Erwin Schrödinger Foreign Fellowships with Return Phase
Scholarship program for highly qualified postdocs to conduct research stays at international leading institutes and subsequent reintegration support upon return to Austria. Ongoing submissions possible.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for collaboration with leading foreign research institutions at the postdoctoral stage, acquisition of new methods and techniques, as well as know-how transfer for the further development of the sciences in Austria.
Eligible expenses
- Basic scholarship (depending on country)
- Material cost subsidy for career-promoting measures (€300 per month)
- Salary flat rates and project-specific costs during the return phase
Non-eligible expenses
- Insurance benefits
- Retroactive costs
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- Completed doctorate
- Scientific qualification to lead the project
- Invitation and support from a foreign host institution
- Recommendation and possibility to return to an Austrian research institution
- Fulfillment of the territoriality principle
Documents required for application
- Application guidelines
- Project description with timeline and work plan
- Invitation letter from the host institution
- Consent declaration from the return institution
- Curriculum vitae
- Letter of recommendation
- Declaration by the Host
Evaluation criteria
- International peer review and quality of the research project
- Career-enhancing benefits and international experience
- Know-how transfer and contribution to domestic research
Description
The Erwin Schrödinger International Fellowship Program with Return Phase is aimed at outstanding postdoctoral researchers from all disciplines who wish to further develop their scientific careers in Austria. It supports independent research projects at internationally renowned institutions with a foreign phase lasting 10 to 24 months, followed by a return phase of up to 12 months. Participants receive a variable basic fellowship depending on the host country, a monthly material cost allowance of €300, as well as salary allowances and project-related expenses during the return phase. The comprehensive package covers 100% of eligible costs and enables the acquisition of the latest methods and techniques abroad. Key evaluation criteria include the scientific quality of the project, the career-enhancing effect, and the transfer of knowledge to the domestic research landscape.
Requirements for a successful application include a completed doctorate, scientific qualification for project leadership, a binding invitation from a foreign host institution, and a recommendation from an Austrian return institution. Applications can be submitted continuously via the electronic application portal elane, offering five submission deadlines per year. Following positive international peer review, the board of trustees of the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) decides on the funding. The program aims to network highly qualified researchers, open up new disciplines, and sustainably anchor the know-how acquired during the foreign phase in Austria.
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