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Apply for the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP)

Are you interested in expanding fundamental knowledge about biological life by being part of an innovative, multi-disciplinary, international research collaboration? Or are you an early career scientist seeking to change your field of research? This could be made possible by applying for an HFSP grant or fellowship.

The Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) funds innovative basic research into fundamental biological problems with an emphasis on leading-edge approaches involving scientific exchanges across national and disciplinary boundaries. It is also highly supportive of early career researchers, and of providing training opportunities for bright young researchers to work in some of the world’s best laboratories.

 

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Founded in 1989, HFSP encourages scientists from fields such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science, bioinformatics, nanoscience, engineering and biology to come together to open up new approaches to understanding complex biological systems. Benefits of this programme can be seen through alumni achievements: 28 Nobel laureates have been funded by HFSP.

HFSP research grants are awarded to international (preferably intercontinental) teams of two to four members. Successful projects often involve an element of risk. Awards are up to $300,000 for a team of two; and $500,000 for a team of four or more, for every year of the three-year projects (US dollars).

Being a HFSP member country, New Zealand researchers are able to apply to be a Principal Applicant and represent an international team; your research collaborators can be based in any country.

- to Initiation of a Letter of Intent by 21 March 2023, with full submission of letter of intent due 30 March 2023.

HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded to actively encourage interdisciplinary research, HFSP postdoctoral fellowships can also support young scientists who wish to change their field of research, either within the life sciences or across major disciplines.

- to Initiation of a Letter of Intent by 1 pm (Eastern Time US) by 11 May 2023.

The fellowship applicant will be notified between mid-August and end of August as to whether his/her Letter of Intent was selected or not for submitting a Full Proposal.
- Submission of Full Proposals for invited applicants by 1 PM (Eastern Time US) by September 28, 2023.

More details about the HFSP research grants and postdoctoral fellowships, including an eligibility quiz, the art to writing a successful application, and how to submit an application, are available via the HFSP website.

A 'virtual roadshow' is available as a resource for those who are interested in applying for this funding. 

 

Upon request, the Society may help connect potential applications to a previous New Zealand HFSP reviewer, for project/application.

 

Royal Society Te Apārangi is promoting the opportunity to participate in the HFSP programme to the New Zealand science sector on behalf of the New Zealand government.  This programme has been identified as a key international opportunity under Catalyst: Influence.