Branco Weiss Fellowship: Everything You Need to Know

Fellowships are structured initiatives by nonprofit organizations designed to offer assistance and advantages, and the Branco Weiss Fellowship is a notable example of such a program. As you continue reading, we will provide insights into their purpose and application process.

Branco Weiss Fellowship

The Branco Weiss Fellowship is a program designed for exceptionally talented young researchers who have completed their doctoral studies.

This fellowship provides individuals with a personal research grant, enabling them to pursue their projects globally for a maximum period of five years.

Its primary aim is to support postdoctoral researchers during the critical transitional phase between completing their Ph.D. and securing their initial faculty position.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Hold a valid Ph.D. as of January 15, 2025

2. Have completed their Ph.D. within the five years preceding January 15, 2025.

3. Not currently hold or have held a position equivalent to faculty, such as assistant professor or lecturer.

Selection Criteria

Branco Weiss Fellows are expected to bring fresh and innovative perspectives to their research, departing from traditional approaches.

Applicants must propose projects that explore uncharted research territories, often transcending disciplinary boundaries.

Furthermore, they should showcase exceptional achievements within their specific scientific domain and be willing to engage in discussions on relevant societal, cultural, political, or economic issues that go beyond the confines of their field.

Application Process

To apply for the Fellowship, you can submit your application through the Branco Weiss Fellowship website.

Prior to applying, we strongly recommend a careful review of the Fast Facts for Applicants provided on the website.

Research projects should be planned with a five-year timeframe in mind. The initial two years constitute the pioneer phase.

After this phase, there will be a review and a site visit to assess the project’s progress, ongoing originality, and the fellow’s productivity.

If the results meet expectations, the fellow proceeds to the exploitation phase, covering the remaining three years of the fellowship.

Application Deadline

Applications will be available starting October 1, 2025, with the final application submission deadline set for January 15, 2025.

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FAQs

What is the Branco Weiss Fellowship?

The Branco Weiss Fellowship, also known as “Society in Science,” is an international postdoctoral program that provides funding and support to exceptional young researchers who want to pursue bold, innovative, and interdisciplinary projects. It is unique because it allows fellows to work at any institution worldwide and encourages them to take academic risks that may not be possible under traditional funding schemes.

Who is eligible to apply for the Branco Weiss Fellowship?

Applicants must hold a PhD, ideally obtained within five years of the application deadline. Candidates should demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, innovative research ideas, and a willingness to engage in new interdisciplinary approaches. The fellowship is open to applicants from all nationalities and disciplines, provided their work addresses relevant social, cultural, or technological challenges.

What does the Branco Weiss Fellowship provide to selected researchers?

The fellowship offers up to five years of financial support, split into an initial two-year period and a possible three-year extension after a review. It provides CHF 100,000 per year to cover the researcher’s salary, research costs, travel, and administrative expenses. Beyond financial assistance, fellows gain access to a global network of peers and mentors, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

How competitive is the application process for the Branco Weiss Fellowship?

The application process is highly competitive, with hundreds of applicants from around the world vying for a small number of spots each year. Selection is based on the originality of the research proposal, the academic track record of the applicant, and the potential societal impact of the project. Applicants are expected to present bold ideas that go beyond mainstream research and demonstrate both scientific excellence and intellectual independence.