Are you an ambitious, boundary-pushing researcher with a passion for exploring new frontiers in your field? The Branco Weiss Fellowship could be the perfect opportunity for you. This prestigious fellowship, coordinated by ETH Zurich, is designed to support outstanding postdoctoral researchers with the drive to venture beyond conventional research and address important social, cultural, political, or economic issues that transcend disciplinary boundaries.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the eligibility criteria, funding details, application process, and key deadlines for the 2025 Branco Weiss Fellowship. If you’re a postdoctoral researcher eager to make a lasting impact with innovative research, read on to find out everything you need to know.
What is the Branco Weiss Fellowship?
The Branco Weiss Fellowship is a distinguished program for postdoctoral researchers from all disciplines, providing financial support for up to five years. Founded in 2002 by the late Swiss entrepreneur Dr. Branco Weiss, the fellowship aims to promote scientific exploration and creative thinking in areas that push beyond traditional academic research. Administered by ETH Zurich, the fellowship is an international and transdisciplinary initiative designed to foster groundbreaking research that has the potential to shape the future.
The fellowship is not limited to any particular field—whether you’re working in natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities, you’re encouraged to apply if you meet the criteria. However, the projects selected should be highly innovative, exploring new concepts that could significantly impact society at large.
Who Should Apply for the Branco Weiss Fellowship?
The Branco Weiss Fellowship is specifically tailored for researchers who excel in their respective fields and demonstrate an exceptional ability to engage with interdisciplinary issues. The fellowship seeks to support those who are not afraid to venture beyond mainstream research and tackle complex global challenges.
To qualify for the 2025 fellowship intake, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- PhD Status: You must have officially obtained your PhD by January 15, 2025, but not more than five years prior to that date. Applicants who have completed their PhD more than five years ago will not be eligible.
- Postdoctoral Status: You should not hold or have ever held a faculty-equivalent position (e.g., assistant professor or lecturer). This fellowship is designed for those in the early stages of their academic career.
- Innovation in Research: Your research proposal should depart from the conventional boundaries of your discipline, pushing the envelope with fresh, original ideas.
- Outstanding Scientific Achievement: You must demonstrate an impressive track record in your research, with evidence of publications, innovative findings, or other notable accomplishments.
- Transdisciplinary Mindset: Your research proposal should show a willingness to engage in dialogue and collaboration on issues that extend beyond your specific academic field—such as addressing societal, cultural, political, or economic concerns.
Importantly, the Branco Weiss Fellowship does not fund research that could be supported by other traditional scientific funding sources, so applicants should focus on pioneering ideas that require this unique form of support.
Fellowship Duration, Phases, and Funding
The Branco Weiss Fellowship offers substantial funding, allowing postdocs to work on transformative research projects for up to five years. The funding covers all legitimate research costs, including salaries, equipment, travel expenses, consumables, and personnel.
Duration and Phases of the Fellowship
The fellowship is structured into two phases:
- Pioneer Phase (First 2.5 Years): The first phase is designed to allow fellows to fully explore the innovative aspects of their research. At the end of this period, a review and site visit will take place to assess the project’s originality and progress. If the evaluation is successful, the fellow progresses to the next phase.
- Exploitation Phase (Next 2.5 Years): During the second phase, the research moves toward more concrete applications and potential real-world impact. Fellows are encouraged to apply for faculty positions during this phase, and starting a faculty position will not terminate the fellowship.
Financial Support
Fellows receive up to CHF 600,000 over the five-year period. This funding is designed to cover all aspects of research, from personnel and consumables to travel and equipment costs. Fellows have the flexibility to allocate the funds according to the needs of their projects. However, it’s important to note that funds must be managed by the host institution, and overhead costs must be covered by the institution itself.
Key Dates and Timelines for 2025 Applicants
The application process for the 2025 Branco Weiss Fellowship is open, and it’s crucial to adhere to the following timeline:
- January 15, 2025 (5:00 p.m. CET): Final deadline for online applications.
- May 2025: Shortlisted candidates will be notified and invited for interviews in Zurich.
- June 2025: Interviews with a selection panel at ETH Zurich. The final list of fellows will be chosen.
- October 1 to December 31, 2025: Successful fellows begin their research projects.
Applicants are strongly advised to submit their applications at least 1-2 days before the deadline to avoid any technical issues with the online portal.
How to Apply for the Branco Weiss Fellowship
To apply for the Branco Weiss Fellowship, you’ll need to submit several documents through the ETH Zurich application portal. The application package includes:
- Letter of Motivation: A one-page statement explaining why your research is innovative and different from the mainstream in your field.
- Research Proposal: A detailed proposal (maximum 5 pages) outlining your research project, including an abstract, timeline, milestones, and references.
- Curriculum Vitae: A comprehensive CV (maximum 4 pages), highlighting your achievements and qualifications.
- Host Institution Invitation Letter: A letter from the institution where you plan to conduct your research, explaining why you are a good fit for the host group.
- Publication Samples: Copies of your three best peer-reviewed journal articles or individual book chapters.
- Reviewer Suggestions: You must provide the names of five potential reviewers who can assess your application. Note that the reviewers should not have a scientific relationship with you (e.g., co-authorship or collaborations).
All documents must be submitted in PDF format (with a total file size limit of 15 MB). Be sure to follow the document naming conventions outlined in the guidelines to ensure smooth processing of your application.
Evaluation and Selection Process
The selection process for the Branco Weiss Fellowship is rigorous and involves several stages:
- Application Review: All submitted applications are reviewed by the fellowship’s directorate and a panel of faculty members from ETH Zurich, along with external experts.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited to Zurich for personal interviews where they present their projects to the selection panel.
- Final Selection: Based on the interviews and the quality of the projects, the final group of fellows will be selected and notified.
It’s important to note that while the fellowship aims to award up to ten fellowships each year, the number may vary depending on the strength of the applicants and the quality of their research proposals.
Tips for a Successful Application
To increase your chances of success, make sure to:
- Clearly Highlight Innovation: Your research should stand out for its originality. Demonstrate how it diverges from mainstream research in your field and how it will contribute to new knowledge.
- Engage with Broader Issues: Show how your research has the potential to address important global issues beyond the confines of your academic discipline.
- Be Precise and Concise: Keep your application materials focused, clear, and well-organized. Ensure that each document—whether it’s your CV, motivation letter, or research proposal—presents your achievements and plans in the best light.
- Prepare for the Interview: If you are shortlisted, you will need to present your project to a panel. Be prepared to discuss the impact of your research, its interdisciplinary nature, and why you are the right person to lead the project.
Conclusion
The Branco Weiss Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers to break new ground with their scientific ideas. If you’re a postdoc with a track record of exceptional achievement and a passion for innovative, transdisciplinary research, this fellowship could be your ticket to advancing your career and contributing to important global discussions.
With its generous funding, freedom to explore bold ideas, and support for engaging with critical societal issues, the Branco Weiss Fellowship stands out as one of the most prestigious fellowships available to postdoctoral researchers worldwide.
Don’t miss your chance to apply for the 2025 intake—check the fellowship’s website for the full application guidelines and start preparing your materials today.
