Note: This fellowship program is now expired. The application deadline was July 10, 2025.
Austria’s prestigious neuroscience doctoral initiative, the Excellent Brains Austria PhD Fellowships 2025, offered 20 fully funded positions for students aiming to advance brain research. Backed by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), this program targeted outstanding candidates worldwide with strong academic backgrounds in neuroscience and related fields.
What Is the Excellent Brains Austria Program?
The program focused on neuronal circuits in health and disease, particularly GABAergic cells, which are critical in conditions such as autism, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. It united five elite Austrian institutions:
Medical University of Vienna (MUV)
Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI)
University of Vienna (UNIVIE)
Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA)
These institutions created an interdisciplinary network for advanced doctoral training in neuroscience.
Program Highlights and Research Focus
Participants gained hands-on training in cutting-edge neuroscience research, including:
GABAergic cell biology and brain connectivity
Clinical and basic neurobiology
Brain circuit mechanisms in disease models
Data science, neuroimaging, and bioinformatics
The program also included seminars, journal clubs, lab rotations, soft skills workshops, and career development support.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship welcomed applicants of all nationalities who met the following requirements:
Master’s degree or equivalent by October 31, 2025
Background in neuroscience, biology, genetics, biochemistry, psychology, medicine, or related disciplines
Students from physics, mathematics, AI, machine learning, or computer science with neuroscience interest could also apply
Prior research experience in a relevant field
Two academic references, including one from a thesis supervisor
Strong English skills (no certificate required)
Exceptional candidates with a 4-year Bachelor’s degree (240 ECTS + honors) and strong research record may qualify
Fellowship Benefits
Each of the 20 PhD fellowships offered:
Four-year fully funded PhD position
Monthly stipend and health insurance
Access to advanced labs and research infrastructure
International and interdisciplinary collaborations
Relocation support and mentorship from world-class faculty
Training in GABAergic neuroscience, brain disorders, and neurotechnology
This combination ensured both financial support and high-impact research experience.
Application Process (Now Closed)
The original application process included:
Choosing up to three Key Researchers (KRs) from the official program website
Completing the online application form
Uploading CV, academic degrees, and transcripts in a single PDF (with translations if needed)
Ensuring referees submitted recommendation letters
Submitting all documents by July 10, 2025
For reference, queries could be addressed to: Dr. Katalin Szigeti – [email protected]
Why This Fellowship Was Valuable
The Excellent Brains Austria PhD Fellowships 2025 provided:
Unique academic and research experiences
Networking opportunities with international experts
Exposure to interdisciplinary neuroscience
A platform to develop leadership skills in scientific research
Conclusion
While this program is now expired, the Excellent Brains Austria PhD Fellowships 2025 represented a world-class opportunity for emerging neuroscience leaders, combining exceptional mentorship, research training, and international collaboration.
FAQs
Q1: Is the fellowship still open?
A1: No, the fellowship is expired. The deadline was July 10, 2025.
Q2: How many positions were available?
A2: 20 fully funded PhD positions across Austria’s top institutions.
Q3: Who could apply?
A3: Candidates with a Master’s in neuroscience or related disciplines, including exceptional 4-year Bachelor’s degree holders.
Q4: What were the benefits?
A4: Full funding for four years, stipend, health insurance, research infrastructure access, and mentorship.
Q5: Which institutions participated?
A5: MUV, MUI, UNIVIE, ISTA, and IMBA.