Branco Weiss Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 with Funding of up to CHF 600,000

The Branco Weiss Fellowship, administered by ETH Zurich, is accepting applications for its 2027 fellowship cycle to support outstanding postdoctoral researchers pursuing innovative and unconventional research projects that challenge established thinking within their fields.

The fellowship welcomes researchers from around the world across all disciplines, including the natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. It provides fellows with the academic and financial freedom to develop bold research projects for up to five years, with particular emphasis on work that explores the connections between scientific research and social, cultural, political, or economic issues.

Each year, the program selects up to ten fellows. Successful applicants may carry out their research in collaboration with a suitable host university or research institution that aligns with the objectives of their proposed project.

• Funding of up to CHF 600,000 for a period of up to five years.
• The funding may be used to cover the fellow’s salary.
• Coverage of research equipment and laboratory costs.
• Coverage of travel expenses related to the research project.
• Funding for research materials and supplies.
• The possibility of covering the costs of hiring staff or research assistants for the project.
• A high degree of freedom to develop an innovative and unconventional research project.
• The opportunity to conduct the project at a host institution selected by the fellow.
• Membership in an international and multidisciplinary network of researchers.
• The possibility of applying for an academic position after the first year without automatically terminating the fellowship.

• Have officially obtained a doctoral degree by January 15, 2027. Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis by this date are also eligible.
• Have received their PhD no more than five years before January 15, 2027.
• Not currently hold, and not have previously held, a faculty-equivalent academic position, such as assistant professor or lecturer.
• Propose a research project that moves beyond the mainstream approaches in the applicant’s field.
• Have an outstanding record of academic achievements and scientific research.
• Demonstrate a willingness to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue addressing social, cultural, political, or economic issues.
• Be able and willing to travel to the Greater Zurich area to attend the annual symposium in person.
• Ensure that the selected academic supervisor or mentor is not supporting another applicant during the same application cycle.
• Researchers who currently hold postdoctoral positions are eligible to apply.
• The fellowship is open to researchers of all nationalities and across all academic disciplines.

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