The Branco Weiss Fellowship

About the Fellowship

The fellowship is designed to support postdoctoral researchers after their PhD and before their first faculty appointment. The aim is to award up to ten fellowships each year. Researchers who pursue unconventional projects outside the mainstream of science (including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities) may apply.

The fellowship addresses junior researchers with a record of outstanding scientific achievement and a passion for venturing into new territory. To give you an impression of what kind of qualifications a typical Branco Weiss Fellow should have, please check the current fellow profiles, as well as selected alumni portraits.

You are eligible for the 2025 intake if:

• You officially hold a PhD on January 15, 2025
• You have obtained your PhD a maximum of five years prior to January 15, 2025
• You do not hold/have not held a faculty-equivalent position (e.g. assistant professor or lecturer)
• Your project departs from the mainstream of research in your discipline
• You have a record of outstanding scientific achievement
• You demonstrate in the proposal a willingness to engage in a dialog on relevant social, cultural, political or economic issues beyond the frontiers of your particular discipline

Duration

Research projects should be conceived to last five years.

The first two and a half years of a project are called the pioneer phase. Before the end of the second year, a site visit will take place and a review will be conducted. At this point, the project, its continued originality, and the productivity of the fellow will be evaluated. If the results of the evaluation and site visit are satisfactory, the fellow enters the exploitation phase for the remaining two and a half years of the fellowship.

Branco Weiss Fellows are encouraged to seek faculty positions during their exploitation phase. Fellows can start a faculty position/professorship after the first year of the fellowship. Assuming an academic position will not result in termination of the fellowship.

Funding

A Branco Weiss Fellowship amounts to max. CHF 600,000 for up to five years. It may be used to cover all legitimate costs of research (i.e. salary and/or equipment, travel expenses, consumables, personnel, etc.).

More Details & Apply Here