EPFL AI Center & Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: Research Opportunities and Funding in Switzerland for International Researchers
EPFL AI Center & Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: Research Opportunities and Funding in Switzerland for International Researchers. The EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 offer an opportunity for outstanding early-career researchers to pursue interdisciplinary artificial intelligence research at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland.
The programme supports researchers who want to advance AI research while collaborating with multiple EPFL laboratories. Fellows can develop their own research agenda, work with faculty members and contribute to the activities of the EPFL AI Center.
The third call is currently open, with applications accepted from researchers of all nationalities. Eligible applicants must have a relevant PhD, or be in the final year of doctoral studies, and must secure the support of two eligible EPFL host professors before submitting an application.
Important deadline: The official EPFL call gives the submission deadline as 9 November 2026 at 17:00 Central European Time (CET). This is a competitive research fellowship, not a general scholarship or an unrestricted postdoctoral job opening. Applicants need to develop a suitable research proposal and establish collaboration with two EPFL faculty members. EPFL+2
APPLICATION SUMMARY
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | EPFL AI Center & Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships |
| Call | Third call, 2026 |
| Host institution | EPFL |
| Location | Lausanne, Switzerland |
| Research level | Postdoctoral |
| Duration | Up to two years |
| Eligible nationalities | All nationalities |
| Academic requirement | Relevant PhD obtained within two years before the deadline, or final-year PhD student |
| Host requirement | Support from two EPFL AI Center-affiliated professors |
| Salary contribution | Approximately 50% of the fellow’s salary |
| Additional research funding | Up to CHF 5,000 per fellowship year |
| Application language | English |
| Deadline | 9 November 2026, 17:00 CET |
| Application method | Online submission |
| Official information | EPFL fellowship programme |
About EPFL and the Swiss AI Initiative
EPFL AI Center & Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: Research Opportunities and Funding in Switzerland for International Researchers
The EPFL is a research and higher education institution in Lausanne, Switzerland. It has a strong focus on science, engineering, technology and interdisciplinary research.
The EPFL AI Center serves as a hub for artificial intelligence research at the institution. It supports strategic research initiatives, large-scale projects and collaborations involving researchers from different scientific disciplines.
The fellowship programme is supported in part through funding from the Swiss AI Initiative. The initiative brings together expertise from Swiss academic institutions to advance open and collaborative AI research.
The wider Swiss AI Initiative involves more than 800 researchers and over 10 academic institutions, with access to substantial computing infrastructure through the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre. Swiss AI+1
About the postdoctoral fellowship programme
The EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme is designed to attract talented researchers who want to advance artificial intelligence through interdisciplinary research.
Selected fellows will work with several EPFL laboratories and develop a research agenda in collaboration with at least two laboratories headed by EPFL AI Center faculty members.
The programme gives fellows considerable freedom to develop their research direction while encouraging collaboration across scientific disciplines.
Its main objectives include:
- Advancing cutting-edge artificial intelligence research.
- Encouraging responsible and ethical AI development.
- Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration across EPFL.
- Supporting the next generation of AI research leaders.
- Developing AI techniques and applications that can contribute to scientific and societal challenges.
The programme also encourages researchers to consider ethical issues such as privacy, fairness and bias in AI research.
Research areas and eligible topics
EPFL AI Center & Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: Research Opportunities and Funding in Switzerland for International Researchers
The fellowship is intended for research proposals aligned with the activities of the EPFL AI Center and the Swiss AI Initiative. The online submission portal identifies the following research domains:
- Responsible AI: Developing AI systems with attention to fairness, privacy, bias, transparency and societal consequences.
- AI for Science: Applying artificial intelligence to scientific discovery, modelling, experimentation and research.
- AI for Sustainability: Using AI to address environmental and sustainability challenges.
- AI for Robotics: Advancing intelligent robotic systems and their applications.
- AI Fundamentals: Research into the underlying methods, theory and foundations of artificial intelligence.
