EMBO Fellowships and Grants: Comprehensive Support for Researchers Worldwide

The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) remains at the forefront of advancing life sciences research by providing robust funding, networking, and professional development opportunities. With a mission to empower scientists at all stages of their careers, EMBO offers a diverse range of fellowships, grants, and targeted support mechanisms to foster scientific excellence and collaboration across borders.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of EMBO’s flagship funding programs, including postdoctoral fellowships, exchange grants, lab setup grants, and support for science journalists and technical staff.

Unlock your scientific potential with EMBO’s comprehensive portfolio of fellowships and grants. Designed for researchers at every career stage, EMBO funding empowers innovation, fosters global collaboration, and supports leadership in the life sciences. Explore competitive programs tailored to postdocs, PIs, technical staff, and science communicators.

Career-Stage & Research-Focused Grants

EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships

Duration: 1 to 2 years
Deadline: July 2025 (exact date to be updated)
Eligibility: Early-career postdoctoral researchers

This internationally competitive fellowship supports highly talented postdoctoral scientists in pursuing research projects in EMBO member or cooperating countries. It emphasizes international mobility, career development, and leadership training.

Key Features:

• • Financial support through a stipend or salary

  • Travel and relocation allowances

  • Childcare support for eligible fellows

  • Leadership training and mentorship opportunities

  • Integration into the prestigious EMBO Fellows’ Network

Applicants are expected to demonstrate scientific excellence, a clear research vision, and readiness to contribute to the global life science community.

Scientific Exchange Grants

Duration: 1 week to 3 months (extendable)
Eligibility: Researchers at all levels

This grant promotes short-term visits between laboratories, with a primary focus on collaboration and knowledge transfer. It is especially beneficial for those learning new techniques, initiating new collaborations, or exchanging methods.

What It Offers:

• • Travel expenses

  • Subsistence allowances

Such exchanges facilitate methodological advancements and bridge expertise gaps across Europe and beyond.

New Venture Fellowships

Duration: Short-term (project-dependent)
Eligibility: Early-career scientists

The New Venture Fellowships are ideal for researchers venturing into unfamiliar scientific territories. It promotes interdisciplinary exploration, encouraging applicants to break traditional boundaries—whether shifting from cell biology to data science or integrating bioengineering concepts into wet-lab research.

Focus Areas:

• • Innovation through interdisciplinarity

  • Transition to new research areas

This grant supports intellectual flexibility—an essential trait for future scientific leaders.

Core Facility Fellowships

Duration: Up to 1 month
Eligibility: Technical staff and facility managers

This short-term training grant is designed for professionals working in core facilities, such as imaging centers, bioinformatics hubs, and genomics labs. It supports hands-on learning at leading institutes to adopt best practices and improve technical service quality.

Benefits:

• • Training visits at renowned core facilities

  • Cost coverage for travel and stay

These fellowships improve institutional capabilities while promoting professional growth among support staff.

Leadership Development and Lab Establishment Support

EMBO Young Investigator Programme (YIP)

Duration: 4 years
Eligibility: Newly independent researchers within 4 years of appointment

This program identifies and supports young principal investigators (PIs) who demonstrate exceptional promise and leadership potential in life sciences.

Key Benefits:

• • Access to high-level training in leadership and lab management

  • Mentoring from established EMBO members

  • Funding for conference participation and hosting events

  • Peer networking across Europe

The YIP enhances career progression by integrating young leaders into a vibrant and supportive scientific community.

Installation Grants

Duration: 3 to 5 years
Next Deadline: April 2026 (we will update soon)
Eligibility: Group leaders establishing labs in specific European countries

Targeting Central and Eastern Europe, Installation Grants are offered to researchers setting up laboratories in eligible countries such as Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, and Türkiye.

Support Includes:

• • Multi-year financial assistance

  • Connection to the Young Investigator Programme

  • Reintegration of researchers into their home or regional ecosystems

This initiative aims to curb brain drain and foster excellence in historically underfunded regions.

More Information

Global Investigator Network

Duration: 4 years
Eligibility: Group leaders in countries outside Europe (e.g., India, Chile, Singapore, Taiwan)

The Global Investigator Network supports young researchers building laboratories in non-European regions. It extends EMBO’s collaborative and training network to areas undergoing rapid research growth.

Program Features:

• • Access to EMBO training programs and leadership courses

  • Travel funding for conferences and lab visits

  • Opportunities to host EMBO-organized events

This program nurtures emerging scientific leaders in partner regions while reinforcing global cooperation in life sciences.

Science Communication Support

Maria Leptin | EMBO Science Journalism Fellowship

Eligibility: Journalists and scientists interested in science communication

This unique initiative supports the professional development of science journalists and researchers transitioning into communication roles. It encourages accurate, accessible reporting on molecular biology and biomedical topics.

Opportunities Include:

• • Mentored lab placements

  • Exposure to ongoing research processes

  • Skill-building in scientific storytelling

It aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding by empowering credible communicators.

Special Support and Additional Grants

EMBO Solidarity Grants

Duration: 1 year
Eligibility: Researchers displaced by conflict (PhD, postdoc, or group leader level)

Solidarity Grants reflect EMBO’s humanitarian commitment, providing temporary support to scientists whose careers are disrupted by geopolitical events. Although currently paused, the program has historically supported integration and continuity in European institutions.

Other Available Supports

In addition to fellowships and leadership grants, EMBO provides funding for:

• • Scientific meetings and workshops

  • Travel to conferences and symposia

  • Childcare and accessibility accommodations for researchers attending events

These mechanisms help foster inclusive scientific participation and community-building.

Selecting the Right EMBO Program

Conclusion: EMBO’s Role in Advancing Scientific Careers

EMBO’s funding programs provide not only financial backing but also the professional infrastructure to cultivate globally competitive scientists. By supporting researchers from early career through leadership stages, EMBO enhances global knowledge exchange and scientific excellence.

For researchers seeking impactful, internationally respected funding mechanisms, EMBO’s fellowships and grants represent a proven gateway to professional success.

Takeaway: For researchers committed to advancing their careers in the life sciences, EMBO offers structured, flexible, and prestigious pathways. Whether you are launching a lab, transitioning to science communication, or fostering global research networks, EMBO provides the tools and support to succeed.

FAQs: EMBO Fellowships and Grants