Applications are accepted from candidates who meet the following criteria:
- Candidates must be negotiating a full-time group leader position at an institute or university in a participating country (Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal or Türkiye) by the date of application OR have established a research group in one of these countries within two (2) years of the application deadline (no earlier than 15 April 2024 for the application round 2026).
-
There is no age limit for candidates to the EMBO Installation Grants.
-
Candidates must perform research in the life sciences (see EMBO subject areas).
-
Candidates should have received their PhD within nine (9) years of the application deadline (no earlier than 2017 for the application round 2026).
- Within the last four (4) years (between 2022 to 2026), candidates should have spent at least two (2) consecutive years outside of the country in which they are planning to establish their research group.
- Candidates can re-apply as many times as they fulfil eligibility criteria, but only once more after having been interviewed (i.e. candidates can only attend two interviews).
- Applicants must be able to attend an online interview on 11 or 12 November 2026.
Eligibility extensions criteria
- For candidates who have given birth, the eligibility limit is automatically extended by one year per child.
- For candidates who did not give birth but took parental leave, the eligibility limit may be extended by:
- the actual time taken off; or
- three months per child, if during the parental leave period the candidate’s partner worked at least 80% FTE (full-time equivalent), whichever is longer.
- Illness, other care responsibilities or extended military service are considered as exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Special provisions may also be made for clinical scientists.
Please contact the EMBO Young Investigator Programme office () for eligibility advice before applying if:
- You are unsure whether you meet the criteria for an independent research group leader;
- your transition to an independent research group leader did not involve a formal change in job title; or
- you require an extension of the eligibility period due to extraordinary personal circumstances.