Enrico Fermi Fellowships for Doctoral Students (2026–2027 Cohort) Deadline: 19 October, 2025

Introduction

The Center for SpaceTime and the Quantum (CSTQ) has officially launched the second call for applications for the Enrico Fermi Fellowships (EFF). Funded by the John Templeton Foundation, this prestigious fellowship supports doctoral students interested in the conceptual frontiers of fundamental science.

The EFF program invites talented graduate students from around the world to apply for a unique opportunity that bridges theory and experimentation in disciplines such as fundamental physics, cosmology, quantum foundations, and more.

About the Fellowship

The Enrico Fermi Fellowship is designed to promote cross-training between theory and experiment in key areas of scientific inquiry. It offers a high level of financial and professional support for students undertaking groundbreaking research.

Key Details

• Application Deadline: 19 October 2025, 23:59 CET (Marseille time)

• Start Date: Flexible, between end of April 2026 and January 2027

• Duration: 1 to 2 years (exceptionally up to 3 years)

• Annual Budget: Up to EUR 105,000

• Location: Global, with placements at participating institutions

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Competitive salary and benefits

• Travel allowance for conferences and academic events

• Research funds for supervising professors

• Mentoring and training opportunities

• Participation in collaborative scientific gatherings organized by CSTQ

Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to doctoral students worldwide who are:

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program or equivalent graduate-level research program

• Conducting research in fundamental science fields including:

  • Fundamental physics

  • Astronomy

  • Cosmology

  • Quantum foundations

  • Complexity and emergence

• Eager to engage with both theoretical and experimental approaches

• Demonstrating outstanding academic merit and commitment to conceptual exploration

About CSTQ and the Fellowship’s Purpose

CSTQ aims to cultivate a new generation of scientists equipped to tackle the philosophical and technical challenges at the heart of physical reality. The Enrico Fermi Fellowships advance this mission by fostering collaboration, flexibility, and creative exploration in scientific research.

Previous Cohort

The first cohort in 2024 saw 11 fellows funded across various institutions, highlighting the program’s success in attracting top-tier talent. These fellows worked on cross-cutting projects that merged theory with experimental insight, enriching the field of fundamental science.

How to Apply

To apply, interested candidates should:

1. Review the official fellowship flyer

2. Prepare the required application materials

3. Submit their application via email to: eff@cstq.org

More details, including eligibility and FAQs, can be found HERE

Conclusion

The Enrico Fermi Fellowship offers an extraordinary platform for doctoral researchers to pursue big questions in science, supported by financial resources and a collaborative community. If you are driven by curiosity and committed to advancing our understanding of the universe, this fellowship is an opportunity to significantly deepen your research impact.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND APPLY