ETH Zurich Focus Grants 2025 in Switzerland | Fully Funded Postdoctoral Opportunity
The ETH Zurich Focus Grants 2025 offer an exceptional opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to secure competitive early-career funding while developing their academic independence. This fully funded program in Switzerland combines financial support with a structured 8-week grant-writing bootcamp, empowering scholars to refine proposals, enhance research competitiveness, and accelerate professional growth at one of the world’s leading universities.
Why Apply for the ETH Zurich Focus Grants 2025?
The Focus Grants are designed for ambitious postdoctoral researchers employed at ETH Zurich who are ready to prepare a strong early-career funding proposal. This initiative not only provides two months of salary support but also delivers hands-on guidance through intensive workshops, peer reviews, and professional development sessions.
Participants benefit from ETH Zurich’s world-class academic environment—renowned for its cutting-edge STEM research, innovation, and a rich history of achievements, including Nobel Prize laureates like Albert Einstein.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Institution: ETH Zurich
- Level of Study: Postdoctoral
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Deadline:
- For February–March 2026 Bootcamp: 1 October 2025, 17:00 (Swiss Time)
- For May–June 2026 Bootcamp: 5 January 2026, 17:00 (Swiss Time)
Scholarship Benefits
- Two months of salary support (shared between ETH Zurich and the host department)
- Participation in a structured 8-week grant-writing bootcamp
- Peer-to-peer feedback to refine proposals
- Professional development training (including applying for faculty positions)
- Increased competitiveness for major early-career funding
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Eligibility Criteria
The ETH Zurich Focus Grants 2025 are open to applicants of all nationalities, provided they meet the following conditions:
- Must be a postdoctoral researcher employed at ETH Zurich on a fixed-term contract (minimum 80% workload).
- Employment must be guaranteed for at least six months after the application deadline.
- Must have a competitive research track record and a clear plan to apply for a major early-career funding scheme.
- Must fully commit to the 8-week bootcamp, dedicating at least 50% of working time to the proposal.
- The host department must agree to extend employment for two months, cover 50% of the salary, and reduce other responsibilities by 50%.
- No previous third-party funding experience is required.
- Resubmissions are allowed, but the grant can be awarded only once per researcher.
Application Process for ETH Zurich Focus Grants 2025
Applications must be submitted through the ETH Zurich Grants Office portal, which opens on 1 September 2025.
Required Documents:
- Cover Sheet (applicant details, proposal title, host details)
- Motivation Statement (max 1 page)
- Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages)
- Description of Target Funding Scheme (½ page)
- Research Idea (1½ pages)
- Lay Abstract (½ page)
- Host’s Letter of Support (submitted separately)
Applicants will be notified of the outcome within two months after the submission deadline.
How the 8-Week Bootcamp Works
The grant-writing bootcamp is at the heart of the Focus Grants program. Over two months, participants work closely with mentors and peers to strengthen their funding proposals. This includes:
- Peer-to-peer review sessions
- Writing strategies for competitive grant applications
- Training in academic career development
- Guidance on securing faculty positions
Important Deadlines
- 1 October 2025 – For February–March 2026 Bootcamp
- 5 January 2026 – For May–June 2026 Bootcamp
Late submissions will not be accepted, so early preparation is recommended.
Why Choose ETH Zurich for Your Postdoctoral Journey?
ETH Zurich stands among the top global universities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It offers an environment that fosters innovation, interdisciplinary research, and international collaboration—making it an ideal place for postdoctoral researchers aiming to advance their academic careers.
By winning the ETH Zurich Focus Grant, you gain the financial security and mentorship needed to craft a winning funding proposal while building professional networks in a leading research hub.
Final Thoughts
The ETH Zurich Focus Grants 2025 provide more than just funding—they offer a career-defining opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to establish themselves as independent scholars. With its fully funded support, structured bootcamp, and access to ETH Zurich’s unparalleled academic resources, this program is perfect for researchers aiming to make a significant impact in their fields.
Apply early, prepare thoroughly, and take the next step toward securing your future in research.
Official Application Portal: ETH Zurich Grants Office