- AI for Health: Applying AI to healthcare, biomedical research and related fields.
- AI for Education: Exploring the use of AI in teaching, learning and educational systems.
Applicants should explain how their proposed research fits the relevant domain and how it could contribute to the AI Center’s wider research activities.
The proposal should also demonstrate opportunities for collaboration between EPFL laboratories and explain how potential societal impacts of AI will be considered and mitigated. aic-reo-call.epfl.ch+1
Fellowship funding and financial support
The programme provides financial support towards the fellow’s salary and research-related expenses. However, applicants should understand how the funding arrangement works.
Salary contribution
The fellowship covers approximately 50% of the postdoctoral researcher’s salary per year, based on EPFL salary scales.
The remaining portion of the salary is expected to be covered by the participating EPFL host laboratories.
This means the fellowship is not necessarily a fully funded salary award paid entirely by the central programme. The host laboratories have an important financial commitment, and applicants should discuss the arrangement with their proposed professors.
EPFL Human Resources guidelines and practices apply to social security arrangements.
Research and conference funding
Fellows may receive up to CHF 5,000 per fellowship year for eligible expenses, including:
- Research costs.
- Open research data costs.
- Open-access publication costs.
- Travel expenses.
- Conference participation.
These expenses must be justified in the proposed budget and financial reporting.
Any additional research, travel or related expenses beyond the eligible allocation must be covered by the host professor or professors. EPFL+1
Research infrastructure
The host laboratories commit to providing the infrastructure required for the fellow’s research. This may include:
- Office space.
- Laboratory space and equipment, where relevant.
- Administrative support.
- Access to the host laboratories’ research environment.
This arrangement enables fellows to work within EPFL’s research community while collaborating across laboratories. EPFL+1
Fellowship duration
The fellowship can run for a maximum period of two years. Applicants should consult the official call guidelines for the detailed project and funding conditions. EPFL+1
Eligibility requirements
The fellowship is highly competitive and is intended for outstanding early-career researchers with strong academic and research backgrounds.
Applicants should review the following requirements before preparing an application.
1. Academic qualifications
Applicants must have obtained a PhD in one of the following fields, or another discipline relevant to artificial intelligence:
- Computer science.
- Physics.
- Engineering.
- Applied mathematics.
- Another field relevant to AI.
The PhD must have been obtained no more than two years before the application deadline.
This is an important eligibility condition: applicants with older doctoral qualifications may not meet the stated requirement unless the official guidelines provide an applicable exception. EPFL+1
2. Final-year PhD students
Doctoral candidates who are in the final year of their PhD studies may also apply.
However, they must successfully complete their PhD and obtain the doctoral diploma before starting the fellowship.
This provision allows promising researchers who are close to completing their doctoral studies to apply ahead of graduation. EPFL+1
3. Support from two EPFL professors
Applicants must secure the support of two EPFL host professors who are faculty members affiliated with the EPFL AI Center.
This is one of the most important requirements of the application.
Candidates are expected to identify potential professors, discuss their research proposals and agree on a possible collaboration before submitting their applications.
A general expression of interest in working at EPFL is not enough: applicants need to establish the required host-professor support. EPFL+1
4. Nationality and age requirements
The fellowship is open to citizens of all nationalities.
There is no age restriction, and applications from candidates of all genders and backgrounds are encouraged.
Therefore, eligible researchers from Zimbabwe, other African countries and international research institutions may apply, provided they satisfy the academic, research and host-professor requirements. EPFL+1
5. Academic and research excellence
The programme places strong emphasis on scientific excellence.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate excellent academic records, strong professional accomplishments and the ability to conduct high-quality research.
The fellowship is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. EPFL+1
6. Application limit
Each applicant may submit only one application to the programme. Candidates should therefore carefully select their research direction and host-professor collaborations before submission. EPFL
Who should consider applying?
