Are you a postdoctoral researcher seeking to conduct innovative interdisciplinary research abroad? The Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) offers prestigious postdoctoral fellowships to international scholars aiming to advance frontier research in the life sciences and related fields. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of this fellowship program, including its benefits and the comprehensive application process.

The Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) is a global program that supports cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research in the life sciences. The program aims to foster international collaboration and scientific exchange by providing funding opportunities for early-career researchers to pursue innovative projects at host institutions worldwide.

HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships are fully funded opportunities designed to encourage postdoctoral researchers to broaden their research skills and embark on high-risk, high-reward projects that challenge existing paradigms in the life sciences. The program supports two types of fellowships:

1. Long-Term Fellowships (LTF): For applicants with a Ph.D. in a biological discipline, aiming to broaden their expertise through significantly different research from their previous work.
2. Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships (CDF): For applicants with a Ph.D. from non-life science disciplines (e.g., physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, or computer sciences) transitioning into life sciences research.

Eligible Program

HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships can be pursued at host institutions located in a wide range of countries, including: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus (EU part), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, and more.

Program Period

The fellowship duration is typically two years, providing fellows with ample time to conduct transformative research and develop new interdisciplinary skills in a collaborative environment.

Coverage

HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships offer the following comprehensive benefits:

• Living allowance to support day-to-day expenses during the fellowship period.
• Research and travel allowance to facilitate research activities and participation in scientific conferences.
• Additional allowances, including child allowance, parental leave allowance, and relocation allowance, depending on the fellow’s specific circumstances.

Applicant Qualifications

To qualify for HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Proficiency in English language.
• Hold a research doctorate (Ph.D.) or equivalent degree, with a demonstrated track record of high-quality research.
• Have at least one lead-author research publication in an international peer-reviewed journal or on a preprint server.
• Propose a research project that is significantly different from previous work and addresses an important scientific problem.

How to Apply

The application process for HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships involves the following steps:

1. Letter of Intent (LOI): Submit a Letter of Intent by May 14, 2024, containing essential information about the proposed research plan, personal background, and host institution details.
2. Full Application: If selected based on the LOI, applicants will be invited to submit a detailed Full Proposal by September 26, 2024, including research plan, publication list, recommendation letters, and host supervisor’s endorsement.

Application Deadline

• Initiation of Letter of Intent: March 14, 2024 (1 PM Eastern Time US)
• Submission of Letter of Intent: May 14, 2024 (1 PM Eastern Time US)
• Full Proposal Submission (for invited applicants): September 26, 2024 (1 PM Eastern Time US)

To initiate your application and learn more about HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships, visit the official program website for detailed guidelines and resources.

Embark on an exciting research journey and expand your scientific horizons with the support of the Human Frontier Science Program. Explore new interdisciplinary frontiers and contribute to transformative research that shapes the future of the life sciences!