Scientific Exchange Grants Scholarship 2026 in Germany

Scientific Exchange Grants support international collaborations and enable transfer of expertise between research groups; the Scientific Exchange Grants are intended to foster short-term visits and collaborative exchange. The focus is on promoting collaboration and skill transfer in the life sciences.

The programme is run by EMBO, a provider of funding, fellowships and career support for researchers. EMBO promotes international scientific exchange and offers application routes via its online portal, with applications accepted throughout the year.

Benefits of Scientific Exchange Grants Scholarship 2026

• Travel Costs & Stipend
  • Travel and subsistence costs are covered.
  • Allowance varies by destination country.
  • Dependents, visa costs, courses, conferences, bench fees, and overheads are not covered.
• Duration
  • Support: 7 days to 3 months (90 days).
  • Visit may be extended up to 3 additional months without EMBO funding.

Eligibility Criteria for the Scientific Exchange Grants Scholarship 2026

• Applicants must be active researchers at any career stage with at least one year of graduate-level research experience or equivalent.
• Research exchanges must be between eligible laboratories in EMBC Member States and EMBC/EMBO global partner countries.
• Researchers funded by eligible JST programmes are also eligible to apply.
• Applicants must work at an eligible institute/university or be funded by an eligible JST programme.
• Training in a specific technique is eligible if relevant to the applicant’s home laboratory research.
• Grants cannot be used to extend visits funded by other programmes.
• Applications to work with former colleagues, supervisors, or previously visited laboratories are not eligible.
• Existing or past collaborations between the applicant and host laboratory are not eligible.
• Applications for courses, workshops, or symposia are not eligible.
• Funding does not cover course fees, conference travel, bench fees, overheads, or other expenses beyond eligible travel and subsistence costs.
• Applicants must return to their home laboratory immediately after the fellowship and remain there for at least six consecutive months.
• Exceptional visits outside eligible countries require strong justification for the lack of suitable expertise or technology in eligible countries.
• Applicants must meet all additional requirements stated in the EMBO Scientific Exchange Grant application guidelines.

How to Apply for the Scientific Exchange Grants Scholarship 2026?

• Check the eligibility criteria and application guidelines before applying.
• Identify a suitable host laboratory and supervisor that match your research interests and objectives.
• Prepare your research exchange proposal, including the objectives, planned activities, and expected outcomes.
• Complete the online application form in English.
• Submit your application through the EMBO online application system at least 30 days before the planned start of your research visit.
• No application deadline applies; applications are accepted throughout the year.
• Carefully review all information before submission, as changes cannot be made after the application is submitted.
• Referees must submit their recommendations through the online system; separate reference letters are not accepted.
• Wait for the EMBO Fellowship Office’s decision, which is normally provided within four months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Scientific Exchange Grants. These answers cover the programme purpose, application process, eligibility prompt and deadlines based on the official EMBO page.