Description
The Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) is an international program of research support implemented by the International Human Frontier Science Program Organization (HFSPO). The HFSP promotes international collaboration in basic research focused on the elucidation of the sophisticated and complex mechanisms of living organisms.
HFSP supports novel, innovative and interdisciplinary basic research focused on the complex mechanisms of living organisms through fellowship and research grant programs. In all HFSP programs, a clear emphasis is placed on novel collaboration that bring biologists together to focus on problems at the frontier of the life sciences.
Postdoctoral Fellowships
The HFSP fellowship program supports proposals for frontier, potentially transformative research in the life sciences. Applications for high-risk projects are particularly encouraged. The projects should be interdisciplinary in nature and should challenge existing paradigms by using novel approaches and techniques. Scientifically, they should address an important problem or a barrier to progress in the field. It is important to note that HFSP only funds basic life science research.
Two different fellowship programs are available:
- Long-Term Fellowships (LTF): Awarded to applicants with a Ph.D. in a biological discipline, who will broaden their expertise by proposing a project in the life sciences which is significantly different from their previous Ph.D. or postdoctoral work.
- Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships (CDF): Awarded to applicants with a Ph.D. from a non-biological discipline (e.g. in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering or computer sciences) who will learn new biological techniques for incorporation into the biological project they propose.
The HFSP fellowships are for 3 years, with no possibility for renewal.
Important dates:
| Fellowship Program | Initiation of the letter of intent in the portal | Submission of a Letter of Intent Deadline | Submission of full proposals for invited applicants | Funding Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Fellowships (LTF) | 1pm (ET) March 15, 2023* | 1pm (ET) May 11, 2023* | 1 pm (ET) September 28, 2023 | April 1, 2024** |
| Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships (CDF) | 1pm (ET) March 15, 2023* | 1pm (ET) May 11, 2023* | 1 pm (ET) September 28, 2023 | April 1, 2024** |
*Please view the HFSP website for the specific dates.
** For HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships the earliest possible start date is always April 1st.
Funds Available
- In July 2019, Canada – through CIHR and NSERC – renewed its commitment to the prestigious HFSP research grants and fellowship programs. Canada is contributing $8,763,300 over four fiscal years beginning in 2020-2021. Canada’s contribution, along with those of fellow HFSPO members, enables the program to maintain its support for innovative research, while promoting international collaboration in the spirit of science without borders. This represents a total CIHR commitment of $6,572,475 and a total NSERC commitment of $2,190,825 towards the HFSP to support Research Grants and Postdoctoral Fellowships.
For more information, please consult the HFSP website.
Objectives
The specific objectives of this funding opportunity are:
- Long-Term Fellowships (LTF) are for applicants with a Ph.D. in a biological discipline, who will broaden their expertise by proposing a project in the life sciences which is significantly different from their previous Ph.D. or postdoctoral work.
- Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships (CDF) are for applicants with a Ph.D. from a non-biological discipline (e.g. in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering or computer sciences) who will learn new biological techniques for incorporation into the biological project they propose.
Eligibility
Eligibility to Apply
If you wish to apply to HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships, you may complete the eligibility quiz. For more information, please consult the HFSP website.