The Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, in close partnership with the German Federal Foreign Office, is pleased to announce fellowships to participate and present data at the Medical Biodefence Conference (MBDC) from 7 – 9 April 2027 in Munich.
The MBDC, organized by the Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), is widely recognized as a leading international platform for addressing the global challenges posed by high-consequence pathogens - whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate - as well as emerging risks associated with advances in the life sciences and biotechnology. The conference provides an interdisciplinary forum for scientific exchange on topics including medical countermeasures, novel technologies, high-consequence pathogens, risk assessment, bio-reconnaissance, outbreak investigation, and biodefence policy and strategy. It brings together leading experts from governments, military and civilian research institutions, universities, international organizations, and think tanks to share knowledge, discuss current challenges, and strengthen international cooperation.
The fellowship programme is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and hosted by the IMB. The fellowships form part of Germany’s offers of assistance in support of Article X of the BWC.
Selected fellows will receive:
- Return economy-class travel to Munich, Germany
- Accommodation during the conference
Fellows are required to pay a reduced registration fee of EUR 150, if selected.
The objectives include:
The fellowship aims to enable participants to:
- Present their institution’s expertise, capabilities, research, or operational approaches in support of national biodefence, including topics such as medical countermeasures, novel technologies, high-consequence pathogens, risk assessment, bio-reconnaissance, outbreak investigation, and biodefence policy and strategy.
- Exchange experiences and best practices with leading international experts.
- Learn about innovative approaches, technologies, and capabilities developed in other countries.
- Establish and strengthen professional networks to promote future international collaboration in biodefence and global health security.
Location: Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology (IMB), Munich, Germany
Target Audience:
Applications are invited from experts working in:
- Government institutions
- Military and civilian research institutions
- Universities
- Think tanks
- International organizations
- Other institutions with relevant responsibilities or expertise
Only applicants from countries included on the DAC list of ODA recipients are eligible to apply.
Eligibility:
Applicants should:
- demonstrate in-depth expertise in at least one of the Main Topics – MBDC2027
- submit an abstract relevant to one or more conference topics.
- be willing and able to actively contribute to the scientific programme through an oral or poster presentation, if selected.
Your application includes:
- Short CV indicating your expertise
- Abstract
Applications will be evaluated by the MBDC Scientific Committee based on:
- Scientific quality and relevance of the submitted abstract;
- Professional experience and expertise of the applicant;
- Relevance of the applicant’s work to the objectives of the conference and fellowship programme.
Please note that sponsorship will be provided to a maximum of 15 selected candidates. Successful applicants will be notified following the review process.
Applicants must register online for the training via the following link:
- The deadline for the submission of applications is 30 September.
- Applicants are required to submit a letter of recommendation from their employer confirming institutional support for their application and explaining how the participation will benefit the institution and national capacities.
- States Parties are requested to inform the BWC ISU, by means of a note verbale, of their endorsed nominee(s) for the training course.
Selected candidates for the fellowship will be notified in October 2026.
