The ETH Zurich Focus Grants 2025 are a fully funded opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to strengthen their academic independence and compete for major early-career research funding. This prestigious program offers both direct financial support and a structured 8-week grant-writing bootcamp to help scholars prepare highly competitive proposals.

In this guide, we will explore the purpose of the grant, eligibility requirements, benefits, application deadlines, required documents, and the step-by-step process to apply. We will also answer common questions to help prospective applicants understand how to make the most of this opportunity.

Table of Contents

1. Overview of ETH Zurich Focus Grants 2025
2. About ETH Zurich
3. Purpose of the Focus Grants
4. Benefits of the Program
5. Eligibility Requirements
6. Host Institution Obligations
7. Bootcamp Structure and Activities
8. Application Deadlines
9. Required Documents
10. How to Apply
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
12. Tips for a Successful Application

1. Overview of ETH Zurich Focus Grants 2025

The ETH Zurich Focus Grants are designed specifically for postdoctoral researchers employed at ETH Zurich on at least an 80% fixed-term contract. The program helps scholars dedicate time and resources to preparing competitive applications for early-career funding schemes such as the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Eccellenza, European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants, and other internationally recognized opportunities.

Key Program Facts:

• Country: Switzerland
• Provider: ETH Zurich
• Level of Study: Postdoctoral
• Funding: Fully Funded (salary support + training)
• Duration: 2 months
• Mode: In-person at ETH Zurich
• Application Deadlines:
  • For February–March 2026 bootcamp: 1 October 2025 (17:00 Swiss local time)
  • For May–June 2026 bootcamp: 5 January 2026 (17:00 Swiss local time)

2. About ETH Zurich

Founded in 1855, ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology – is one of the world’s leading universities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The institution has produced more than 20 Nobel Prize laureates, including Albert Einstein, and consistently ranks among the top universities globally for research output, innovation, and academic excellence.

ETH Zurich’s strong ties to both industry and academia make it an ideal environment for postdoctoral researchers seeking to establish independent research careers.

3. Purpose of the Focus Grants

The ETH Zurich Focus Grants aim to:

• Provide dedicated time for researchers to develop competitive early-career grant proposals.
• Offer structured, intensive training through an 8-week bootcamp.
• Enhance participants’ grant-writing skills and professional readiness.
• Increase the likelihood of securing prestigious funding awards.
• Encourage academic independence and long-term career development.

By combining financial support with targeted training, the program addresses one of the most significant challenges in academic research—finding the time and resources to craft high-quality funding proposals.

4. Benefits of the Program

Participants in the ETH Zurich Focus Grants 2025 receive substantial support to prepare for competitive funding schemes. The benefits include:

4.1 Salary Support

Two months of salary are funded jointly by ETH Zurich and the host department, freeing researchers from many of their core duties to focus on proposal development.

4.2 Structured Bootcamp

An 8-week grant-writing bootcamp provides hands-on guidance, peer feedback, and expert review of draft proposals.

4.3 Peer-to-Peer Feedback

Participants exchange and critique proposals, improving the clarity, structure, and persuasiveness of their applications.

4.4 Professional Development Training

Sessions include career planning, academic networking, and faculty application preparation.

4.5 Increased Competitiveness

Graduates of the program are better positioned to win prestigious early-career funding awards.

5. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all eligibility conditions set by ETH Zurich to be considered:

• Employment Status:
  Must be a postdoctoral researcher employed at ETH Zurich on a fixed-term contract at a minimum 80% workload, with employment secured for at least six months after the application deadline.
• Research Track Record:
  Applicants should have a strong academic record and a clear plan to submit a proposal to a recognized early-career funding scheme.
• Bootcamp Commitment:
  Must commit to full participation in the 8-week bootcamp and dedicate at least 50% of working time to proposal development.
• Host Department Support:
  The host must agree to extend the contract for two months, cover 50% of the salary, and reduce regular duties by half.
• Target Scheme Eligibility:
  Applicants must meet the academic age or experience requirements for their intended funding scheme.
• Funding History:
  No prior third-party funding experience is required.
• Resubmissions:
  Applicants may reapply if unsuccessful, but the grant can only be awarded once.

6. Host Institution Obligations

The host department plays an essential role in the grant’s structure. They must:

• Extend the applicant’s contract (80–100%) for the grant period.
• Cover 50% of the two-month salary.
• Reduce teaching or administrative responsibilities by 50%.
• Submit a letter of support evaluating the project’s originality, readiness, and alignment with the applicant’s career stage.

7. Bootcamp Structure and Activities

The ETH Zurich Focus Grants Bootcamp is an intensive, practical training program designed to help researchers prepare top-tier funding proposals. Key elements include:

• Workshops on grant-writing techniques, proposal structure, and persuasive academic communication.
• One-on-one coaching with experienced grant advisors.
• Peer review sessions to receive constructive feedback.
• Mock evaluations simulating real funding panel assessments.
• Career development seminars on faculty job applications and research leadership.

Participants are expected to commit 50% of their working hours to the program, ensuring steady progress on their proposals.

8. Application Deadlines

Two main deadlines apply for the 2025 call:

• 1 October 2025 – for the February–March 2026 bootcamp.
• 5 January 2026 – for the May–June 2026 bootcamp.

All applications must be submitted by 17:00 Swiss local time on the stated dates.

9. Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following materials:

• Cover Sheet – Includes applicant’s details, proposal title, and host department information.
• Motivation Statement – Maximum 1 page outlining academic goals and reasons for applying.
• Curriculum Vitae – Maximum 3 pages summarizing academic and professional achievements.
• Target Scheme Description – Half a page explaining the funding program chosen and applicant’s fit.
• Research Idea – 1.5 pages describing the project’s aims, methods, and significance.
• Lay Abstract – Half a page explaining the research in plain language.
• Host Letter of Support – Submitted separately by the host, confirming commitment and support.

10. How to Apply

Step 1: Review Eligibility

Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements, including employment status and target scheme criteria.

Step 2: Choose a Target Funding Scheme

Select an early-career funding program that aligns with your research field and career goals.

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

Draft your motivation statement, CV, project description, and all required documents.

Step 4: Coordinate with Host Department

Secure a formal commitment from your host department, including financial support and reduced responsibilities.

Step 5: Submit Online

Applications must be submitted via the ETH Zurich Grants Office website. The portal opens 1 September 2025.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the main goal of the Focus Grant?

To provide postdoctoral researchers with time and structured support to prepare competitive early-career funding proposals.

Q2: Can international postdocs apply?

Yes, the grant is open to all nationalities, provided the applicant is employed at ETH Zurich.

Q3: How competitive is the program?

Approximately 16 grants are awarded in each round, making it competitive but attainable with a strong application.

Q4: Can I reapply if unsuccessful?

Yes, resubmissions are allowed, but the grant can only be awarded once.

Q5: How will I be notified?

Applicants are notified within two months of the deadline. All decisions are final.

12. Tips for a Successful Application

• Start Early – Begin drafting your proposal well in advance to allow for revisions.
• Leverage Peer Feedback – Share drafts with colleagues before submission.
• Align with Funding Priorities – Make sure your target scheme fits your research topic and career stage.
• Highlight Independence – Demonstrate readiness for independent research leadership.
• Secure a Strong Host Letter – The host’s endorsement is a crucial part of your application.

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