Deadline: 17-Mar-2026
The HFSP Research Grant Program supports high-risk, high-reward basic life science research through international and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The program funds multinational teams investigating fundamental biological mechanisms, offering up to USD 500,000 per year for three years without requiring preliminary data or budgets at the application stage.
Overview
The HFSP Research Grant Program, administered by the Human Frontier Science Program Organization (HFSPO), promotes frontier basic research aimed at understanding the complex mechanisms of living systems.
The program is internationally competitive and emphasizes novelty, scientific excellence, interdisciplinarity, and global collaboration that would not typically be supported by national funding schemes.
Purpose and Vision
HFSP’s mission is to advance fundamental discoveries in the life sciences for the benefit of all humankind.
The program is designed to complement, not duplicate, domestic research funding by supporting unconventional, exploratory, and discovery-driven projects that address foundational biological questions and carry a degree of scientific risk.
Research Scope and Thematic Areas
HFSP supports basic research across all levels of biological organization.
Eligible research topics may include, but are not limited to:
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Genes, proteins, and individual molecules
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Intracellular pathways and molecular networks
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Cell–cell communication and tissue-level organization
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Organ systems and whole-organism function
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Neural and cognitive systems
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Population-level biology and ecosystem dynamics
Projects are expected to address fundamental questions at the frontiers of life science rather than applied, translational, or incremental research.
Emphasis on Innovation and Risk
HFSP actively encourages exploratory research and bold scientific ideas.
Preliminary data are not required.
Applicants must instead:
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Clearly articulate the novelty and originality of the approach
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Identify potential scientific risks
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Describe realistic mitigation or alternative strategies
This framework enables transformative research that may challenge existing paradigms.
Grant Structure and Funding Levels
Each awarded HFSP Research Grant is funded for three years, with the option to use remaining funds during a fourth year if needed.
Budgets are not required at any stage of the application process.
Funding is provided as a fixed annual amount based on team size:
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Two-member teams: USD 300,000 per year
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Three-member teams: USD 400,000 per year
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Teams of four or more members: USD 500,000 per year
All team members must have their laboratories in different countries to qualify for full funding.
What the Grant Can Be Used For
Grant funds are transferred directly to each team member’s institution.
Allowable uses include:
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Salaries for research personnel essential to the project
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Research materials and laboratory supplies
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Project-specific services and core facility access
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Travel and per diem for collaborative visits and fieldwork
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Communication, data sharing, and publication costs
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Limited indirect costs, in line with HFSP financial regulations
The funding is intended exclusively for new international collaborative research activities and must not replace existing domestic or institutional funding.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Research Teams
Applications must be submitted by international teams consisting of two to four members.
Each team must meet the following criteria:
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All members lead independent research groups
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All members hold a doctoral degree
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Each member is based in a different country
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Collaboration among all members is essential to achieving project goals
Teams are generally expected not to have prior close collaborations or joint publications, reinforcing HFSP’s focus on creating new scientific partnerships.
Interdisciplinarity and Internationality
HFSP places strong emphasis on:
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Intercontinental collaboration
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Integration of different scientific disciplines
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Complementary expertise across the team
Projects should demonstrate why close and continuous collaboration across borders and disciplines is critical to success.
Why the HFSP Research Grant Matters
HFSP is one of the few global funding programs that:
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Supports high-risk, high-impact basic research
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Removes the requirement for preliminary data
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Encourages unconventional and interdisciplinary ideas
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Prioritizes new international collaborations
The program plays a unique role in enabling transformative discoveries that may redefine understanding in the life sciences.
Application Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)
All applicants must first submit a compulsory Letter of Intent through ProposalCentral.
The LOI is screened for:
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Eligibility
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Alignment with HFSP’s scientific scope
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Compliance with team composition requirements
Only proposals that pass this screening move forward.
Step 2: Competitive Scientific Evaluation
Eligible LOIs undergo competitive scientific assessment based on HFSP criteria.
Successful teams are invited to submit a Full Proposal.
Step 3: Full Proposal Submission
Invited applicants submit a detailed Full Proposal outlining:
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Scientific objectives and novelty
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Interdisciplinary integration
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Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
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Collaborative structure and team roles
Final funding decisions are announced in March 2027.
Evaluation Criteria
Projects are evaluated on:
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Novelty and originality
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Frontier nature of the research question
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Scientific merit and ambition
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Interdisciplinary integration
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International collaboration quality
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Qualifications and complementarity of the research team
Ethics, Inclusion, and Compliance
HFSP promotes inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
Applicants of any gender, nationality, cultural background, or age are encouraged to apply.
All funded research must comply with:
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National and institutional research regulations
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International ethical standards
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Applicable laws governing scientific conduct
Common Application Tips
Focus on a bold, clearly articulated scientific question rather than incremental advances.
Explain why the collaboration cannot succeed without international and interdisciplinary integration.
Avoid framing the project as an extension of existing funded work.
Clearly describe how team members’ expertise is complementary and interdependent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HFSP Research Grant Program?
It is an international funding program supporting frontier basic research on complex biological systems through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Is preliminary data required?
No, preliminary data are not required, but applicants must identify risks and mitigation strategies.
How many researchers can be on a team?
Teams must consist of two to four independent researchers based in different countries.
Are budgets required during application?
No, HFSP does not require budgets at any stage of the application process.
How long is the funding period?
Grants are awarded for three years, with possible use of funds during a fourth year.
When are final funding decisions announced?
Final funding decisions are announced in March 2027.
Conclusion
The HFSP Research Grant Program offers a rare and powerful opportunity to pursue bold, interdisciplinary life science research through global collaboration.
By prioritizing novelty, scientific risk, and international cooperation, HFSP enables discoveries that push the boundaries of biological knowledge and contribute to a deeper understanding of life itself.
For more information, visit HFSP.
