific supervisor and research project in frontier chemistry. The program is selective, comes with a €750 monthly stipend, and offers access to world-class facilities.
Available Research Projects
ICIQ offers two master’s research positions for 2026:
- Master 2026-01 MG: Under the direction of Professor Marcos G. Suero, Master 2026-01 MG will concentrate on Single-Atom Skeletal Surgery to Influence Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery.
- Master 2026-02 JB: Sensing Force in Polymer Materials using Calixarene Mechanophores is the main emphasis of Master 2026-02 JB, which is overseen by Professor José Berrocal.
Students join one of ICIQ’s 19 research groups, conducting hands-on research in organic chemistry, chemical biology, or materials science. The program is entirely in English and provides access to advanced lab facilities, including those recognized by two Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence accreditations and multiple European Research Council (ERC) grants.
Funding and Stipend Details:
The fellowship provides a €750 monthly stipend to cover living expenses during the academic year starting October 2026. Tuition fees are not included; students must enroll in a URV master’s program (Universitat Rovira i Virgili).
Tarragona’s living costs are lower than Madrid or Barcelona:
- Shared apartment: €300–400 per month
- By Western European standards, food and daily expenses are moderate.
Additional expenses including travel, health insurance, and visas should be taken into account for non-EU students. It is not possible to combine the stipend with other scholarships for the same purpose.
Benefits of ICIQ Master’s Research Fellowships in Spain:
- Access to Cutting-Edge Research Facilities: With two Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence accreditations and a solid portfolio of European Research Council (ERC) funds, ICIQ offers students access to cutting-edge labs and equipment that are recognized globally.
- Mentorship by World-Renowned Scientists: Fellows receive direct mentorship from leaders in organic chemistry, chemical biology, and materials science while working under supervisors with international notoriety and ongoing ERC-funded studies.
- Practical, High-Impact Projects: The fellowship ensures that students contribute to significant scientific results by providing hands-on research experience at the cutting edge of chemistry, from new polymer materials to drug discovery applications.
- Internationally Taught Program: This program prepares students for worldwide academic and industrial careers by conducting all research and courses in English, allowing students from any country to engage without language obstacles.
- Robust Career Launchpad: Because of ICIQ’s reputation and networking opportunities, finishing a fellowship there improves chances for PhD programs, international partnerships, and jobs in the pharmaceutical or materials science industries.
- Competitive Stipend and Supportive Environment: Students gain from Tarragona’s moderate cost of living, mentorship, and a targeted, selective program created to develop research talent, even though the €750 monthly stipend necessitates careful budgeting.
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Eligibility Requirements:
- Graduates of any country are welcome.
- Chemistry, physics, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or closely related degrees
- Prior to enrollment, a degree must be earned.
- Proficiency in English is necessary (B2, Cambridge First Certificate, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent). Exemptions apply to students from the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Grading scales must be included on academic transcripts. Documents written in languages other than English, Spanish, or Catalan require certified translation.
Selection Criteria: CV, academic performance, and English proficiency. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed.
About ICIQ:
Founded in 2004, ICIQ is part of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST). Research priorities include:
- Sustainable catalysis
- Renewable energy and decarbonization
- Molecular medicine
ICIQ has 19 research groups and around 400 staff members, including nine ICREA professors. Projects offer active participation in funded research with real-world applications, from drug discovery to advanced materials.
Who Should Apply:
This fellowship is ideal for:
- Recent graduates in chemistry or physics
- Students with strong academic records
- Individuals passionate about laboratory research
- Those able to supplement the stipend for tuition and living costs
Students from the EU enjoy reduced tuition and no difficulties obtaining a visa. Non-EU students get substantial research exposure and networking opportunities for PhD programs or foreign collaborations, but they also need to carefully organize their finances.
Application Process & Deadlines:
- Apply via the ICIQ online Career Portal only https://iciq.org/careers/
- Required documents: Bachelor’s degree, transcript, CV, English proficiency proof
- One application per person only
- Deadline: 5 April 2026
- Fellowship start: October 2026
- Selection results: Mid-June 2026 on ICIQ website
Which projects are available in 2026 at ICIQ?
There are two master’s research projects: one under Professor Marcos G. Suero in drug discovery chemistry, and another under Professor José Berrocal focusing on polymer mechanochemistry applications. Both offer hands-on, cutting-edge laboratory experience.
Is English proficiency mandatory for applicants to ICIQ?
Yes, English is required. Accepted certificates include B2 level, Cambridge First Certificate, or IELTS 6.0. Applicants from UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are exempt, but others may be assessed through an interview if no certificate is provided.
Can international students apply for these fellowships?
Yes, applicants of any nationality may apply. Non-EU students should consider additional costs like visa fees, travel, and health insurance, as the €750 stipend is intended to cover basic living expenses only.
