Branco Weiss Fellowship 2026 | Independent Postdoctoral Research at ETH Zurich
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Branco Weiss Fellowship 2026 | Postdoctoral Research Funding at ETH Zurich | Fully Funded
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Apply for the Branco Weiss Fellowship 2026 — a prestigious postdoctoral research fellowship hosted by ETH Zurich. Fully funded (up to CHF 600,000) for exceptional early-career researchers to pursue independent, unconventional research worldwide.Branco Weiss Fellowship 2026, ETH Zurich postdoctoral fellowship, independent research funding, Society in Science fellowship, fully funded postdoc ETH Zurich
About the Branco Weiss Fellowship 2026
The Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science is one of the world’s most distinguished postdoctoral research fellowships, hosted by ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich). It supports exceptional early-career scientists with bold, unconventional research ideas, giving them the freedom and funding to pursue their own independent research projects anywhere in the world.
Founded by Swiss entrepreneur Dr. Branco Weiss to promote scientific excellence and societal impact, this fellowship encourages researchers to step beyond mainstream scientific boundaries and explore truly innovative research avenues across disciplines from natural sciences and engineering to social sciences and the humanities.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Branco Weiss Fellowship is unique because it:
- Empowers research vision and independence you design and lead your project.
- Supports research anywhere in the world you can choose the best academic or institutional environment for your work.
- Encourages broader societal engagement fellows communicate their findings beyond academic circles to impact public discourse.
- Attracts diverse, cross-disciplinary talent including science, technology, social sciences, and humanities.
Each year, up to ten fellowships are awarded to talented researchers who have a compelling, independent research plan with high scientific or societal impact.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Branco Weiss Fellowship 2026, applicants must:
- Hold a doctoral degree (PhD) or be within five years of completing their PhD.
- Be early-career researchers without permanent academic employment (faculty or tenured positions).
- Propose an original research project that ventures beyond conventional disciplinary boundaries and aligns with the fellowship’s mission of innovation.
- Secure a host institution (academic or research centre) willing to support the project, provide workspace, and integrate the fellow into its research environment.
There are no nationality restrictions, and researchers from all regions of the world are welcome to apply.
Funding & Benefits
The Branco Weiss Fellowship provides substantial financial support for up to five years, typically up to CHF 600,000 giving fellows the freedom to pursue ambitious, high-impact research.
This funding can cover:
- The fellow’s salary or stipend
- Support for project personnel (e.g., doctoral students)
- Research equipment and materials
- Travel and fieldwork expenses
- Consumables and justified project costs
The fellowship is divided into a pioneer phase (first 2.5 years) and an exploitation phase (remaining 2.5 years), contingent on successful progress review and site visit.
Fellows may also continue the fellowship even if they take on a faculty position, ensuring continuity of support for truly transformative research.
How to Apply — 2026 Intake
Application Deadline
- 15 January 2026, 5 p.m. CET final deadline for submission.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit PDF files through the ETH Zurich fellowship portal, including:
- Motivation Letter: Explain why your research is unconventional and its potential impact.
- Research Proposal: Up to five pages with abstract, timeline, milestones, and references.
- CV: Maximum four pages with publications list.
- Host Invitation Letter: Confirming project support and integration.
- Selected Publications: Three best peer-reviewed journal articles or book chapters.
- Reviewer Suggestions: Names of five independent reviewers.
- PhD Certificate/Confirmation: Scan proving doctoral degree completion.
Important: Files must conform to naming conventions and size limits as specified in the application guidelines.
Selection Process
The Branco Weiss Fellowship uses a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation:
- Initial Screening: Eligible submissions are shortlisted by ETH Zurich’s Directorate and academic reviewers.
- External Peer Review: Independent experts assess scientific quality, originality, and impact.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are interviewed in Zurich, Switzerland, usually in June 2026.
- Final Selection: Successful fellows are announced, and the research term begins between October and December 2026.
Why You Should Apply
The Branco Weiss Fellowship 2026 is perfect for researchers who:
- Want maximum research autonomy and flexibility across disciplines.
- Have an original, high-impact research idea that can shift scientific or societal paradigms.
- Seek long-term financial security and the ability to build a research team or lab.
- Aim to communicate findings beyond academia and contribute to broader societal knowledge.
This fellowship offers a rare opportunity to advance your career and amplify your research on a global stage.
Final Call to Action
If you’re an early-career researcher with an unconventional research vision and strong scientific track record, prepare your proposal and apply for the Branco Weiss Fellowship 2026 at ETH Zurich before 15 January 2026. Don’t miss this chance to secure up to five years of funding and pursue research on your own terms.