Applications for the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Sabbatical Visitor Fellowship 2026 closed on 9 October 2026 at 23:59 CET. The fellowship supports eligible independent scientists and research leaders undertaking a 3–6 month sabbatical at one of EMBL’s six sites, with reimbursement support of up to €15,000. The 2026 call is now in committee review.
EMBL Sabbatical Visitor Fellowship 2026
The fellowship is part of EMBL’s Scientific Visitor Programme and supports established external scientists who want to spend a sabbatical period at an EMBL site. The aim is mutual scientific exchange: the visitor contributes expertise to EMBL while gaining access to EMBL groups, methods, infrastructure and scientific networks.
| Programme | EMBL Sabbatical Visitor Fellowship |
|---|---|
| Host organisation | European Molecular Biology Laboratory |
| Sites | Heidelberg, Barcelona, Grenoble, Hamburg, Hinxton/Cambridge and Rome |
| Visit duration | 3–6 months |
| Maximum award | Up to €15,000 |
| Application deadline | 9 October 2026, 23:59 CET |
| Current status | Applications closed — committee review underway |
Who Can Apply?
- Principal investigators, independent scientists, research team leaders and technical experts may apply.
- Applicants can come from any country.
- The visitor must remain employed and continue receiving salary from the home institution during the sabbatical.
- The visit must be based at an EMBL site and last at least three months and no more than six months.
- The proposed stay must have a clear scientific exchange component and mutual benefit for the visitor and EMBL.
Funding and Eligible Costs
EMBL may award up to €15,000 per visitor, depending on the quality of the application and the proposed length of stay. The fellowship is reimbursement-based rather than a lump-sum salary or stipend.
| Maximum support | Up to €15,000 |
|---|---|
| Funding model | Reimbursement of eligible costs |
| Travel | Eligible within EMBL’s published regional caps |
| Accommodation | Eligible within the awarded budget |
| Local transport | Monthly public-transport pass may be eligible |
| Visa / insurance | Eligible where applicable |
| Research consumables | Not covered |
EMBL also allows applications that request fellowship funding as a top-up to other declared external funding. Family travel is generally not covered, although accommodation and childcare can be considered under the stated programme rules.
EMBL Host Requirement
A fellowship application must be developed with at least one EMBL group or team leader who agrees to act as the primary host. Multiple EMBL groups can co-host a visitor, but one primary host remains the main point of contact.
- Identify an EMBL host whose research or technical expertise is genuinely relevant.
- Agree on the visit period and scientific exchange plan before preparing the final submission.
- The visitor completes Part A of the application and provides the required CV and home-institution support.
- The primary EMBL host completes Part B and submits the package through EMBL’s internal recruitment system.
2026 Application Process (Closed)
- Contact and secure agreement from an appropriate EMBL host group or team leader.
- Agree on the proposed sabbatical dates and scientific objectives.
- Complete Part A of the official application form.
- Prepare the CV and a letter from the home institution confirming continued salary support during the sabbatical.
- Send the application materials to the primary EMBL host.
- The EMBL host completes Part B and uploads the final application package.
2026 Timeline
| Call opens | 1 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 9 October 2026, 23:59 CET |
| Review | October 2026 |
| Result announcement | October / November 2026 |
| Possible start | December 2026 or as agreed with the EMBL host |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EMBL Sabbatical Visitor Fellowship still open?
No. The 2026 application deadline was 9 October 2026 at 23:59 CET. The call is now in review, with results expected in October / November 2026.
How long can the sabbatical last?
The visit must last between three and six months.
How much funding is available?
EMBL may reimburse eligible costs up to a maximum award of €15,000.
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants include principal investigators, independent scientists, research team leaders and technical experts from any country who remain employed and salaried by their home institution.
Who submits the application?
The applicant prepares their part of the package, but the primary EMBL host completes the final host section and submits the application through EMBL.
Official EMBL Source
| Status | Applications closed — review underway |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 9 October 2026, 23:59 CET |
| Duration | 3–6 months |
| Maximum award | €15,000 |
| Last verified | 10 October 2026 |