The fellowship may be particularly suitable for:
- Recent PhD graduates in computer science, engineering, physics or applied mathematics.
- Final-year doctoral researchers planning to complete their PhDs before the fellowship begins.
- AI researchers interested in interdisciplinary scientific applications.
- Researchers working on responsible and ethical AI.
- Scientists interested in applying AI to health, sustainability, robotics or education.
- Researchers with strong academic records and a clear research agenda.
- Candidates able to establish collaboration with two eligible EPFL professors.
It may be less suitable for applicants who have not yet reached doctoral level, researchers whose PhDs fall outside the permitted completion period, or candidates unable to secure the required host-professor support.
How applications will be evaluated
Applications will be assessed by a programme Evaluation Committee composed of experts in AI-related research. External reviewers may also be consulted when necessary.
The evaluation focuses on three broad areas.
1. Scientific excellence
The committee considers:
- How well the proposed project fits the programme’s research topics.
- The originality and novelty of the research objectives.
- The quality and suitability of the proposed methodology.
- The applicant’s research competence, experience and qualifications.
2. Research impact
The committee examines:
- The potential relevance and practical impact of the proposed research in AI.
- Opportunities for collaboration with EPFL research groups.
- The applicant’s potential contribution to the EPFL AI Center community.
3. Feasibility
The proposal must demonstrate that the research can realistically be carried out with the available resources, management arrangements and organisational support.
A strong proposal should therefore combine an original research question with a credible methodology, a clear interdisciplinary collaboration plan and a realistic implementation strategy. EPFL+1
How to apply for the EPFL AI Center Postdoctoral Fellowship
EPFL AI Center & Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: Research Opportunities and Funding in Switzerland for International Researchers
Applications must be submitted through the official online application platform. Before submitting, candidates need to identify potential host professors and establish the required research collaboration.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Review the official fellowship guidelines
Visit the EPFL AI Center fellowship programme page and carefully read the third-call information, application guidelines and available templates.
Step 2: Identify potential host professors
Review the list of EPFL AI Center-affiliated faculty members and identify two professors whose research interests align with your proposed project.
Step 3: Contact potential host professors
Contact the professors to discuss your research interests and possible collaboration.
EPFL recommends sending your CV and a short abstract of your proposed research when approaching potential hosts.
Step 4: Develop your research proposal
Prepare a proposal that explains:
- The research problem and objectives.
- The originality and significance of the proposed work.
- The methodology and research approach.
- How the project aligns with the fellowship’s research domains.
- How at least two EPFL laboratories will collaborate.
- The potential scientific and societal impact.
- The feasibility of the research plan.
Step 5: Secure the required host support
Obtain the support of two EPFL AI Center-affiliated professors before submitting your application.
Step 6: Prepare the application documents
Consult the official application toolkit and guidelines for the exact documents and templates required. All application documents must be submitted in English.
Step 7: Submit your application online
Complete the online application and upload the required documents through the official submission portal before the deadline.
Required application documents
The official programme provides an application toolkit and templates. Candidates should follow these documents rather than relying on generic postdoctoral application checklists.
The application process requires applicants to prepare materials in English and submit them through the online platform.
For preparation, it is sensible to have the following information available:
- An up-to-date academic CV.
- Details of doctoral qualifications and academic records.
- A clear research proposal.
- A short research abstract for contacting potential host professors.
- Details of the proposed EPFL laboratory collaborations.
- The required application forms and supporting materials specified in the official guidelines.
Important: The list above is a preparation guide, not a substitute for the official document checklist. Check the application toolkit for the exact mandatory attachments, formatting requirements and submission instructions.
Application deadline and important dates
9 November 2026 – 17:00 CET
The third call for the EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships has the following confirmed deadline:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Third call | Open |
| Application deadline | 9 November 2026 |
| Submission time | 17:00 CET |
| Application language | English |
Applicants should not wait until the final day to contact potential host professors. Securing two professors’ support and preparing a competitive interdisciplinary research proposal can take considerable time.
