By scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com 
🌍 Introduction: What is the ANSO Scholarship 2026?
The ANSO Scholarship 2026 (Alliance of International Science Organizations) is an elite, fully funded scholarship program offered to young international scientists aiming to pursue doctoral studies at prestigious institutes under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Among these, one of the most exciting opportunities for 2026 lies at the Chengdu Institute of Biology (CIB).
📍 Located in the heart of Sichuan, China, CIB is offering select Ph.D. positions under the supervision of Dr. Sun Geng at the Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration & Biological Resource Utilization. This is a unique opportunity to work on high-impact research in Restoration Ecology, Microbial Ecology, Soil Ecology, Grassland Ecology, and Global Change Ecology.
This post provides an in-depth guide to eligibility, application steps, benefits, research areas, and reasons why you should consider applying for the ANSO Scholarship 2026.
🏫 About the Host Institution: Chengdu Institute of Biology (CIB), CAS
The Chengdu Institute of Biology (CIB) is a renowned research institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province — the gateway to southwestern China’s mountainous regions — CIB focuses on life sciences, ecological restoration, and sustainable resource use.
🏆 Why CIB?
- Strong research output and global collaborations
- Strategic location for ecological field research
- Well-equipped laboratories and greenhouse facilities
- Strong support for international students under CAS programs
CIB plays a leading role in developing mountain ecological systems and environmental sustainability, making it an ideal setting for ecology-related Ph.D. research.
🧪 Research Lab Overview: Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration
The research will be conducted at the:
🏛️ Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Biological Resource Utilization
This laboratory is known for:
- Interdisciplinary approaches in ecological restoration
- Use of microbial and soil ecological techniques
- Collaboration with national parks and conservation centers
- Publishing in high-impact journals related to global change and sustainability
The lab focuses on mountain ecosystems — areas highly sensitive to climate change and human activity — making the research both globally relevant and urgently needed. 🌱🌎
🧑🔬 Supervisor Spotlight: Dr. Sun Geng
Your Ph.D. journey will be guided by Dr. Sun Geng, a respected researcher in the field of ecological restoration and soil microbial ecology.
🔍 Dr. Sun’s Expertise:
- Soil microbial community dynamics
- Restoration of degraded ecosystems
- Climate change and its impact on soil health
- Application of microbial tools in ecology
Dr. Sun has published in top journals such as Ecological Applications, Science of the Total Environment, and Soil Biology & Biochemistry. He also leads international research collaborations and is actively seeking motivated Ph.D. candidates with strong academic backgrounds and a passion for ecological science.
📚 Research Directions for ANSO Scholarship 2026
Successful applicants will conduct research in one or more of the following areas:
🌿 Restoration Ecology – Strategies to rehabilitate degraded land, forests, and grasslands
🦠 Microbial Ecology – Studying microbial communities in soil and their environmental interactions
🧪 Soil Ecology – Functions of soil organisms in nutrient cycling, productivity, and carbon storage
🌾 Grassland Ecology – Biodiversity and productivity of natural and managed grasslands
🌍 Global Change Ecology – Effects of climate change, land-use shifts, and pollution on ecosystems
This is a multi-disciplinary program where students can link fieldwork, molecular biology, GIS tools, and modeling techniques.
🎯 Preferred Academic Backgrounds
Applicants from the following disciplines are especially encouraged to apply:
- 🌱 Ecology & Botany / Plant Science
- 🐾 Zoology / Evolutionary Biology
- 🌊 Environmental Science & Management
- 🌍 Soil Science / Biogeochemistry
- 🧫 Microbiology / Molecular Biology
Interdisciplinary knowledge is highly valued. A strong background in research methodology, scientific writing, and data analysis will significantly strengthen your application.
