The Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) Research Grants support international teams exploring fundamental problems in the life sciences. The program emphasizes novelty, scientific merit, international collaboration, and interdisciplinary approaches. HFSP aims to fund research that pushes the boundaries of current knowledge.

These grants are designed for teams of scientists from different countries who want to combine their expertise in innovative ways. The goal is to tackle questions that individual labs cannot address alone. The program seeks to foster breakthroughs in understanding complex biological systems.

HFSP supports projects across all organizational and trophic levels of the life sciences. A major criterion is the potential to move the frontiers of life sciences and lead to a breakthrough, even if it entails high risk. Applications from individual researchers are not eligible.

Eligibility and Team Composition

HFSP promotes international, interdisciplinary, and new research collaborations. To be eligible, scientists must form an international research team, with an emphasis on intercontinental collaborations. The program does not accept applications from individual researchers.

A research team can consist of 2 to 4 (rarely 5) members. One team member must be designated as the Principal Applicant, while the others are Co-Applicants. The team should represent diverse expertise and perspectives.

The program encourages collaboration between researchers with different backgrounds and skill sets. This interdisciplinary approach is key to addressing complex scientific questions. The team should demonstrate a clear plan for integrating their expertise.

Types of Research Grants

The Research Grants Program is designed to enable teams of independent researchers to develop new lines of research through novel collaborations. These grants support projects that explore uncharted territory and push the boundaries of scientific understanding.

Early Career Research Grants encourage outstanding scientists in the initial stages of their independent careers to formulate novel and promising research projects. Typically, "Early Career" team members will have completed one or two postdoctoral training periods and recently been appointed to independent staff positions.

Both types of grants aim to foster innovation and collaboration in the life sciences. The focus is on supporting high-risk, high-reward projects that have the potential to transform the field.

Funding Details and Award Amounts

Awarded teams receive a fixed sum over three years, depending on the team size. Budgets are not required during the application process. The funding is intended to support the research activities of the entire team.

The award amounts are as follows: 2-member teams receive $300,000 USD annually, 3-member teams receive $400,000 USD annually, and 4-member teams receive $500,000 USD annually, if all members have their labs in different countries. These amounts are intended to cover research expenses, personnel costs, and other related expenses.

The funding is disbursed annually over the three-year grant period. Teams are expected to manage their budgets effectively and report on their progress regularly.

Application Timeline and Key Dates

The application process involves two main stages. The first step is to initiate a Letter of Intent (LOI) on the HFSP website. The deadline to initiate the LOI is 18 March 2025, and the deadline to complete its submission is 27 March 2025.

Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal by mid-September 2025. Decisions on awarded grants will be announced at the end of March 2026. Applicants should carefully review the guidelines and requirements before submitting their applications.

It is crucial to adhere to all deadlines and submission requirements. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to start the application process early to allow ample time for preparation.