European Molecular Biology Organization
EMBO Young Investigator
Recognition + networking + €50K budget for outstanding early-career group leaders in molecular life sciences.
About the EMBO Young Investigator
The EMBO Young Investigator (YI) Programme recognises outstanding early-career group leaders in molecular life sciences within 2–9 years of establishing their independent research group. It is primarily a recognition and networking programme rather than a large research grant. YIs receive a €50,000 budget over 3 years for travel, meetings, and collaborative work, plus full access to the EMBO networks, mentoring, and career support. Selection is highly competitive — EMBO typically selects 25–30 YIs per year across all member states. Eligibility: group leader role with first independent position started within the last 2–9 years, with significant publication record as an independent PI. Host institution must be in an EMBC member state. Being elected a YI is considered one of the most prestigious early-career markers in European molecular biology — many YIs go on to ERC Advanced Grants and leadership roles in their field.
Key facts
- Type
- Recognition + networking (small budget)
- Career stage
- 2–9 years as independent PI
- Cohort size
- 25–30 YIs selected per year
- Duration
- 3 years formal + extended network access
- Success rate
- ~10% (25–30 selected per year from ~250+ applications)
Who is eligible?
- •First independent group leader position started 2–9 years before the call deadline
- •Hosted at an institution in an EMBC member state
- •Strong publication record as an independent PI
- •Research in molecular life sciences
Frequently asked questions
+Why would I apply if the budget is only €50K?
YI status is much more about recognition and networking than money. The €50K covers travel and meetings, but the real value is access to EMBO's network of ~1,500 past YIs and members, mentoring programmes, fast-track EMBO Press publishing, and the brand signal of being selected.
+How is the 2–9 year window measured?
From the start of your first independent research group-leader position. Extensions are possible for documented career interruptions (parental leave, illness, etc.) — these are assessed case-by-case by EMBO.
+Can I apply if I've already won an ERC Starting Grant?
Yes. Many successful YI applicants already hold ERC StG or equivalent national funding. The YI is complementary recognition, not an alternative research grant.
+Does YI status lead to the EMBO Membership election?
Indirectly. YI alumni are often among the candidates elected to full EMBO Membership later in their careers, but there is no automatic pathway. Membership election is a separate, also highly competitive process.
Related programmes
European Molecular Biology Organization
EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship
2-year fellowship for postdocs in the life sciences moving internationally to conduct research in Europe.
European Research Council
ERC Starting Grant
Up to €1.5M for early-career researchers 2–7 years post-PhD conducting ground-breaking frontier research.
European Research Council
ERC Consolidator Grant
Up to €2M for mid-career researchers 7–12 years post-PhD consolidating their independent research team.
Want EMBO Young Investigator deadlines in your inbox?
Free personalised digest with grants matched to your research profile.
Find my next grant →