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

January 15, 2027 (Annual submission deadline)

Up to CHF 600,000 over 5 years; typically up to 10 fellowships awarded annually.

Supports exceptional postdoctoral researchers worldwide to pursue independent, innovative research in any field, emphasizing interdisciplinarity and societal engagement.

--- ## Description The Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science is an international program supporting outstanding young postdoctoral researchers who wish to undertake innovative, unconventional research projects outside mainstream science. The fellowship empowers fellows to realize their personal research vision independently at any suitable institution worldwide. Projects are expected to be original, interdisciplinary, and demonstrate a willingness to engage with broader societal issues. The program fosters a vibrant community of scholars committed to both advancing research and communicating across disciplines and with society. --- ## Due Dates - January 15, 2027: Full application deadline (annual; submissions due January 15 each year) - Previous deadlines: January 15 in prior years All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum funding: CHF 600,000 per fellowship - Duration: Up to 5 years (two phases: 2.5 years pioneer, 2.5 years exploitation) - Up to 10 fellowships may be awarded annually, depending on applicant pool and selection outcomes - Funds may be used for salary, equipment, travel, consumables, personnel, and other legitimate research costs --- ## Eligibility - Open to researchers of any nationality and any scientific discipline (including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities) - Applicants must: - Hold a PhD by the submission deadline (at least have passed the defense before January 15, 2027) - Have obtained their PhD no more than five years prior to the deadline (allowable extensions for parental leave or illness, up to one year, with official documentation) - Not hold or have held a faculty-equivalent position (e.g., assistant professor, lecturer, or permanent scientist) - Not be permanently employed as a scientist - Propose a research project that is original, non-mainstream, and demonstrates interdisciplinary and societal engagement - Be willing and able to attend the annual symposium in Zurich - Ensure their chosen mentor is supporting only their application in this round --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically in English via the ETH Zurich eResearch system - Required documents: - Motivation letter (max 1 page, explaining why research is outside the mainstream) - Research proposal (max 5 pages, including abstract, timeline, milestones, and references) - CV (max 4 pages) - Invitation letter from a prospective host (main host institution), confirming support and project fit - Copies of three best publications (peer-reviewed articles or individual book chapters only; no theses or books) - Five suggested reviewers (no prior scientific relationship) - Scan of PhD certificate or confirmation of successful examination - Reference letters and additional documents are only required if shortlisted for the second evaluation step - All documents must be PDF (max 5 MB per file, total 15 MB); use specified naming conventions --- ## Additional Information - Fellows may work at any academic host institution worldwide; one main host must be designated - The fellowship is administered via a three-way agreement among the fellow, host institution, and ETH Zurich - Fellows may change host institutions after the first year, with approval - Faculty positions may be accepted after the first year; the fellowship continues if the Branco Weiss project remains the main focus - Fellows must participate in an annual symposium in Zurich and submit yearly scientific 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/) - [Guidelines (PDF)](https://brancoweissfellowship.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Guidelines_BWF_250401.pdf) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://brancoweissfellowship.org/who-should-apply/frequently-asked-questions/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | brancoweissfellowship@ethz.ch | | Web Contact | [Contact Form](https://brancoweissfellowship.org/contact/) | | Address | ETH Zurich, Rämistrasse 101, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland |

The Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science

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