[The Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science](https://brancoweissfellowship.org)

January 15, 2027 (Annual submission deadline)

Up to CHF 600,000 total over five years; typically up to 10 fellowships awarded annually.

Supports outstanding postdoctoral researchers globally to pursue independent, innovative scientific projects for up to five years in any discipline and location.

--- ## Description The Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science is an international postdoctoral program designed to empower exceptional early-career researchers to pursue innovative, independent scientific projects that extend beyond conventional boundaries. The fellowship is open to all disciplines and nationalities, and enables fellows to conduct research in the best locations worldwide. Fellows are expected to engage in dialogue with society and communicate their research beyond their own field. The program is administered by ETH Zurich and includes access to a global network of fellows, annual symposia, and significant autonomy in choosing host institutions and mentors. --- ## Due Dates - January 15, 2027: Annual submission deadline (full application) All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the [program page](https://brancoweissfellowship.org/who-should-apply/timelines/) for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum CHF 600,000 per fellowship for up to five years. - Funding covers salary, equipment, travel, consumables, personnel, and other legitimate research costs. - Up to ten fellowships may be awarded annually, depending on candidate quality. - No-cost extensions are not permitted; unspent funds must be returned at the end of the fellowship. - Host institutions may retain a management fee up to 10%. --- ## Eligibility - Open to researchers of any nationality and discipline. - Applicants must hold a PhD by January 15, 2027 (i.e., have passed their defense before this date). - PhD must have been obtained no more than five years before January 15, 2027 (exceptions of up to one year for parental or medical leave, with documentation). - Not eligible: those holding or having held faculty-equivalent positions (e.g., assistant professor, lecturer) or permanent employment. - Project must significantly depart from mainstream research and demonstrate outstanding scientific achievement. - Fellows must be willing and able to attend annual symposia in Zurich. - Applicants who were not selected in previous years may reapply. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted in English, electronically via the ETH Zurich ‘eResearch’ system. - Required materials: - Motivation letter (max. 1 page, explaining how the project differs from mainstream research) - Research proposal (max. 5 pages, including abstract, timelines, milestones, and references) - CV (max. 4 pages) - Invitation letter from prospective host professor - Copies of three best publications (peer-reviewed articles or book chapters) - Five reviewer suggestions (no prior collaboration or planned collaboration) - Scan of PhD certificate or confirmation of successful examination - All documents must be in PDF format (max. 5 MB per file; 15 MB total). - Application guidelines and submission instructions are detailed in the [official guidelines PDF](https://brancoweissfellowship.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Guidelines_BWF_250401.pdf) and [How to Submit instructions](https://brancoweissfellowship.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BWF_HowToSubmit_03102022.pdf). - The evaluation process includes initial screening, external peer review, and interviews for shortlisted candidates. - Final decisions are typically communicated within two weeks of interviews. --- ## Additional Information - Projects can be hosted at any academic institution worldwide; the fit between host institution and project is part of the evaluation. - Fellows may work at multiple institutions but must designate a main host. - Fellows may start a faculty position after the first year of the fellowship, provided the Branco Weiss project remains the main focus. - Fellows are encouraged to seek additional third-party funding. - Fellows must attend annual symposia in Zurich and submit yearly progress and financial reports. --- ## External Links - [Fellowship Home Page](https://brancoweissfellowship.org) - [Eligibility, Duration, and Funding](https://brancoweissfellowship.org/who-should-apply/eligibility-duration-and-funding/) - [Application Instructions](https://brancoweissfellowship.org/who-should-apply/application/) - [Official Guidelines PDF](https://brancoweissfellowship.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Guidelines_BWF_250401.pdf) - [How to Submit (PDF)](https://brancoweissfellowship.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BWF_HowToSubmit_03102022.pdf) - [FAQs](https://brancoweissfellowship.org/who-should-apply/frequently-asked-questions/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | brancoweissfellowship@ethz.ch | | Online Contact Form | [Contact Page](https://brancoweissfellowship.org/contact/) | | Address | ETH Zurich, Rämistrasse 101, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland |

The Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science

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