For applicants in Zimbabwe, 17:00 CET corresponds to 18:00 Zimbabwe time on the deadline date. Nevertheless, applicants should follow the official platform’s displayed deadline and time zone.
Tips for preparing a competitive application
Because this is a highly competitive research fellowship, applicants should focus on the quality and relevance of their research proposals.
1. Contact professors early
The requirement for two EPFL host professors makes early communication essential. Identify researchers whose expertise genuinely complements your proposed project.
2. Develop an interdisciplinary research idea
The programme values collaboration between laboratories. Explain what each participating laboratory could contribute and why the collaboration is important.
3. Demonstrate scientific originality
Avoid presenting a broad research topic without a clear research question. Explain what is new about your proposed approach and how it advances existing AI research.
4. Address responsible AI
Consider how your work will address potential issues involving privacy, fairness, bias and wider societal effects.
5. Demonstrate feasibility
Show that your research objectives, methodology, resources and proposed timeline are realistic.
6. Pay attention to academic records
EPFL identifies scientific excellence as its primary evaluation consideration. Ensure your academic and research achievements are presented clearly.
7. Follow the official templates
Use the programme’s application toolkit and comply with the specified requirements rather than preparing documents based on assumptions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
EPFL AI Center & Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: Research Opportunities and Funding in Switzerland for International Researchers
1. Are the EPFL AI Center Postdoctoral Fellowships open to international applicants?
Yes. The programme is open to applicants of all nationalities. Researchers from Zimbabwe, other African countries and other regions can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Can I apply if I am still completing my PhD?
Yes. Final-year doctoral students are eligible, provided they successfully complete their PhD before starting the fellowship.
3. What is the required PhD completion period?
Applicants must have obtained their PhD no more than two years before the submission deadline. Final-year PhD students may also apply under the stated completion condition.
4. How many EPFL professors must support my application?
Applicants must secure support from two EPFL host professors who are faculty members affiliated with the EPFL AI Center.
5. How much funding does the fellowship provide?
The programme contributes approximately 50% of the postdoctoral researcher’s salary per year. The remaining salary contribution is covered by the EPFL host laboratories.
Fellows may also receive up to CHF 5,000 per fellowship year for eligible research, open data, open-access publication, travel and conference expenses.
6. Is the fellowship fully funded?
The programme provides a substantial salary contribution, but the funding arrangement is shared with the host laboratories. It is therefore important to understand that the central fellowship covers approximately half of the salary, while the host laboratories cover the remaining portion.
7. How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship is available for a maximum period of two years.
8. Do I need to speak French or German?
The official call specifies that application documents must be submitted in English. It does not list French or German proficiency as a general eligibility requirement. Applicants should check with their proposed host professors regarding any language requirements relevant to their research environment.
9. Can I submit more than one application?
No. Applicants may submit only one application to the programme.
10. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the third call is 9 November 2026 at 17:00 CET.
11. Where can I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted through the official EPFL online submission portal.
12. Does meeting the eligibility requirements guarantee selection?
No. The programme is highly competitive. Applications are assessed based on scientific excellence, research impact and feasibility.
Official links and contact information
Applicants should use the following official resources to confirm the requirements and submit their applications.
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Final thoughts
EPFL AI Center & Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: Research Opportunities and Funding in Switzerland for International Researchers
EPFL AI Center & Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: Research Opportunities and Funding in Switzerland for International Researchers. The EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships represent an important research opportunity for early-career scientists seeking to contribute to advanced artificial intelligence research in Switzerland.
The programme is particularly attractive because it combines salary support, research funding, access to EPFL laboratories and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
However, applicants should pay close attention to the two-host-professor requirement and the two-year PhD completion window. These are important conditions that need to be addressed before an application is submitted.
Researchers with strong academic records, an original AI research proposal and the ability to establish meaningful collaborations with EPFL faculty should consider exploring this opportunity.
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