EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026: Research Funding in Switzerland for International Researchers

The EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 offer an exciting opportunity for outstanding early-career researchers to advance artificial intelligence research in Switzerland. Hosted by the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), the fellowship programme supports ambitious researchers who want to develop innovative, interdisciplinary AI research projects in collaboration with multiple EPFL laboratories.

The programme is designed for researchers with strong academic records, demonstrated research potential, and a commitment to advancing artificial intelligence and its applications across scientific disciplines. Through collaboration with EPFL faculty members affiliated with the EPFL AI Center, selected fellows will have the opportunity to develop their own research agendas, engage with a wider AI research community, and contribute to strategic initiatives in artificial intelligence.

The third call for applications is currently open, with a submission deadline of 9 November 2026 at 17:00 Central European Time (CET). Researchers interested in pursuing postdoctoral research in AI should review the eligibility requirements, identify suitable host professors, and prepare their application materials before the deadline.

Overview of the EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships

The EPFL AI Center is a central hub for artificial intelligence research at EPFL. It spearheads strategic initiatives, supports major AI research challenges, and hosts large-scale projects developed in collaboration with diverse partners. The fellowship programme contributes to this mission by attracting talented researchers who can help advance AI capabilities and explore new applications across different areas of science and technology.

The programme is supported in part by funding from the Swiss AI Initiative. It provides an environment in which postdoctoral researchers can work with several laboratories at EPFL, build interdisciplinary research collaborations, and pursue original research questions.

Unlike a research position limited to one laboratory, the fellowship emphasizes collaboration across multiple research groups. Fellows are expected to develop a research agenda involving at least two EPFL laboratories headed by faculty members affiliated with the EPFL AI Center.

Key details at a glance

• Host institution: École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland
• Programme: EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Call: Third call for applications
• Research level: Postdoctoral research, with eligible final-year PhD candidates also permitted to apply
• Research focus: Artificial intelligence and its applications across scientific domains
• Research arrangement: Interdisciplinary collaboration involving at least two eligible EPFL laboratories
• Funding: Contribution of approximately 50% of the postdoctoral researcher’s salary, with the remaining portion covered by the host laboratories
• Research expenses: Up to CHF 5,000 per fellowship year for specified eligible costs
• Nationality requirement: Applicants of any nationality may apply
• Application deadline: 9 November 2026 at 17:00 CET
• Official programme page: https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/ai/

Applicants should consult the official EPFL fellowship page and the current application toolkit for the definitive call information, submission instructions, and application documents.

About the Fellowship Programme

The EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme seeks to attract highly motivated researchers who can contribute to the development of artificial intelligence through original, scientifically rigorous, and collaborative research.

Artificial intelligence has become increasingly important in fields such as engineering, physics, medicine, environmental science, applied mathematics, computer science, and other areas where computational methods can address complex problems. The fellowship creates opportunities for researchers to explore these connections and develop projects that extend beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Selected researchers will be encouraged to develop their own research agendas while working with several laboratories at EPFL. This arrangement offers fellows an opportunity to exchange ideas with researchers from different fields, benefit from complementary expertise, and contribute to the activities of the EPFL AI Center community.

The programme emphasizes research excellence and collaboration. Applicants should therefore be prepared to demonstrate not only strong academic credentials but also the scientific significance, originality, feasibility, and potential impact of their proposed work.

Mission and Objectives of the EPFL AI Center Fellowship

The EPFL AI Center serves as a hub for AI research at the institution. It supports strategic research initiatives, coordinates major challenges in artificial intelligence, and facilitates collaborations with a wide range of partners.

The fellowship programme supports this mission by enabling postdoctoral researchers to develop interdisciplinary research agendas with at least two EPFL laboratories led by faculty members affiliated with the AI Center.

The programme has four principal goals.

1. Advance cutting-edge artificial intelligence research

One of the programme’s main objectives is to support research that advances the capabilities, methodologies, and applications of AI. Applicants should propose research that addresses a meaningful scientific question and demonstrates originality in its objectives or methods.

Projects may explore new AI techniques, improve existing approaches, or apply artificial intelligence to scientific problems where it could produce valuable new insights. The proposal should explain the research problem clearly and establish why the planned approach is scientifically worthwhile.

2. Promote ethical and responsible AI development

The programme also emphasizes the importance of examining ethical issues associated with artificial intelligence. Researchers are expected to critically consider questions such as bias, privacy, and fairness in AI research.

Applicants should consider whether these issues are relevant to their proposed work and explain how their research approach will address them. Responsible AI development is an important part of producing research that is scientifically credible and appropriate for real-world applications.

