ETH Zurich Focus Grants 2025 provide exceptional support for postdoctoral researchers aiming to secure major early-career funding opportunities. This unique program combines substantial financial assistance with an intensive 8-week grant-writing bootcamp designed to strengthen research proposals and enhance academic independence. By participating, scholars can refine their grant applications, improve competitiveness, and accelerate their professional growth in a world-class academic environment.
Open exclusively to postdoctoral researchers employed at ETH Zurich on at least an 80% fixed-term contract—with employment secured for six months beyond the deadline—these grants target ambitious academics with strong research track records. Candidates must present a clear plan to submit a competitive early-career funding proposal and meet the eligibility requirements of their chosen funding scheme. ETH Zurich, one of the world’s leading institutions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), is celebrated for groundbreaking research, global impact, and a distinguished history that includes Nobel laureates like Albert Einstein.
Benefits
- Two months of salary support (shared between ETH Zurich and host)
- Participation in a structured 8-week grant-writing bootcamp
- Peer-to-peer feedback to refine proposals
- Training in professional development, including applying for faculty positions
- Increased competitiveness for major early-career funding
Eligibility of ETH Zurich Focus Grants 2025
- Eligible Countries: Open to applicants of all nationalities
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in any subject offered by ETH Zurich
- Admissible Criteria:
- Must be a postdoctoral researcher employed at ETH Zurich on a fixed-term contract at a minimum 80% level, with employment guaranteed for at least six months after the submission deadline.
- Must have a competitive academic track record and a clear plan to submit a major early-career grant proposal to a specified funding scheme.
- Must commit to participating fully in the 8-week bootcamp and dedicating at least 50% of working time to the proposal.
- Host must agree to extend the applicant’s employment for two months, cover 50% of their salary, and reduce core responsibilities by 50%.
- Must meet the academic age requirements of the target programme.
- Previous third-party funding experience is not required.
- Resubmissions are allowed, but the grant can be received only once.
How to apply for ETH Zurich Focus Grants 2025?
Applications must be submitted via the ETH Zurich Grants Office website. The portal opens 1 September 2025. Required materials include:
- Cover sheet (applicant details, proposal title, host information)
- Motivation statement (max. 1 page)
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages)
- Brief description of the target funding scheme and applicant’s fit (½ page)
- Research idea description (1½ pages)
- Lay abstract (½ page)
- Host’s letter of support (submitted separately)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This summary covers purpose, eligibility, bootcamp details, deadlines, funding structure, required documents, host obligations, resubmissions, and notification timing—all based exactly on official guidance on the program.
What is the Purpose of the Focus Grant?
The ETH Zurich Focus Grant supports postdoctoral researchers in building academic independence by helping them prepare competitive applications for early-career funding schemes. It offsets time spent writing grants and offers structured support and bootcamp training.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants are postdoctoral researchers employed at ETH Zurich on a fixed-term contract at minimum 80 %, with employment guaranteed for at least six months after the submission deadline. This ensures stability and commitment during the grant process.
How Does the Bootcamp Work?
The grant includes participation in an intensive 8-week grant-writing bootcamp. You’ll dedicate at least 50 % of your working time to developing your proposal, with peer-to-peer feedback at its core to refine and strengthen your application.
How Many Grants Are Awarded and When?
There are four separate calls for Focus Grants annually, with around 16 grants awarded in each round. Each call is aligned with its own grant-writing bootcamp, giving multiple opportunities throughout the year to participate.
What Is the Funding Duration and Structure?
The Focus Grant lasts two months, covering your salary during that period. Funding is shared equally between ETH Zurich’s Grants Office and your host, freeing you from core duties to focus fully on your proposal during the bootcamp.
What Are the Application Deadlines for 2025?
For the February–March 2026 bootcamp, the deadline is 1 October 2025 at 17:00 Swiss local time. And for the May–June 2026 bootcamp, the application must be submitted by 5 January 2026, 17:00 Swiss local time.
What Documents Must Be Included in the Application?
Your application must include a cover sheet with your name, proposal title, host name/department; a motivation statement (1 page); CV (max 3 p); target scheme description (½ p); research idea (1½ p); lay abstract (½ p); and host letter of support.
What Requirements Must the Host Fulfill?
Your host must extend your contract (80–100 %) for the two-month period, cover 50 % of your salary, and reduce your core responsibilities accordingly. The host letter must also comment on originality, timing, and readiness for independence.
Can Applicants Reapply?
Yes, resubmissions are permitted. However, each applicant may receive the Focus Grant only once. This allows you to try again if previously unsuccessful, but grants are awarded only once per individual to spread opportunity.
How and When Will Applicants Be Notified?
You will be notified of the outcome within two months of the submission deadline. All decisions are final, so it’s important to be ready by that timeframe and understand that no further appeals or changes will be considered.
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