Erwin Schrödinger Foreign Scholarships with Return Phase

The Erwin Schrödinger International Fellowship with Return Phase offers highly qualified postdoctoral researchers from all disciplines the opportunity to conduct independent research projects at top international institutions for 10 to 24 months. This is followed by a return phase of up to 12 months, funded to ensure the transfer of acquired know-how into the Austrian research landscape. The program aims to strengthen the careers of young scientists, establish innovative methods and techniques in Austria, and initiate interdisciplinary collaborations. Ongoing submissions via the electronic portal guarantee flexibility in planning and implementing the projects.

Eligible applicants are individuals holding a completed doctorate and proven qualification for project leadership, who can provide an invitation from a foreign research institution as well as support from an Austrian host institution for the return phase. Funding includes a variable country base stipend, a monthly material cost allowance of €300, and, upon request, personnel costs according to the senior postdoc rate, as well as lump-sum return funds up to €15,000. Evaluation criteria include scientific excellence, innovation potential, career development prospects, and know-how transfer. The application must include, among other documents, a project description with a timeline and work plan, an invitation letter from the host institution, and a letter of recommendation from the Austrian return host. The fellowship can run for 10–36 months depending on project needs, with the return phase being an integral component. Continuous application opportunities enable tailored project preparation and promote international mobility as a key to sustainable research success.