3. Prepare the next generation of AI research leaders

The fellowship aims to help promising early-career researchers develop the experience and research independence needed to become future leaders in artificial intelligence.

By providing opportunities to design research agendas and collaborate with multiple laboratories, the programme supports researchers as they develop their scientific expertise and establish professional relationships within the AI research community.

4. Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration

Artificial intelligence frequently intersects with other scientific and technical fields. The programme encourages fellows to work across disciplinary boundaries and establish collaborations among research groups within the EPFL AI Center community.

Applicants must therefore identify two suitable EPFL host professors affiliated with the AI Center and discuss a potential collaborative project before submitting their applications.

Research Opportunities and Potential Areas of Focus

The fellowship is intended for research in artificial intelligence and its applications across a variety of scientific domains. The supplied programme information does not provide a fixed list of approved research topics, so applicants should consult the current call for proposals and discuss their ideas with potential host professors.

Possible research directions will depend on the applicant’s expertise, the proposed research question, and the interests of the participating EPFL laboratories.

Relevant areas may include:

• Machine learning: Developing new approaches for learning from data, improving model performance, and addressing challenging scientific problems.
• Artificial intelligence and scientific discovery: Applying AI techniques to research questions in physics, engineering, mathematics, and other scientific disciplines.
• AI reliability and responsible development: Investigating bias, fairness, privacy, and other considerations relevant to the development and use of AI systems.
• Interdisciplinary AI applications: Combining AI expertise with knowledge from another scientific or technical field to address a problem that would benefit from collaborative research.
• Novel AI methodologies: Developing original algorithms, models, or research methods that advance the state of the art.

These are illustrative directions rather than an official list of eligible projects. Applicants should ensure that their proposed work aligns with the current call and the expertise of their intended host laboratories.

Eligibility Requirements for the EPFL AI Center Postdoctoral Fellowships

The programme welcomes applications from researchers at the postdoctoral level and allows eligible doctoral candidates in the final year of their studies to apply.

However, applicants must satisfy the programme’s academic, timing, host-supervisor, and application requirements. Because the fellowship is highly competitive, meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.

1. Academic qualifications

Applicants must have obtained a PhD diploma in one of the following areas or another field relevant to artificial intelligence:

• Computer science
• Physics
• Engineering
• Applied mathematics
• Another discipline relevant to artificial intelligence

The programme states that the PhD must have been obtained no more than two years before the application submission deadline.

Candidates should carefully check the official call’s interpretation of the two-year period and confirm that their degree date satisfies the requirements.

2. Final-year PhD candidates

Doctoral students in the final year of their PhD studies may also apply. These candidates are described by the programme as senior PhD students.

However, they must successfully complete their PhD and obtain the diploma by the time they start the fellowship. Applicants who are still completing their doctoral research should consider their expected graduation date before applying.

3. Support from two EPFL host professors

Applicants must obtain the support of two EPFL host professors who are faculty members affiliated with the EPFL AI Center.

This is a central requirement of the programme because the fellowship is intended to support interdisciplinary research involving at least two laboratories.

Candidates should take the following steps before submitting their applications:

1. Review the list of EPFL AI Center faculty members and identify professors whose research interests align with the proposed project.
2. Examine the research activities and expertise of potential host laboratories.
3. Contact potential host professors to discuss the research idea and possible collaboration.
4. Agree on a potential research direction and establish the necessary host support.
5. Prepare an application that explains how the proposed collaboration will contribute to the project’s scientific objectives.

Applicants should not assume that identifying professors on the faculty list is sufficient. They need to discuss the proposed collaboration and obtain the required support before submitting their application.

4. Preference for external candidates

The programme gives priority to external candidates. Nevertheless, senior PhD students and junior postdoctoral researchers who are already at EPFL remain eligible to apply.

This means current EPFL researchers are not automatically excluded, although applicants should be aware of the stated preference for candidates coming from outside the institution.

5. Academic excellence and research accomplishments

The fellowship is highly competitive, and excellence is the primary evaluation criterion. The programme assesses excellence through applicants’ academic records and professional accomplishments.

Applicants are expected to have excellent grade transcripts and should demonstrate the quality of their academic and research backgrounds.

Relevant evidence may include research achievements, previous scientific work, technical expertise, and other accomplishments that demonstrate readiness to conduct independent and collaborative research. Applicants should present their actual achievements clearly and accurately in their application materials.

6. Nationality and age

The programme explicitly states that citizens of any nationality may apply. There are no age restrictions.

Applications from candidates of all genders and backgrounds are strongly encouraged.

Nationality is therefore not restricted to Switzerland or European countries. Applicants should focus on meeting the academic, research, host-support, and application requirements rather than assuming that their citizenship makes them ineligible.

