The Fyssen Foundation Postdoctoral Grants could be your gateway to groundbreaking discoveries. Designed to empower scientists in fields like ethology, anthropology, neuroscience, and beyond, this prestigious program offers financial support, global mobility, and a platform to explore the mechanisms behind animal and human behavior.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the Fyssen Foundation Postdoctoral Grants—eligibility, application process, benefits, and more—while incorporating the latest updates for the 2025 cycle. Whether you’re a French researcher looking to work abroad or an international scholar aiming to conduct research in France, this article will equip you with the knowledge to seize this transformative opportunity.

What Are the Fyssen Foundation Postdoctoral Grants?

The Fyssen Foundation Postdoctoral Grants are a cornerstone of the foundation’s mission to “encourage all forms of scientific inquiry into cognitive mechanisms.” Established in 1979 by French industrialist Héraclios Fyssen, the foundation is dedicated to advancing research in cognitive sciences, including ethology, paleontology, archaeology, anthropology, psychology, and neuroscience.

These grants are unique in their emphasis on international mobility and interdisciplinary collaboration. French PhD holders can pursue research abroad (excluding co-tutorship countries), while international researchers with foreign PhDs can work in French laboratories. With a maximum annual award of €45,000, the grants cover living expenses, health insurance, and hosting costs, making them a robust lifeline for early-career scientists.

Why Choose the Fyssen Foundation Postdoctoral Grants?

A

The Fyssen Foundation Postdoctoral Grants are more than just funding—they’re a rare opportunity to focus on cognitive mechanisms, a field with profound implications for science and society. Whether you’re studying the neurobiological roots of behavior or the cultural evolution of human cognition, this program aligns your work with visionary goals.

Global Research Opportunities

The program’s emphasis on international collaboration sets it apart. By supporting projects in France or abroad, the foundation fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas. For example, a French researcher might explore primate behavior in a U.S. lab, while an international scholar could investigate human artifacts in Paris. This global perspective enriches your research and expands your professional network.

Financial and Career Support

Financially, the grant offers up to €45,000 per year, ensuring you can focus on your work without economic stress. Additionally, the program’s prestige enhances your academic profile, opening doors to future opportunities. It’s a springboard for both immediate research and long-term career growth.

Eligibility Criteria for Fyssen Foundation Postdoctoral Grants

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• • Age Limit: Be 35 or younger by the application deadline (March 31, 2025).
  • PhD Timeline: Have earned your doctorate within two years of September 1, 2025, or plan to defend your thesis by December 31, 2025.
  • First Postdoctoral Fellowship: This must be your first postdoctoral fellowship with this funding.
  • Host Lab Requirements: If already in your host lab, you must have been there for no more than three months by September 1, 2025.

Nationality and Mobility

The program welcomes applicants of all nationalities. However, mobility is key:

• • French PhD holders must work abroad (excluding co-tutorship countries).
  • Foreign PhD holders must conduct their projects in France.

This structure ensures a vibrant cross-pollination of ideas across borders.

Focus Areas of the Fyssen Foundation Postdoctoral Grants

The Fyssen Foundation prioritizes research into cognitive mechanisms—the processes driving thought, reasoning, and behavior. The grants support a wide array of disciplines, including:

• • Ethology and Psychology: Investigating cognitive processes in humans and animals.
  • Neurobiology: Exploring the biological underpinnings of cognition.
  • Anthropology and Archaeology: Analyzing cultural and technological systems.

Whether you’re studying primate social structures or ancient human tools, your project can find a home here.

Application Process for Fyssen Foundation Postdoctoral Grants

Step-by-Step Guide