Branco Weiss Fellowship
The Branco Weiss Fellowship funds early-career researchers worldwide to pursue unconventional, high-impact scientific projects with strong societal relevance.
Funder: The Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science
Due Dates: January 15, 2026 | January 15, 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to CHF 600,000 over five years per fellowship; up to 10 fellowships awarded annually.
Summary: Supports bold postdoctoral researchers worldwide to pursue unconventional, high-impact research projects with societal relevance.
Key Information: Applicants must have a PhD awarded no more than five years before the deadline and may not hold a faculty-equivalent position.
Description
The Branco Weiss Fellowship provides outstanding early-career scientists with the resources and freedom to pursue innovative, unconventional research that departs from the mainstream of their discipline. The fellowship is open to postdoctoral researchers from all scientific fields—including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities—whose work demonstrates both scientific excellence and a commitment to engaging with broader societal issues. The program is administered by ETH Zurich and offers a supportive, international environment for fellows to develop their ideas over a five-year period, with regular reviews to ensure originality and productivity.