7. One application per applicant

Each applicant may submit only one application.

Candidates should therefore develop a focused proposal, select suitable host professors, and review the application guidelines carefully before submitting. Submitting multiple applications is not permitted under the stated programme rules.

Fellowship Funding and Financial Support

The fellowship provides financial support for the postdoctoral researcher’s salary and eligible research-related expenses. The programme also requires host laboratories to provide the infrastructure necessary for the research.

Applicants should understand how the funding is divided between the fellowship programme and the host laboratories before preparing their budgets or discussing the proposed research with supervisors.

1. Contribution toward the postdoctoral salary

The fellowship covers a contribution of approximately 50% of the postdoctoral researcher’s salary per year, according to EPFL salary scales.

The remaining portion of the salary is covered by the EPFL host laboratories.

This is an important distinction: the programme does not describe the fellowship as paying the entire salary independently. Instead, the funding is shared between the fellowship and the participating host laboratories.

EPFL Human Resources guidelines and practices apply to social security arrangements.

The exact salary amount will depend on the applicable EPFL salary scales and the arrangements for the fellowship. Applicants should consult the programme and their prospective hosts for further details rather than assuming a fixed annual salary from the percentage alone.

2. Research and professional development expenses

The programme allows a maximum of CHF 5,000 per fellowship year for specified eligible costs.

These expenses may include:

• Research costs
• Open research data costs
• Open-access publication costs
• Travel expenses
• Conference participation

Applicants must justify these expenses in their budgets and financial reports. Funding is subject to the programme’s rules, and candidates should make sure that proposed expenditures fall within the eligible categories.

Any additional costs associated with research expenses, travel, or similar activities must be covered by the host professor or professors.

The CHF 5,000 amount is a maximum for eligible costs per fellowship year, not an automatic unrestricted payment. Applicants should explain how the requested funding supports their research activities and comply with the programme’s financial reporting requirements.

3. Research facilities and institutional support

The host laboratories commit to providing the infrastructure needed by the postdoctoral researcher.

Depending on the nature of the project, this may include:

• Office space
• Laboratory space
• Research equipment
• Administrative support

The availability of suitable infrastructure is important for ensuring that the proposed project can be conducted effectively.

Applicants should discuss their research needs with prospective host professors so that the proposed work is realistic and the necessary facilities are available.

How Applications Will Be Evaluated

Applications are assessed by the programme’s Evaluation Committee, which is composed of experts in AI-related research. External reviewers may also be consulted when necessary to support an appropriate evaluation.

The committee considers the scientific quality of the proposed research, its potential impact, the applicant’s expertise, and the feasibility of carrying out the project in collaboration with EPFL research groups.

The evaluation criteria are particularly important for applicants preparing their research proposals.

1. Scientific excellence

Scientific excellence is assessed through several considerations.

Fit with the call for proposals: The proposed project should align with the topics and objectives specified in the current call. Applicants should explain how their research fits the programme rather than submitting a general research statement without a clear connection to the fellowship.

Originality and novelty: The proposal should identify what is new about the research objectives, questions, or planned research approach. Candidates should make clear how their work could contribute new knowledge or improve existing approaches.

Quality of the research methodology: The committee evaluates whether the proposed research approach and working methods are appropriate for the stated objectives. Applicants should describe their methodology clearly and explain how it will help answer the research questions.

Applicant competence and experience: The committee considers the applicant’s expertise and experience in the proposed research field. Academic records, research accomplishments, and relevant experience can help demonstrate that the candidate is prepared to undertake the work.

2. Potential impact of the project

The proposal is also assessed for its potential, relevance, and practical impact in relation to artificial intelligence.

Applicants should explain why the research matters and what it could contribute to AI research or its applications. Where appropriate, they should describe the scientific problem being addressed and the potential value of the expected results.

The proposal should avoid relying only on broad claims about the importance of AI. Instead, it should identify a specific research challenge and explain how the proposed work could make a meaningful contribution.

3. Collaboration with EPFL research groups

The committee considers the project’s potential for collaboration with EPFL research groups and its opportunities for interaction with the wider EPFL AI Center community.

This criterion reflects the programme’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research. Applicants should explain the contributions expected from the participating laboratories and why collaboration between them is valuable.

A strong proposal should make the roles of the host laboratories clear and show how their combined expertise supports the project’s objectives.

4. Feasibility of the project

The committee evaluates whether the proposed project can realistically be completed using the available resources, management arrangements, and organizational structure.

Applicants should prepare a credible research plan that reflects the project’s scope and the resources available through the host laboratories.

