Branco Weiss Fellowship Program 2026 in Switzerland | Fully Funded

Branco Weiss Fellowship Program 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for exceptional early-career researchers to pursue independent and interdisciplinary research in Switzerland and internationally. Designed for scholars who challenge conventional academic boundaries, this fellowship supports innovative research aimed at addressing complex global issues. Fellows enjoy full intellectual freedom to design and lead their own projects while being affiliated with a reputable host institution of their choice, enabling true academic independence and creativity.

The Branco Weiss Fellowship Program 2026 encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration across the natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. With long-term funding, mentoring, and access to a global network of fellows, researchers can focus entirely on producing high-impact work without financial pressure. This fellowship is ideal for visionary researchers seeking international exposure, flexibility, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to scientific and societal progress.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary for the fellow
• Research budget to support independent research projects
• Freedom to choose any suitable host institution worldwide
• Long-term funding (up to five years)
• Mentorship and guidance from senior academics
• Access to an international interdisciplinary research network
• Support for travel, collaboration, and dissemination of research

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Open to applicants from all countries
• Must hold a PhD degree (or expect to complete it before the fellowship starts)
• The PhD should have been awarded within the last 5 years.
• Demonstrated record of academic excellence and originality
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research
• Ability to propose an independent and innovative research project
• Commitment to addressing societal or global challenges through research

Required Documents

• Completed online application form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Research proposal (interdisciplinary focus)
• Motivation letter / personal statement
• Academic publications (if available)
• Two to three letters of recommendation
• Proof of a PhD degree or expected completion

How to Apply?

• Check your eligibility to ensure you are an early-career researcher ready to pursue independent, interdisciplinary research in Switzerland.
• Prepare your documents, including a motivation letter (max 1 page), research proposal (max 5 pages), CV (max 4 pages), invitation from a host institution, three top publications, and your PhD certificate or confirmation of completion.
• Format all documents as PDFs, each under 5 MB and total under 15 MB, with clear file names including your family name.
• Provide five suggested reviewers who can assess the quality and impact of your research.
• Submit all documents via ETH Zurich’s online system ‘eResearch,’ ideally 1–2 days before the deadline to avoid delays.
• Highlight your research idea, methods, interdisciplinary impact, and societal relevance clearly in your proposal.
• Budgets or letters of support are optional and can be provided later if your proposal is shortlisted.
• Submit your complete application before the portal closes on January 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. CET.
• Stay informed by subscribing to the Branco Weiss Fellowship newsletter for updates and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Branco Weiss Fellowship Program 2026 supports exceptional postdoctoral researchers worldwide, offering fully funded, independent, and transdisciplinary projects. Fellows receive mentorship, institutional support, and financial resources to pursue high-impact research and innovative solutions across disciplines.