The Branco Weiss Fellowship 2027 is open to junior researchers with outstanding scientific achievement. Applicants should be ready to design novel and scientifically rigorous research projects.
This fellowship is designed for researchers who want the freedom to explore new territory. Before you apply, review the official guidance carefully.
Application Deadline:
15 January 2027 (5:00 PM CET)
Tell Me About The Program:
The Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science is an international, transdisciplinary fellowship program administered by ETH Zurich. It supports exceptional young postdoctoral researchers who possess a passion for taking research beyond mainstream boundaries and engaging in dialogue on social, cultural, political, or economic issues beyond their core discipline. Fellows are granted complete scientific independence and funding to pursue their original research vision at academic host institutions anywhere in the world. The fellowship is structured in two parts: an initial 2.5-year “pioneer phase,” followed by a 2.5-year “exploitation phase” contingent on a successful progress review and site visit.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Open to all scientific disciplines (including Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Social Sciences, and Humanities).
Type:
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship / Independent Academic Grant
Who can Apply?
- Degree Requirement: Must officially hold a PhD (or have successfully passed the doctoral examination) at the time of the application deadline (15 January 2027).
- PhD Recency: Obtained your PhD a maximum of 5 years prior to the 15 January 2027 deadline. (Extensions up to a maximum of 1 year are permitted only for documented full-time parental leave or illness/accident-related work interruptions, upon prior email confirmation).
- Career Level: Postdoctoral researchers worldwide.
- Exclusions: Professors, lecturers (with or without tenure/tenure track), or scientists holding permanent employment positions are not eligible.
- Commitment & Mobility: Must be willing to travel to Zurich, Switzerland to attend the mandatory annual fellowship symposium.
- Mentor Exclusivity: Must ensure your chosen host mentor supports only one applicant during the application cycle.
How are Applicants Selected:
Selection involves a 3-step competitive process:
- Initial Screening: Proposal reduction to a shortlist by the Directorate and faculty from ETH Zurich and University of Zurich.
- Peer Review: External independent expert peer review of shortlisted written proposals and reference letters.
- Mandatory Interview: A 30-minute interview and presentation (held via video conference or in Zurich) with an expert committee. Evaluation criteria focus on candidate aptitude, qualitative research achievements (aligned with DORA principles), project originality/departure from mainstream research, and willingness to engage with societal issues.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Global (open to citizens of all nationalities).
Where will the Program be Taken?
At any accredited academic host institution(s) worldwide chosen by the fellow.
How Many Fellows:
Up to 10 fellowships granted per annual intake.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Grant Funding: Total fellowship funding up to CHF 600,000 over five years.
- Expense Coverage: Funding can cover full or partial salary (aligned with host institution terms), doctoral student salaries, scientific equipment (under CHF 50,000 in final 2 years), consumables, travel, and technical services.
- Academic Independence: Complete scientific autonomy to lead your own project, with equipment ownership remaining with the fellow.
- Institutional Development: Integration into the global Branco Weiss and ETH Zurich research ecosystem, including annual symposia in Zurich.
How Long Will it Last:
Up to 5 years (2.5 years Pioneer Phase + 2.5 years Exploitation Phase). Projects must start between 1 October 2027 and 31 December 2027.
How to Apply:
- Submit an electronic application via the official online portal.
- Prepare and upload the following documents (minimum font size 10pt):
- Research project proposal (max 5 pages including timelines and references).
- Educated layperson abstract.
- CV including list of publications (max 4 pages).
- Motivation letter detailing why the project departs from mainstream research (max 1 page).
- Copies of 3 peer-reviewed publications or book chapters.
- Scan of PhD certificate or official defense confirmation.
- Details of 5 suggested external reviewers (with whom you have no direct research/co-authorship relationship).
- Official Host Institution Invitation Letter signed by your potential mentor confirming group integration, workspace, and scientific autonomy.
- Complete submission prior to 15 January 2027 (5:00 PM CET).
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
