Novartis Next Generation Scientist Internship 2026

Published: 10 Oct 2025

The Next Generation Scientist Program is an intensive internship program for talented and motivated research scientists from low- and middle-income countries. The 3-month program (01 June to 31 August 2026), hosted at our research site in Basel, Switzerland, is designed to foster both their scientific and professional development and consists of classroom sessions, group work assignments and active individual contribution. Guided by Novartis mentors, the interns work on a jointly agreed upon, pre-competitive scientific or clinical research project. Additionally, they learn about the pharmaceutical drug discovery and development process as well as participate in a leadership development program designed to enhance decision-making and communication skills.

The internship program is run jointly by Novartis and the University of Basel.
The Next Generation Scientist Program aims to build scientific and leadership capability in low- and middle-income countries by enhancing the skills of local scientists and by facilitating the knowledge transfer to their wider scientific communities upon their return home. An internship is possible in any of the broad range of therapeutic areas in which Novartis is involved; scientists with background and interest in malaria, dengue, cryptosporidiosis, visceral leishmaniasis, leprosy, sickle cell disease or Chagas disease are encouraged to apply.

Novartis Next Generation Scientist Internship

Application Deadline	October 31, 2025
Funding Type	Fully Funded
Country to study	Switzerland
Type	Internship
Sponsor	Novartis AG

Novartis Next Generation Scientist Internship Benefits

Research infrastructure and training:

• All necessary equipment, training and operational needs (e.g computers, supplies and reagents) will be provided to support investigation of a jointly agreed upon, pre-ompetitive (non-proprietary) scientific question or challenge.

Travel, accommodation & visa: Novartis will provide

• Round-trip economy class airfare
• Student accommodation for the duration of the project
• Application for educational visas to the Swiss authorities on behalf of the selected participants

Stipend and health insurance: Novartis will provide health insurance and a monthly stipend to cover incidentals and basic living expenses

Requirements for Novartis Next Generation Scientist Internship

• Enrolled at university as MSc, PhD or MD student in a geography of scope (low- and middle-income country)
• Preferred field of studies: Natural and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicine, and related fields of study
• Research background in malaria, dengue, cryptosporidiosis, visceral leishmaniasis, leprosy, sickle cell disease or Chagas disease preferred
• Active participation in all program and training activities expected
• Good verbal and written English communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in groups
• Time management and good organizational skills

Selection Process

Duration and dates: 12-week program from 01 June to 31 August 2026; onsite Basel Campus, Switzerland

Check also:
Queen Elizabeth Scholarship (How to Apply)

Application Deadline

October 31, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Novartis AG on www.novartis.com to apply

Have you benefited from our website in any way? Tell us your story and inspire other students!