📜 Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ANSO Scholarship 2026, candidates must:
✔️ Hold a Master’s degree from a Chinese university, or expect to graduate by June 2025
✔️ Have 1–2 research or review papers published or accepted in reputable journals by March 2026
✔️ Demonstrate a strong interest and academic capability in one of the lab’s research fields
International students with strong research potential, excellent English proficiency, and relevant academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
🗓️ Key Dates and Timeline
📅 Application Start: Ongoing (Early applications encouraged)
📬 Deadline for Submission: March 2026 (Final round for paper publication eligibility)
📝 Initial Evaluation: April 2026
🎙️ Interview Rounds: May 2026
✅ Final Selection: June 2026
🎓 Program Start: September 2026
Apply early to allow ample time for visa, document preparation, and university processing.
📩 How to Apply for ANSO Scholarship 2026
To apply, email the following documents in PDF format to: 📧 saba@cib.ac.cn
📄 1. Detailed CV – Including education, research experience, publications, and contact info
📖 2. Master’s Research Summary – Overview of your thesis/project, research methods, and findings
🧠 3. Future Research Outline – Clearly describe your intended research direction under the supervision of Dr. Sun Geng
📝 Use clear formatting, strong English, and attach documents with appropriate file names.
If you require any help regarding your application, you can contact us at scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com
💼 What the ANSO Scholarship Covers
💰 Fully Funded Support Includes:
- 🎓 Tuition Waiver for 4 years of doctoral study
- 🏠 Monthly Stipend: Approx. ¥6,000–¥7,000 RMB (USD ~$850–$1,000)
- 🏥 Medical Insurance
- 🛫 One-time Relocation Subsidy
- 📚 Research and Field Support (conference funding may be available)
This scholarship enables you to focus entirely on your studies and research without financial burden.
📍 Why Choose Chengdu & CIB for Your Ph.D.?
🌆 Chengdu is a modern city blending tradition with innovation. It’s known for:
- 🐼 Panda Research Centers
- 🌿 Proximity to mountain ecosystems and Tibetan Plateau
- 🍜 Rich culinary culture
- 🚄 High-speed connectivity to major Chinese cities
At CIB, you’ll benefit from:
- 🧪 Cutting-edge labs and greenhouse facilities
- 🤝 Academic community with international collaboration
- 🏞️ Field access to mountain and grassland sites
- 🎓 Annual workshops, language support, and publication mentoring
🔬 Research Impact and Career Opportunities
Graduates from CIB’s doctoral programs go on to impactful roles in:
- 🏫 Academia and Research Institutes (Postdocs, Faculty)
- 🏢 NGOs & Environmental Agencies
- 🧬 Biotech and Soil/Microbial Science Companies
- 🌐 International Conservation Projects (UN, FAO, IUCN)
Publishing in high-impact journals and attending conferences is encouraged and supported.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is Chinese language required?
No. Research and communication will be conducted in English. Language courses are offered for daily life convenience.
❓ I haven’t published yet. Can I still apply?
Yes, but at least one paper must be accepted by March 2026 to be eligible for final selection.
❓ Can I choose a different supervisor?
This specific opening is for Dr. Sun Geng’s lab only under the ANSO framework.
❓ Can I apply if I completed my Master’s outside China?
No, for this position, you must have completed or be completing your Master’s at a Chinese university.
❓ Will I need to travel for fieldwork?
Yes, some projects involve field sampling in mountains, grasslands, or wetlands depending on your topic.
📢 Final Call: Apply Now and Join the ANSO Scholar Community
The ANSO Scholarship 2026 at Chengdu Institute of Biology, CAS offers you a powerful platform to grow as a researcher, collaborate globally, and tackle the world’s most pressing ecological challenges.
✅ Fully funded
✅ Innovative research lab
✅ Global networking and publishing
✅ Beautiful city and work-life balance
If you’re motivated, passionate, and academically prepared, this is your chance to make a real difference in ecology and sustainability science.
📩 To Apply: Send your CV, Master’s research summary, and research proposal to: saba@cib.ac.cn
🔗 Visit the official website: https://english.cib.cas.cn
🧑🎓 Author Bio
Mubeen Ali Niaz
Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site
Mubeen curates top-ranked, fully funded scholarships for international students. With a strong background in global education and SEO, he helps students worldwide gain access to world-class research programs.
Stay tuned with Scholarships with Aakash — Where Your Academic Dreams Take Flight.
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