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The Wiko College for Life Sciences Fellowship 2027/2028 is now accepting applications from early-career researchers around the world. Offered by the Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin (Institute for Advanced Study), this fully funded fellowship provides life scientists with dedicated time to focus on independent research in an interdisciplinary academic environment. The program is open to postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty members working in all life science disciplines.
Unlike traditional research fellowships, the Wiko College for Life Sciences Fellowship does not provide laboratory space. Instead, it allows fellows to step away from routine laboratory work, teaching responsibilities, and funding competitions to concentrate on developing new research ideas, writing scientific papers, preparing grant applications, and building international collaborations. Fellows will become part of an international research community in Berlin and interact with leading scientists from different disciplines.
The fellowship lasts between three and five months during the academic year from September to June. During their stay, fellows will participate in weekly scientific colloquia, career mentoring activities, interdisciplinary workshops, and discussions with researchers from various scientific backgrounds. They will also have opportunities to connect with Berlin’s internationally recognized universities and research institutes, including Max Planck, Leibniz, Helmholtz, Fraunhofer institutes, and Charité.
WhatsApp ChannelQuick Overview of Wiko College for Life Sciences Fellowship 2027/2028
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institution: Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin (Institute for Advanced Study)
- Program: College for Life Sciences
- Fellowship Duration: 3 to 5 months
- Eligible Nationalities: All nationalities
- Eligible Fields: All Life Sciences disciplines
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026 (23:59 CET)
Also Check: Wiko Early Career Humanities and Social Sciences Fellowship 2027/2028 in Germany
Benefits of the Wiko College for Life Sciences Fellowship
Selected fellows will receive several benefits throughout the fellowship, including:
- Full stipend based on the fellow’s previous salary.
- On-campus studio accommodation in Berlin (mainly institute-funded with a negotiable self-financed contribution).
- Access to the institute’s library and IT facilities.
- Weekly scientific colloquia with leading researchers.
- Career mentoring and professional development opportunities.
- Interdisciplinary networking with international scholars.
- Opportunities to organize scientific workshops.
- Scientific exchange with Berlin’s universities and leading research institutes.
- Possibility to establish collaborations with laboratories and research groups across Berlin.
- Replacement or substitution costs (Rotationsstellen), where applicable.
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applications are open to candidates of all nationalities.
- Hold a PhD, MD, or Dr. med. in a life sciences discipline.
- Have at least one lead-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Applicants may be postdoctoral researchers, lecturers, junior or assistant professors, or junior principal investigators.
- Researchers who have served as principal investigators for more than five years are encouraged to apply for the regular Wissenschaftskolleg fellowship instead.
- Applicants currently employed at institutions located in Berlin are not eligible.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Project proposal (maximum 1,000 words)
- Letter of motivation (maximum 500 words)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Publication list, including up to five major publications and a complete publication list
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated by the Scientific Committee based on:
- Academic excellence and research achievements.
- Quality and originality of the proposed research project.
- Scientific significance and interdisciplinary potential.
- Future research promise.
- Peer reviews from experts in relevant disciplines.
- Performance during the final interview for shortlisted candidates.
How to Apply for the Wiko College for Life Sciences Fellowship 2027/2028?
Applicants must submit their applications through the official online application portal before the deadline. All required documents should be prepared according to the application guidelines. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview before the final selection. Successful fellows can begin their fellowship between September and April of the following academic year.
Application Deadline: 1 November 2026 (23:59 CET)
Official Website: https://www.wiko-berlin.de/en/becoming-a-fellow/wiko-early-career-calls/early-career-call-life-and-natural-sciences
