# HFSP Research Grants – Early Career

**Funder:** HFSP
**Deadline:** 26 March 2026 (Letter of Intent submission deadline. LOI ID must be obtained by 2026-03-17. Full proposal deadline approximately mid-September 2026 (by invitation only).)
**Duration:** 3 years
**Consortium:** Required — international team of 2-4 members from different countries
**Application:** 2-stage: Letter of Intent (March 26, 2026) → Full Proposal (September 2026, by invitation)
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-03
**Official call:** https://www.hfsp.org/funding/hfsp-funding/research-grants
**Last verified:** 14 June 2026

## Summary

The HFSP Research Grants, Early Career programme funds international collaborative teams of 2-4 researchers across different countries for three-year projects in life sciences. The call is open to researchers early in their independent careers who propose innovative, high-risk science and are willing to lead a multinational team. This is a two-stage process: submit a Letter of Intent by 26 March 2026, and shortlisted teams are then invited to submit a full proposal by mid-September 2026.

## Who should apply

- Early-career researchers establishing independent positions in life sciences
- Scientists willing and able to lead an international consortium of 2-4 members across different countries
- Teams proposing high-risk, innovative research with multidisciplinary scope
- Researchers based at institutions in HFSP member countries

## Key dates

- Letter of Intent deadline: 26 March 2026 (LOI ID must be requested by 17 March 2026)
- Full Proposal deadline: mid-September 2026 (by invitation only, for shortlisted teams)
- Three-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- The LOI is highly competitive; front-load the innovation and feasibility of your team's combined approach.
- Consortium composition matters, select co-investigators from different countries whose expertise genuinely complements yours, not just co-signs.
- Budget your planning time: if shortlisted, you'll have a compressed timeline to develop the full proposal from mid-summer to September.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the HFSP Research Grants, Early Career programme?

It funds international collaborative teams of 2-4 researchers for three-year life science projects led by researchers early in their independent careers, with a strong emphasis on innovative, high-risk science.

### How many people must be on an HFSP Research Grants consortium?

The team must comprise 2-4 members from different countries; all members contribute as co-investigators.

### What is the timeline for the HFSP Research Grants, Early Career?

Letter of Intent is due 26 March 2026; shortlisted teams are invited to submit a full proposal by mid-September 2026. The resulting projects run for three years.

### Is the HFSP Research Grants, Early Career call recurring?

Yes, HFSP runs this call annually with the next expected round in March 2027.

### Can I apply to HFSP Research Grants, Early Career if I am based outside HFSP member countries?

At least some consortium members must be based in HFSP member countries, but the consortium is intentionally international; check the HFSP member-country list for your eligibility.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/hfsp-hfsp-research-grants-early-career-2026-03) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.