Talents-for-Future

A special initiative of the Vienna BioCenter Summer School

Program objectives

  • The 'Talents-for-Future' program will provide a research opportunity in biology to highly motivated and talented students, independent of their socio-economic background. We particularly encourage applications from talented students of underprivileged backgrounds, who would benefit the most from such an opportunity, which could be truly career-enabling.
  • The research internship will foster scientific exchange between scientists of different parts of the world and provide a culturally enriching experience.
  • The program aims to increase the impact, breadth, and diversity of our highly successful international Vienna BioCenter Summer School

Program Description

Selected fellows will participate in a three-month research internship at the Vienna BioCenter (VBC) in Vienna, Austria, one of the top research institutions in Europe.

  • Dates: 1 June – 31 August 2026 (3-month program)
  • Application deadline: 15.01.2026
  • Selected fellows
    • will receive a fellowship that will cover travel, accommodation, health insurance and a monthly stipend
    • will conduct their own research during the 3-month research internship in the world-class international research environment of the Vienna BioCenter (VBC)
    • will participate in lectures, social activities, and a closing summer school symposium where they will present their own research projects to their colleagues and the VBC community
    • need to have a valid passport and may need to apply for a work visa at an Austrian Consulate

Program Requirements

  • Have completed at least 3 years of university courses in biology or relevant subject areas (senior undergraduate or master level students)
    • a final bachelor or master degree is not required
    • students already enrolled in a PhD are not eligible to apply
  • Basic knowledge of biological research and technical laboratory skills; prior lab experience is beneficial but not required;
  • English proficiency (English will be the working language)
  • High level of motivation and willingness to learn
  • Excellent team-player and ability to work in a group
  • Commitment to attend the entire three months (June 1st – August 31st)

This special program is currently only open to students from selected target countries. Target countries are selected by the VBC Summer School steering committee from low-income countries in Africa, Central/South America or Asia  and will change every year. 

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