A feasible proposal should have clear objectives, a suitable methodology, realistic activities, and a reasonable explanation of how the research will be organized.

How to Apply for the EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships

Interested researchers should begin by reviewing the official application toolkit and reading the application guidelines carefully. All required documents must be submitted through the online submission platform.

The programme requires all application documents to be submitted in English.

Because applicants may submit only one application, it is important to prepare carefully and ensure that the final submission presents a clear, coherent research plan.

Step 1: Read the official call and application guidelines

Begin with the official EPFL programme page. Locate the current third-call information, application toolkit, and detailed guidelines.

Read the requirements carefully to identify the required documents, proposal structure, submission procedure, and any additional conditions that may apply.

Do not rely solely on summaries of the opportunity when preparing the application. The official guidelines should be treated as the final reference for submission requirements.

Step 2: Identify two suitable host professors

Review the list of faculty members affiliated with the EPFL AI Center. Identify professors whose research expertise aligns with your proposed project.

Since the fellowship requires collaboration between at least two laboratories, consider how the expertise of the two prospective hosts could complement one another.

For example, one laboratory might contribute specialized knowledge of an application domain while another provides expertise in AI methods. The specific collaboration should be based on the actual research interests and capabilities of the professors involved.

Step 3: Discuss the proposed research collaboration

Contact potential host professors before submitting the application. Discuss the research idea, its scientific objectives, the proposed methodology, and how the laboratories could collaborate.

Applicants should obtain the support of two eligible EPFL host professors before submitting. This requirement should be addressed early because it may take time to identify suitable supervisors and agree on a research direction.

Step 4: Develop a strong research proposal

Prepare a proposal that clearly explains the research problem, the originality of the work, the planned methods, the anticipated impact, and the proposed collaboration.

A well-developed proposal should address the evaluation criteria directly:

• Explain how the project fits the call.
• Identify the novelty of the research objectives or methods.
• Describe the research approach and why it is suitable.
• Demonstrate the applicant’s competence and relevant experience.
• Explain the potential scientific or practical impact of the work.
• Show how the project will benefit from collaboration between EPFL laboratories.
• Establish that the project is feasible in terms of resources and organization.

Applicants should ensure that the proposed research agenda is both ambitious and realistic.

Step 5: Prepare all required application documents

The supplied programme information directs applicants to the application toolkit and detailed guidelines for the required documents. Applicants should use those official instructions to confirm the complete document checklist and any formatting or length requirements.

All documents must be submitted in English.

Candidates should check their application carefully to ensure that all required materials are included and that the proposal, academic information, and supporting documentation are consistent.

Step 6: Review the application before submission

Before submitting, verify that the application meets all eligibility conditions, including the PhD completion-date requirement and the support of two eligible host professors.

Check that the proposed research is relevant to the call and that the application addresses the evaluation criteria. Confirm that all documents are in English and that the submission follows the online platform’s instructions.

Because only one application is allowed per candidate, applicants should review the final submission carefully.

Step 7: Submit before the deadline

Submit the complete application through the official online submission platform by 9 November 2026 at 17:00 CET.

Applicants should not wait until the final minutes to upload their materials. Completing the submission in advance allows time to resolve technical problems and confirm that all required documents have been received.

The deadline is expressed in Central European Time. Applicants applying from other countries should convert it to their local time and leave enough time for submission.

Apply here

Application Deadline: 9 November 2026

The deadline for the third call of the EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships is:

Monday, 9 November 2026, at 17:00 CET.

Applications must be submitted through the online submission platform, and all required documents must be in English.

Candidates should also account for the time needed to contact host professors, establish the required collaboration, prepare a research proposal, and complete the application toolkit. These steps are important because the fellowship requires support from two EPFL AI Center faculty members.

Applicants should confirm the deadline and submission requirements on the official EPFL page before applying.

Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application

The programme emphasizes scientific excellence, originality, interdisciplinary collaboration, impact, and feasibility. Applicants can use these criteria to guide their preparation.

Demonstrate the quality of your research background

Present your academic record and professional accomplishments clearly. Explain how your training and experience prepare you to undertake the proposed research.

Applicants should focus on relevant evidence and accurately describe their achievements rather than making unsupported claims.

Develop a specific and original research question

A proposal should identify a clear research problem and explain what the project aims to discover, develop, or improve.

Explain how the research differs from existing approaches and why the proposed work could make a meaningful contribution to AI or its scientific applications.

Establish meaningful interdisciplinary collaboration

Identify why the participation of two laboratories is important to the project. Explain what each laboratory could contribute and how their combined expertise supports the research objectives.

The collaborative element should be integrated into the research plan rather than treated as an administrative requirement alone.

