About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
ETH Zurich Branco Weiss Fellowship 2027 | Up to CHF 600,000 in Research Funding
ETH Zurich is inviting applications for the Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science 2027, a prestigious opportunity for outstanding early-career scientists seeking to pursue independent and unconventional research projects.
The fellowship supports researchers who want to move beyond the traditional boundaries of their disciplines, explore innovative scientific ideas and engage with society on important social, cultural, political and economic issues.
Selected fellows can receive up to CHF 600,000 over a maximum of five years to support their research. The funding may cover eligible expenses such as salary, research equipment, travel, consumables and personnel.
Unlike conventional postdoctoral opportunities tied to a single research institution, the fellowship gives recipients considerable independence to pursue their research vision in suitable locations around the world.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2027
Fellowship Overview
Fellowship: Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science
Sponsor Organisation: ETH Zurich
Opportunity Type: Research fellowship
Target Applicants: Outstanding early-career scientists with a PhD
Funding Amount: Up to CHF 600,000
Funding Duration: Up to five years
Research Location: Flexible, subject to fellowship requirements
Annual Commitment: Attendance at an in-person symposium in the Greater Zurich Area
Application Deadline: January 15, 2027
About the Branco Weiss Fellowship
The Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science supports exceptional young researchers who demonstrate a passion for scientific discovery and a willingness to challenge established approaches within their disciplines.
The programme encourages fellows to develop independent research projects that go beyond mainstream scientific thinking. It also values researchers who can communicate their work to audiences outside their specialist fields and participate in wider discussions about the role of science in society.
Fellows receive the opportunity to pursue their own research vision while building connections with other scientists and engaging with broader societal questions.
The programme is particularly suitable for researchers with original ideas, a strong record of scientific achievement and the ambition to make a meaningful contribution beyond conventional academic boundaries.
Benefits of the Branco Weiss Fellowship
Successful applicants may receive the following benefits:
Research funding of up to CHF 600,000: Financial support for an independent research project over a period of up to five years.
Research independence: The opportunity to pursue an original scientific project beyond the mainstream of the applicant's discipline.
Flexible research location: Fellows can conduct their research in suitable locations worldwide, subject to programme requirements.
Eligible salary support: Funding may be used for the fellow's salary, where appropriate.
Research equipment and materials: Support for eligible equipment, consumables and other research expenses.
Travel funding: Financial support for eligible research-related travel.
Personnel support: Funding may cover eligible personnel costs associated with the research project.
Interdisciplinary engagement: Opportunities to communicate research beyond one's specialist field and engage with wider societal issues.
Important: The CHF 600,000 represents the maximum fellowship funding, not necessarily a personal stipend paid directly to every fellow. The funds may be allocated to eligible research costs, including salary and project expenses, according to the fellowship's conditions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for the 2027 intake must meet the following requirements.
1. Hold a PhD by the Deadline
Applicants must officially hold a doctoral degree by January 15, 2027. This means they must have successfully completed their PhD defence before the deadline.
Candidates who have not completed their defence by that date should carefully review the official eligibility rules before applying.
2. Meet the PhD Age Requirement
Applicants must have obtained their PhD no more than five years before January 15, 2027.
Only the following reasons are identified in the supplied announcement as acceptable grounds for delays after obtaining a PhD:
Parental leave.
Inability to work due to illness or an accident.
Applicants who believe an exception applies should consult the official fellowship guidelines.
3. Not Hold a Faculty-Equivalent Position
Applicants must not currently hold, or previously have held, a faculty-equivalent position, such as assistant professor or lecturer.
Candidates should verify how the programme interprets equivalent positions if their career history includes academic appointments.
4. Propose an Unconventional Research Project
The proposed research must depart from mainstream research in the applicant's discipline. Applicants should demonstrate the originality of their idea and explain how it could contribute new perspectives or knowledge.
5. Demonstrate Outstanding Scientific Achievement
Candidates must have a strong record of scientific achievement and show the potential to make a significant contribution through independent research.
6. Demonstrate Engagement Beyond Their Discipline
The research proposal must show a willingness to engage in dialogue about relevant social, cultural, political or economic issues beyond the boundaries of the applicant's specific field.
The fellowship values researchers who can connect scientific work with wider questions affecting society.
7. Attend the Annual Symposium
Applicants must confirm that they are willing and able to travel to the Greater Zurich Area and attend the annual symposium in person.
8. Secure an Eligible Mentor
Applicants must ensure that their chosen mentor is supporting only their application during the relevant selection round. Candidates should discuss this requirement with their proposed mentor before submitting an application.
Can Previous Applicants Apply Again?
Yes. According to the supplied announcement, candidates who applied previously but were not selected are welcome to apply again, provided they meet the eligibility requirements for the 2027 intake.
How to Apply
Interested researchers should take the following steps:
Review the official fellowship guidelines: Confirm the eligibility criteria, funding conditions and application requirements.
Develop an original research project: Prepare a proposal that clearly explains how the research moves beyond mainstream approaches in your discipline.
Demonstrate scientific excellence: Highlight your research achievements and explain why you are well positioned to deliver the proposed project.
Identify and contact a suitable mentor: Discuss your research plans and confirm that the mentor can support your application under the programme's rules.
Explain the wider societal relevance: Show how your work connects with social, cultural, political or economic questions beyond your specialist field.
Prepare the required application materials: Follow the official instructions for the research proposal and supporting documentation.
Submit before the deadline: Ensure that your application is complete and submitted by January 15, 2027.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the fellowship's expectations around research independence, originality and engagement with society.
Application Deadline
January 15, 2027
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing early, particularly when developing an unconventional research proposal and coordinating with a potential mentor.
Official Application Website
Visit the official Branco Weiss Fellowship website for application instructions, eligibility details and funding conditions:
Branco Weiss Fellowship: https://brancoweissfellowship.org/
Final Note
The Branco Weiss Fellowship is designed for researchers who combine scientific excellence with intellectual independence and a commitment to engaging with society. It may be particularly attractive to early-career scientists with bold research ideas that challenge conventional approaches.
Before applying, confirm the current deadline, mentor requirements, funding rules and eligibility conditions through the official fellowship website.
How to apply