Most research grants want safe ideas. They want a clear plan and small steps. The Branco Weiss Fellowship is different. It looks for young scientists who want to ask new questions and go beyond the limits of their own subject.
The registration portal for the 2027 intake is now open. If you are an early career researcher with a bold idea, this is a good time to look closely.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science |
| Administrator | ETH Zurich |
| Level | Postdoctoral |
| Duration | Up to 5 years |
| Funding | Maximum CHF 600000 |
| Awards per year | Up to 10 |
| Research location | Anywhere in the world |
| Deadline | 15 January 2027 |
| Project start | October to December 2027 |
What This Fellowship Is
The Branco Weiss Fellowship is an international research fellowship. It is made for early career researchers who have strong records and big ideas. The main goal is simple. It gives talented young scientists the freedom to design their own research.
The fellowship does not stick to one narrow field. It cares more about how you think. It values interdisciplinary research. It values independent thinking. It values big questions that most people are afraid to ask.
This makes it a good match for researchers who want to build their own research agenda instead of only following the path of their supervisor.
Fellows can pursue their personal vision at the best possible locations anywhere in the world. The program is based at ETH Zurich and aims to award up to ten fellowships each year.
Who Should Apply
The fellowship is for junior researchers who already have a strong research record. They should also love new ideas. A strong applicant often shows these five things:
- Outstanding scientific achievement
- Original thinking
- Scientific rigour
- Intellectual independence
- Willingness to explore new territory
You also need to explain how your idea fits the fellowship’s mission. And you need to explain why this kind of freedom would help your research grow.
A smart tip from the official site is to read the profiles of current fellows and alumni. These stories show what kind of researchers get chosen and what kind of projects they work on.
What the Fellowship Offers
The main benefit is research freedom. You can build a new project from the start. You do not have to continue the work you already did. For young scientists who want their own independent research identity, this can be very valuable.
The fellowship provides up to CHF 600000 over a maximum of five years. The first two and a half years form the pioneer phase. A review then decides whether the remaining two and a half years continue. Fellows may take faculty positions during the fellowship without losing the award.
Also Read: World Bank Government Analytics Fellowship 2027: Eligibility & How to Apply
Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible for the 2027 intake if:
- You hold a PhD by 15 January 2027 (or have at least passed the defense)
- You obtained your PhD a maximum of five years before 15 January 2027
- You do not hold or have not held a faculty-equivalent position
- Your project departs from the mainstream of research in your discipline
Only parental leave or inability to work due to illness or accident can extend the five-year window. The fellowship is open to all nationalities and all disciplines including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.
Always read the full official eligibility page before you start writing.
Application Deadline and Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Portal open | Now |
| Application deadline | 15 January 2027 5 p.m. CET |
| Notification and interview invitations | May 2027 |
| Interviews in Zurich | June 2027 |
| Project start | October to December 2027 |
Plan to submit at least one to two days earlier than the final deadline.
How To Apply
The portal for the 2027 intake is open. Here is a simple plan to follow:
- Read the fellowship mission and the application guidelines
- Study the eligibility duration and funding details
- Read the profiles of current fellows and alumni
- Write an original and strong research proposal
- Prepare all documents that the portal asks for
- Submit your full application before the deadline
Required documents typically include a one-page motivation letter, a five-page research proposal, a four-page CV, an invitation letter from a host, three best publications and five reviewer suggestions.
One very useful tip from the fellowship. Submit your application one to two days before the deadline. When too many people send applications at the last moment, the servers can slow down or fail. A late upload because of a busy server will not save you.