NOMIS Senior Fellowship Program 2027 in Switzerland: Complete Application Guide
The NOMIS Senior Fellowship Program 2027 offers a prestigious research residency at the Collegium Helveticum in Zurich, Switzerland. Designed specifically for established mid-career and senior researchers from across the globe, this fellowship provides dedicated time, tailored financial assistance, and an opportunity to conduct ground-breaking, interdisciplinary basic research. Hosted in collaboration with ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, and the Zurich University of the Arts, selected fellows become an integral part of Zurich’s vibrant intellectual community.
Designation
NOMIS Senior Fellow (Visiting Research Fellow at Collegium Helveticum)
Program Summary & Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Collegium Helveticum (Zurich) |
| Partner Universities | ETH Zurich, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) |
| Host Country | Switzerland |
| Fellowship Duration | 5 or 10 Months |
| Target Audience | Internationally established mid-career and senior academics |
| Funding Type | Funded (Customized financial support) |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
Scholarship Description
Unlike standard research grants or traditional post-doctoral fellowships, the NOMIS Senior Fellowship Program is a specialized research residency. It is structured for renowned scholars whose work aims to transcend discipline boundaries and foster intellectual collaboration rather than serve as a solitary writing retreat.
Fellows reside in Zurich and work full-time at the Collegium Helveticum. During their residency, fellows actively participate in weekly meetings, lunch lectures, and workshop discussions. Each fellow is expected to contribute to Zurich’s academic life by organizing an interdisciplinary event or delivering a public lecture.
Financial arrangements are highly tailored to individual circumstances rather than provided as a fixed monthly stipend. Benefits negotiated during the invitation phase may include:
- Coverage of living costs in Zurich for the duration of the fellowship.
- Seed funding for collaborative research and associated project expenses.
- Childcare support, where applicable.
- Housing assistance, primarily through ETH Housing facilities.
- Funding to invite an international collaborator for a brief joint working visit.
- Potential contributions toward teaching relief at the scholar’s home institution.
Research Area
The program welcomes fundamental research projects across all academic disciplines, including:
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Engineering and Technology
- Arts and Design
The core requirement is that the proposed project must be interdisciplinary, bringing together ideas that cross traditional academic boundaries.
Location
Zurich, Switzerland. Fellows are based at the Collegium Helveticum, taking advantage of research infrastructure and academic networks at ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, and the Zurich University of the Arts.
Eligibility / Qualification
Candidates must satisfy the following criteria to be considered for a fellowship:
- Academic Standing: Must be an internationally recognized mid-career or senior researcher with a proven record of impactful scholarly achievements.
- Employment: Must hold a full-time, permanent position at an accredited university or research institution.
- Age Limit: Must be under 70 years of age at the start of the fellowship term.
- Institutional Support: Candidates cannot submit a direct self-application without local backing. They must be nominated by or receive formal written endorsement from at least two faculty members associated with ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, or the Zurich University of the Arts.
- Language Proficiency: High proficiency in English (nominations and project proposals must be submitted in English). No specific IELTS or TOEFL score is required.
- Ineligibility: Students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degrees, as well as early-stage postdoctoral researchers, are not eligible.
How to Apply
The selection process for the NOMIS Senior Fellowship works strictly through a nomination and invitation system. Direct, unsolicited applications without local university support are not reviewed.
Follow these steps to pursue nomination:
- Identify Academic Partners: Find faculty members at ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, or the Zurich University of the Arts whose academic focus aligns with your proposed research project.
- Establish Contact: Discuss your project ideas and proposed fellowship timeframe with prospective Zurich-based academic partners.
- Secure Nomination/Endorsement: Obtain a formal nomination from an eligible faculty member, research unit head, or advisory board member. Alternatively, secure endorsement letters from two faculty members across the participating Zurich institutions.
- Formal Invitation: Once the nomination is received and vetted, qualified candidates will be formally invited to submit a detailed research proposal and customized budget plan.
For official details regarding nomination procedures and guidelines, visit the Official NOMIS Senior Fellowship Portal.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline to submit nominations for the 2027 program term is September 30, 2026. Candidates should initiate conversations with potential Zurich faculty partners well before this date to ensure adequate time for nomination preparation.