CNIC-National Centre for Cardiovascular Research - CICERONE Programme

What the CICERONE Programme gives you

You will receive a grant of 1,500 EUR for a six-week paid laboratory placement at the CNIC (Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares) in Madrid, Spain. The placement will take place between 1 July and 15 September and comprises a total of 225 hours of training in the field of cardiovascular research. During the placement, you will work in a laboratory group on a real research project, take part in CNIC seminars and conferences, and be covered by the Spanish social security system. If you live outside the Autonomous Community of Madrid, the CNIC will also reimburse you up to 300 EUR for a return journey in economy class. Students in the final year of their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree may subsequently be offered a paid ‘Cicerone contract’ for a period of up to one year, depending on the outcome of the placement. The programme is run by the CNIC. The 2026th round is the 19th edition and offers a maximum of 29 places.

Who can apply

• Study level: You are in the final two years of a Bachelor’s degree (you have already earned at least 50% of your credit points) or are enrolled on a Master’s degree programme.
• Field of study: You are studying biomedicine (medicine, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology and similar subjects) or a related field such as physics, chemistry, engineering or computer science.
• Grades: You must have an average mark of at least 8.00 out of 10 in biomedical subjects, or at least 7.00 for engineering degree programmes and dual degree programmes.
• Nationality: You are a national of an EU Member State.
• Where you study: Any university is fine. If you obtained your degree outside Spain, you will need an official certificate of equivalence from the Spanish Ministry of Education.
• No overlap: You must not hold any other scholarship or be under any other contract during the internship period.

How to apply

You should apply online via the CNIC website by 16 March 2026, selecting up to three research areas in order of preference. The group leaders will review the applications and, where appropriate, invite you to an interview. Selection is made on a competitive basis and is based on your grades, your CV, your motivation and your suitability. Successful applicants will be notified in the second half of May.

How realistic are your chances?

The selection criteria for this scholarship are very strict. With only 29 places available, a high minimum grade requirement and a limited range of subject areas, the pool of eligible applicants is small, but competition for each individual place is fierce. If you clearly meet the academic requirements, are studying a relevant subject and can write a compelling personal statement focused on a specific area of research, your prospects are good. A well-written, targeted application is more important than a lengthy CV.