EMBO Young Investigator Programme 2026 Call
The Young Investigator Programme, run by the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), supports young group leaders in the life sciences in developing their independent laboratories by providing grant support. Aimed at scientists performing research in EMBC Member States or cooperating partner countries, the program offers comprehensive benefits including extensive networking opportunities (annual EMBO YIP meetings, sectoral meetings, lab visits), mentorship by an EMBO Member, support to attend EMBO Lab Leadership Courses, and access to EMBL Core Facilities.
📅 Call Timeline
- Application System Opening: 1 February 2026
- Pre-application Deadline: 1 April 2026
- Full Application Deadline (For invited candidates only): 12 July 2026
- Online Interviews: 17 or 18 November 2026
✅ Eligibility
- Must have been an independent research group leader for at least 1 year and no more than 4 years by 1 April 2026 (i.e., started the position between 1 January 2022 and 1 April 2025).
- Perform research in the life sciences in an EMBC Member State or Global Partner country.
- Have at least one "last author" research publication accepted or published in an international peer-reviewed journal arising from work conducted in their independent research group.
📌 There is no age limit. The 4-year limit can be extended in cases of parental leave (1 year per child), illness, military service, etc.
📂 Support Scope and Duration
- Program duration is 4 years.
- In addition to the main award, grantees may apply for supplementary small grants of up to €10,000 per year to support their laboratory's research activities.
- The program also covers grants for organizing conferences, travel funds for lab members to conduct research visits to other program members' laboratories, and travel grants for meeting attendance.
💶 Funding Opportunities
- A direct financial award of €15,000 is provided in the second year of the program.
- In addition, awardees may apply for supplementary small grants of up to €10,000 per year.
📌 Useful Links
