Talented early-career researchers who wish to further their work in artificial intelligence at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland, have a great chance with the EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowship. The fellowship gives scholars the chance to contribute to cutting-edge, multidisciplinary AI research while working in a prestigious university setting.
In addition to allowing fellows to work with at least two EPFL laboratories run by academic members connected to the EPFL AI Center, the fellowship promotes collaboration across several fields of artificial intelligence. Researchers can create multidisciplinary initiatives, connect with researchers working on related AI subjects, and gain from many areas of expertise thanks to this collaborative structure.
The research independence granted to fellows is one of the main characteristics of the fellowship. Researchers are mostly allowed to create their own research agendas and work on topics that align with their areas of expertise and academic interest. Fellows also join the larger EPFL AI Center research community, which offers them chances to work together, share expertise, attend seminars, and engage with other AI researchers.
Additionally, the effort emphasizes responsible and reliable artificial intelligence. The fellowship promotes work addressing significant issues related to contemporary AI systems, such as bias, privacy, fairness, transparency, and responsible development, in addition to furthering technological and scientific research.
The fellowship promotes multidisciplinary approaches to AI research and is intended to assist academics from a variety of academic backgrounds. The initiative seeks to advance scientific excellence and the creation of AI technologies that can benefit society by bringing together scholars from many disciplines and viewpoints.
The EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowship provides a robust research environment in Switzerland for early-career researchers who want to establish an independent research profile, work with several laboratories, and contribute to the future development of responsible artificial intelligence.
EPFL AI Fellowship 2026 – Quick Details
Host Country: Switzerland
University: EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
Opportunity Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship
Eligible Applicants: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Field: Artificial Intelligence and related disciplines
Deadline: 09 November 2026
Application Method: Online application
Degree Level
- Designed for postdoctoral researchers and final-year PhD students.
- Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, or Applied Mathematics.
- Supports interdisciplinary collaboration and independent AI research.
Available Subjects
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- AI Algorithms and Methods
- AI Applications in Science and Technology
- Responsible and Ethical AI
- AI Safety and Evaluation
- Interdisciplinary AI Research
Eligibility Criteria for EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026, Switzerland
Applicants generally need to:
- Possess a PhD in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a similar discipline.
- Have finished their PhD within two years before the application deadline.
- Be in the final year of a doctoral program, provided the degree is completed before the fellowship begins.
- Seek support from two professors affiliated with the EPFL AI Center.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic and professional achievements.
- Submit only one application.
- Applicants from outside EPFL are especially encouraged to apply, while eligible senior PhD students and junior postdoctoral researchers at EPFL may also be considered.
Applicants should contact potential EPFL AI Center faculty members early to discuss their research interests and obtain support for their proposed project.
Benefits of EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026, Switzerland
- Fellowship support accounts for approximately 50% of the postdoctoral researcher’s annual salary, according to EPFL remuneration scales.
- The participating EPFL host laboratories cover the remaining salary.
- Fellows may receive up to CHF 5,000 per fellowship year for eligible research-related expenses.
- Funding may support research expenses, open-access publications, conferences, travel, and open research data.
- Host laboratories provide office or laboratory space, equipment, infrastructure, and administrative support.
- Fellows benefit from a collaborative environment focused on AI innovation and interdisciplinary research.
- Researchers have the opportunity to develop an independent research agenda.
- Fellows can collaborate with multiple laboratories and researchers affiliated with the EPFL AI Center.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents for the fellowship application:
- Updated CV or academic résumé
- PhD certificate or proof of doctoral completion
- Academic transcripts, where required
- Research proposal
- Description of the proposed AI research project
- Personal or motivation statement, if requested
- Names and details of the two EPFL AI Center-affiliated host professors
- Evidence of support from the proposed EPFL host professors
- List of academic publications and research achievements
- Contact details of referees, if required
- Any additional documents requested in the official application system
Applicants should carefully review the official fellowship requirements because document requirements may vary according to the application cycle.
Application Procedure
Step 1: Review the Fellowship Requirements
Check the eligibility conditions, research areas, deadline, and application instructions before preparing your application.
Step 2: Identify EPFL Host Professors
Find two EPFL AI Center-affiliated professors whose research interests closely match your proposed project.
Step 3: Contact Potential Supervisors
Contact the potential host professors well before the deadline. Discuss your research interests, proposed project, and possible collaboration.
Step 4: Prepare Your Research Proposal
Develop a clear research proposal explaining your research objectives, methodology, expected contribution, and relevance to AI research.
Step 5: Prepare Supporting Documents
Gather your CV, PhD documentation, academic records, research achievements, proposal, host-professor information, and other required materials.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Complete the online application and submit all required documents before the 09 November 2026 deadline.
Step 7: Wait for the Selection Process
After submission, applications are reviewed according to the fellowship’s academic and research selection criteria.
Selection Process
The selection process focuses on the overall strength and potential of the applicant and proposed research. Important considerations may include:
- Academic excellence
- Quality of previous research
- Research experience and achievements
- Quality and originality of the proposed research
- Potential contribution to artificial intelligence
- Relevance of the project to the EPFL AI Center
- Interdisciplinary research potential
- Support from two EPFL AI Center-affiliated professors
- Applicant’s potential to develop an independent research agenda
- Commitment to responsible and innovative AI research
Applicants are encouraged to develop a strong research proposal and establish meaningful collaboration with suitable EPFL faculty members before submitting their application.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 is:
09 November 2026
Applicants are advised to complete their research proposal, contact potential host professors, and prepare supporting documents well before the deadline.
Apply Now
FAQs – EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026, Switzerland
What is the EPFL AI Center Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026?
It is a postdoctoral research opportunity at EPFL in Switzerland that supports early-career researchers working in artificial intelligence and related fields.
Who can apply for the EPFL AI Fellowship?
Postdoctoral researchers and final-year PhD students in relevant fields such as Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, and Applied Mathematics can generally apply if they meet the fellowship requirements.
Do I need a PhD to apply?
Yes. Applicants generally need to hold a PhD or be in the final year of their doctoral programme, provided the PhD will be completed before the fellowship begins.
How many EPFL professors must support the application?
Applicants are expected to secure support from two EPFL AI Center-affiliated professors.
Is the EPFL AI Fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides substantial financial support, including approximately 50% of the postdoctoral salary, with the remaining salary covered by participating EPFL host laboratories. Fellows may also receive up to CHF 5,000 per fellowship year for eligible expenses.
What research areas are supported?
Research areas include Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, AI algorithms and methods, AI applications, responsible AI, AI safety and evaluation, and interdisciplinary AI research.
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. The fellowship is open to eligible researchers from different backgrounds, and applicants from outside EPFL are particularly encouraged to apply.
What is the application deadline?
The stated deadline is 09 November 2026.
Should I contact EPFL professors before applying?
Yes. Applicants should contact suitable EPFL AI Center-affiliated faculty members in advance to discuss their research interests and secure support for the proposed project.
