What it is
BIF awards PhD fellowships of two to three and a half years to outstanding junior scientists worldwide for an ambitious, experimental PhD project in basic biomedical research at an internationally leading laboratory. It's highly competitive: under 10% of applicants are funded. The fellowship is a monthly stipend plus a country-dependent premium and travel allowances, with seminars, mentoring and an international fellow network.
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Explore CompassWho is eligible
The project must be experimental and in basic biomedical research. Geography: European citizens may hold it in Europe or overseas; non-European citizens must do their PhD in Europe. You can apply before your doctoral degree is formally issued. Check BIF's official criteria for precise cut-offs.
What you'll need
A research proposal, your CV and academic transcripts, and references. Selection weighs your achievements, the project's scientific quality, and the host laboratory.
Application rounds
BIF runs several application rounds a year (recent deadlines around 1 February, 1 June and 1 October). The next deadline is expected around 1 October 2026 (confirm on the BIF site).
Draft it with Reservoir
Reservoir assembles your CV and the background and methods sections of your proposal from your stored material: every line traceable to a source, nothing fabricated.