MD-PhD fellowships enable talented young physicians to complete a doctoral research training in natural sciences, public health sciences, clinical research or biomedical ethics. At EPFL, applicants must be matriculated at the School of Life Sciences.
\r\n
\r\nFunding: Grantee’s salary (SNSF rate) & employer’s social security contributions. Note that research costs must be covered by the institution.
\r\nDuration: Swiss National MD-PhD Fellowships are awarded for a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 3 years. Note that funding for a 4th salary year after expiration of the grant if necessary to complete the MD-PhD, must be guaranteed by the host institution.
\r\n
\r\nCall 2026
\r\nSubmission deadline: 15 May 2026
\r\nInterviews in Bern: 1 October 2026 (upon invitation)
\r\nEarliest start of the grant: 1 January 2027
\r\nLatest start of the grant: 1 January 2028 (provided that the personal and formal requirements are still fulfilled)
\r\n
\r\nSubmission of applications
\r\nDetails available on the registration page.
\r\n
\r\nParticipation requirements
\r\nApplicants must have successfully completed their studies in human, veterinary or dental medicine and be admitted as doctoral students in one of the local MD-PhD programs of a Swiss university associated with the national program by the time of the grant start.
\r\n They must have obtained their medical degree (Swiss state examination or equivalent degree) generally shortly before and no more than 5 years before the submission deadline.
\r\nEligibility window: Time window of 4 years starting from the date of matriculation as MD-PhD student. This time window may be extended by a maximum of 1 year in justified cases.
\r\nComplete participation requirements, reasons to request an extension of the eligibility window and evaluation criteria are described in the program regulations.
\r\n
\r\nTime commitment: Grantees must devote at least 80% of a full-time employment to their MD-PhD project. For clinically-oriented projects, grantees who have clinical duties next to their research activities can request to devote a lower work quota – but at least 60% of a full-time employment – to their MD-PhD project. The maximum duration of the fellowship remains unchanged.
\r\n
\r\nFor more information:
\r\nSwiss National MD-PhD Fellowships Program regulations
\r\nFrequently asked questions (FAQ)
\r\nOnline registration page
\r\nNational MD-PhD Evaluation Committee
\r\nSynopsis of grantees
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
The Holcim Stiftung offers grants to outstanding young scientists to carry out excellent research (fundamental, applied, PoC and/or market-oriented) and scientific teaching in any discipline and field in Switzerland in view of acquiring a lecturer grade qualification or similar.
\r\n
\r\nPriority is given to projects:\r\n
Thesis Director: Prof. B. T. A. Lecampion,
\r\nMechanics doctoral program
\r\nThesis Nr. 11652
\r\n
\r\nTo take part in the public defense, please contact directly the speaker
Through scientific experiments and technical projects, students will learn how science is useful in everyday life. Three topics will be covered during these workshops, with each topic spanning two Saturdays.\r\n
Thesis Directors: Prof. V. Tileli, Dr V. C. A. Boureau
\r\nMaterials Science and Engineering doctoral program
\r\nThesis Nr. 11634
\r\n
\r\nTo take part in the public defense, please contact directly the speaker
Talent Pitch is a pitching contest that will take place for the fourth time on May 6, 2026, at the Volkshaus in Zurich. Our partner universities will send their top start-ups to the event, with all founding teams currently studying at their respective institutions. Both the audience and the jury will have the opportunity to decide which start-up emerges as the winner.
\r\n
\r\nmore info here