Scientific Research Skills Online Internship
HNG is partnering with the UNESCO International Centre for Biotechnology (UNESCO ICBN) to bring an intensive scientific research internship to students, graduates, researchers and professionals interested in biotechnology and the life sciences.
100% OnlineFree to JoinResearch-Focused
Applications are completed on the official UNESCO ICBN platform.
What is this programme?
The programme is designed to help participants develop practical skills they can use in academic research, laboratories, biotechnology, industry and further scientific careers. Over the programme, participants will learn through a combination of:
Live expert-led classes
Practical research exercises
Interactive sessions
Assessments and feedback
Who is this programme for?
This programme is suitable for anyone building a career in the life sciences, from first-year students to working laboratory professionals.
Students
Undergraduate and postgraduate students in biosciences, agriculture, food science and related fields.
Early-Career Researchers
Researchers looking to strengthen their scientific research and technical skills.
Biotechnology & Laboratory Professionals
Biotechnologists, laboratory technicians and other professionals working in life sciences.
Agricultural & Food Scientists
People working or studying agriculture, food science and related disciplines.
Lecturers & Research Professionals
Lecturers, QC officers and professionals involved in scientific research and laboratory work.
Science Enthusiasts
Anyone with a serious interest in biotechnology and scientific research who wants to develop practical research skills.
What will you learn?
The programme combines foundational scientific research skills with specialised areas of biotechnology and research.
Foundation Modules
Every participant starts here.
Principles of Molecular Biology
DNA & RNA Extraction
Good Laboratory Practices
Experimental Design & Controls
Scientific Data Interpretation
Ethics in Biotechnology Research
Career Paths in Biotechnology
Choose Your Specialisation
As you progress, you can develop deeper knowledge in a specialised research area.
Genomics & Bioinformatics
Explore genome organisation, BLAST, phylogenetics, next-generation sequencing analysis and genome annotation.
Scientific Paper Writing
Structure research papers, write abstracts, present data, develop discussions and prepare manuscripts for journal submission.
Grant Writing & Research Design
Develop research questions, design experiments, build competitive proposals and approach research funding.
Bioethics
Understand research ethics, human and animal ethics, data protection, research integrity and publication ethics.
Lab Management & Biosafety
Laboratory organisation, biosafety and risk management, equipment management, Good Laboratory Practices and accreditation.
DNA & RNA Extraction from Plants
Explore sample collection, DNA/RNA extraction, quality control, PCR and downstream applications.
How It Works
Week 1 Entrance exam and onboarding
Weeks 2-5 Foundational training in core research skills
Weeks 6-9 Specialised training in your chosen research track
Week 9 Final research defence before an ICBN panel
Week 10 Hands-on preparation for the practical stage
Week 11 Hands-on lab week in Nsukka, Nigeria, and graduation
What can you earn?
The programme offers different levels of recognition based on participation and performance.
Certificate of Participation
Awarded to trainees who successfully complete the programme.
Certificate of Competence
For participants who achieve the required cumulative performance score.
Master Certification
Recognition for top-performing participants.
Beyond certificates, participants can gain access to mentorship, career development opportunities, the UNESCO ICBN alumni network and potential pathways into research internships and postdoctoral opportunities.
Ready to Start Your Research Journey?
Whether you're studying biotechnology, microbiology, agriculture, biochemistry, food science or another related field, this is an opportunity to learn from experts and develop skills you can take into your next academic or professional chapter.
Learn. Research. Innovate.
Applications are completed through the official UNESCO ICBN platform.
