The Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science is one of the world’s most prestigious fellowships for outstanding postdoctoral researchers.
This international fellowship empowers early-career researchers to pursue independent and high-impact research projects anywhere in the world.
Researchers from all scientific disciplines can apply online before 15 January 2026.
| Fellowship Title | Branco Weiss Fellowship (Society in Science) |
| Application Deadline | 15 January 2026 |
| Funding Amount | CHF 600,000 |
| Discipline | All scientific disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities |
| Fellowship Duration | up to five years |
Eligibility Criteria
Fellowship is open to any nationality
Researchers must hold a PhD. and the PhD should be awarded within the last 5 years.
Application do not hold/have not held a faculty-equivalent position.
Important Dates – 2026 Intake
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 15 January 2026 (5 p.m. CET) |
| Shortlisting & notifications | May 2026 |
| Interviews | June 2026 |
| Fellowship start | Oct–Dec 2026 |
Funding Details
- Maximum funding: CHF 600,000
- Duration: Up to 5 years
- Funds can be used for:
- Salary (full or partial)
- Equipment and consumables
- Travel and mobility
- Personnel (e.g., PhD students)
- Research-related services
Host Institution
Research can be carried out at any academic institution worldwide
One institution must be designated as the main host
Host institutions may retain a management fee up to 10%
Changing host institutions is allowed after the first year, with approval
Required Documents (PDF format)
- Research Proposal (max. 5 pages)
- Motivation Letter (max. 1 page)
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 4 pages)
- Invitation Letter from the host professor
- Three peer-reviewed publications
- Five independent reviewer suggestions
- PhD certificate or confirmation of defense
Official Website: https://brancoweissfellowship.org/who-should-apply/guidelines/