# Young Investigator Programme

**Funder:** EMBO
**Duration:** 4 years
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Next round:** 2027-04
**Official call:** https://www.embo.org/funding/fellowships-grants-and-career-support/young-investigator-programme/
**Last updated:** 6 Sept 2026

> **Recently updated:** catalog cleanup 2026-07-04: call closed per funder page

## Eligibility & scope

Supports group leaders in the early stages of setting up independent laboratories for four years; networking is a key aspect of the programme.

## Summary

The EMBO Young Investigator Programme supports early-stage group leaders establishing independent laboratories across EMBO member states for four years. The call emphasises networking and peer support alongside research funding, targeting researchers in the critical transition to independence. Applicants must hold positions at eligible EMBC member institutions.

## Who should apply

- Early-stage independent group leaders within the first few years of lab establishment
- Researchers based at EMBC member state institutions
- Candidates committed to active participation in EMBO networking and scientific community building
- Researchers transitioning from postdoctoral positions to independent roles

## Key dates

- Single four-year project duration
- Check the EMBO website for the current application deadline

## Tips for applicants

- Networking and peer engagement are core to EMBO's mission; highlight your vision for contributing to and building the scientific community alongside your research plan.
- The panel values early-stage independence explicitly, frame your research as distinct from your former supervisor's work and your lab's unique direction.
- Institutional eligibility is strict; confirm your host institution is an EMBC member before investing application effort.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long is the EMBO Young Investigator Programme award?

The award supports research for four years.

### Who is eligible for the EMBO Young Investigator Programme?

Early-stage independent group leaders at EMBC member state institutions who are in the early phases of establishing their own laboratories.

### Is networking a requirement for the EMBO Young Investigator Programme?

Yes, applicants must be willing to actively participate in EMBO networking activities, as peer engagement is a key aspect of the programme.

---

Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/embo-young-investigator-programme-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

**See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).