Address responsible AI considerations

Where relevant to the project, discuss issues such as bias, privacy, and fairness. Explain how these considerations may affect the research and how they will be evaluated or addressed.

This is especially important for research involving data, AI-based decisions, or applications that may affect people or communities.

Prepare a realistic research plan

Explain the proposed methodology, the resources required, and how the project will be organized. Make sure the scope is achievable with the support and infrastructure available through the host laboratories.

The evaluation committee explicitly considers feasibility, including resources, management, and organization.

Follow the official application instructions

Use the current application toolkit as the authoritative source for required documents and formatting. Ensure that all materials are in English and submit only one application.

Why Consider Research at EPFL?

EPFL is a Swiss institution with research activities spanning science, engineering, technology, and interdisciplinary innovation. The EPFL AI Center brings together researchers working to advance AI research and develop its applications through strategic initiatives and collaborative projects.

For an early-career researcher, a fellowship emphasizing collaboration across multiple laboratories can provide an opportunity to engage with different scientific perspectives and develop a more independent research agenda.

The programme also places importance on responsible AI development and interaction with the broader AI Center community. These priorities can be particularly relevant to researchers interested in developing AI methods that are scientifically rigorous, collaborative, and attentive to ethical considerations.

Nevertheless, applicants should evaluate the programme according to their own research goals, eligibility, and the suitability of prospective host laboratories.

Official Application Link and Contact Information

Researchers interested in the fellowship should begin with the official EPFL website and consult the application toolkit and current call documentation.

• Institution: École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
• Official website: https://www.epfl.ch/
• Research Office email: research@epfl.ch
• Address: EPFL Research Office, Av. Auguste-Piccard 1, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
• Application deadline: 9 November 2026 at 17:00 CET

The information supplied for this opportunity identifies the programme and deadline but does not include a direct link to the current online submission platform or the specific application toolkit. Applicants should navigate through the official EPFL website to locate the latest call and submission materials before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international applicants apply for the EPFL AI Center Postdoctoral Fellowship?

Yes. The programme explicitly states that citizens of any nationality may apply. There is no nationality restriction in the supplied eligibility information.

Is there an age limit?

No. The programme states that there are no age restrictions.

Can current EPFL PhD students apply?

Yes, eligible senior PhD students and junior postdoctoral researchers already at EPFL may apply. However, priority is given to external candidates. Final-year PhD candidates must successfully complete their PhD diploma by the time they start the fellowship.

What academic qualification is required?

Applicants must have a PhD in computer science, physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or another field relevant to artificial intelligence. The PhD must have been obtained no more than two years before the submission deadline. Eligible final-year PhD candidates may also apply, subject to the programme’s completion requirement.

Do applicants need host professors before applying?

Yes. Applicants must have the support of two EPFL host professors who are faculty members affiliated with the EPFL AI Center. They should contact prospective hosts and agree on a potential collaboration before submitting their applications.

How much funding does the fellowship provide?

The fellowship contributes approximately 50% of the postdoctoral researcher’s salary per year, according to EPFL salary scales. The host laboratories cover the remaining portion. In addition, up to CHF 5,000 per fellowship year may be granted for eligible research, open-data, open-access publication, travel, and conference expenses, subject to justification and programme requirements.

What is the deadline?

The deadline is 9 November 2026 at 17:00 CET. Applicants should verify the current official call and submit all required documents through the online submission platform before the deadline.

Can an applicant submit more than one application?

No. The programme permits only one application per applicant.

Conclusion

The EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships offer an opportunity for outstanding early-career researchers to pursue interdisciplinary artificial intelligence research in Switzerland. The programme emphasizes scientific excellence, originality, responsible AI development, collaboration between laboratories, and the potential impact of proposed research.

Eligible candidates must have a relevant PhD obtained within the specified two-year period, or be in the final year of doctoral studies and complete their degree before starting the fellowship. Applicants must also secure support from two EPFL AI Center faculty members and prepare a research proposal that demonstrates scientific quality, feasibility, and collaborative potential.

The fellowship contributes approximately 50% of the postdoctoral researcher’s salary, with the remaining portion covered by the host laboratories, and provides up to CHF 5,000 per fellowship year for specified eligible research-related expenses.

Researchers of any nationality may apply, and there is no age restriction. However, competition is expected to be strong because the programme places primary emphasis on excellence and academic accomplishments.

Interested candidates should review the official application guidelines, contact suitable host professors, and prepare their documents well in advance. The deadline for the third call is 9 November 2026 at 17:00 CET. Applicants should use the official EPFL website to verify the current requirements and access the correct submission platform before completing their application.

 

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