The EMBO Global Investigator Programme was launched in 2019 with the aim to forge a network that supports the next generation of scientific leaders that have started their laboratories in EMBC Associate Member States (currently India and Singapore) or in countries or territories covered by a cooperation agreement with EMBC (currently Chile and Taiwan). The Programme provides the selected scientists with opportunities to interact with other researchers in the same region and life scientists based in Europe (EMBO Young Investigators and Installation Grantees), allowing for the establishment of cooperation. EMBO Global Investigators receive funding for various networking and meeting possibilities.
Apply to be a Global Investigator
Funds are available for EMBO Global Investigators for:
- Visiting laboratories in Europe to give a scientific seminar or to plan or continue a collaboration
- Training in research leadership and management skills through EMBO Lab Leadership Courses
- Inviting other EMBO Global Investigators, EMBO Members or current EMBO Young Investigators to give a scientific lecture at their institute
- Organising joint group meetings with other laboratories
- Attending or organising regional or international scientific meetings
- Attending the biennial EMBO Global Investigator Network meeting with EMBO Members and EMBO Young Investigators
- A lab retreat
- Covering fees for publications in EMBO Press journals
- Plus further benefits: mentorship by an EMBO Member, research integrity training and access to childcare support when attending conferences
Applicants must
- Have been group leaders of a laboratory for at least one year and for less than six years on 1 January in the year of the application.*
- Perform life science research in an EMBC Associate Member State (currently India and Singapore) or in a country or territory covered by a cooperation agreement with EMBC (currently Chile and Taiwan).
- Have published at least one last author paper in an international peer-reviewed journal from work carried out in their laboratory.
*Extended eligibility period for candidates with children or under exceptional circumstances may apply.
Applications to the Global Investigator Network Programme are accepted annually via an online system. The application includes an online form and an offline form.
Application process
- The application deadline is 1 June 2019, 14:00 CEST. After this, the Global Activities office confirms candidates that their application has been successfully received.
- Applications of eligible candidates are sent to the EMBO Global Investigator Network Committee for a confidential review that will be used for pre-screening.
- Following pre-screening, approximately 20 applicants will be invited by email to a panel interview with an EMBO Member who is an expert in the applicant's research area. The remaining candidates are also informed of the outcome of their application by email.
- A final decision is made at the EMBO Global Investigator Network Committee meeting and candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application by email.
Required documentation
The complete application for the Global Investigator Network Programme consists of:
- CV
- Short summary of ongoing research
- Details of funding available to the laboratory
- List of publications and details of applicant's three best papers
- Description of the applicant's research vision
- Three letters of reference
- ORCID ID
For detailed information on the application process, key dates and required documentation, please consult the application guidelines.
Selection criteria
Although a geographically balanced set of selected network members is desirable, the primary selection criterion applied by the EMBO committee is scientific excellence. Additional aspects considered by the EMBO Global Investigator Network Committee are:
- Proposed research
- Group and research environment
- Financial and intellectual independence
For a detailed list of selection criteria, download our application guidelines.
Selection process
The selection process involves the following steps:
- The application stage: The committee selects a group of applicants for an interview in Heidelberg. The invited full applications are sent to an EMBO Member who is an expert in the applicant's research for a confidential review.
- Interview: Candidates attend a panel interview with a subset of the Global Investigator Network Committee, where they deliver a presentation summarizing their current results, projects and future directions, followed by discussion.
- Final decision: Following the interviews, the committee makes a final decision, and all candidates are informed by email of the outcome of their application.
Due to the high number of applications, it is not possible to give any individual feedback. Reasons for the rejection will not be communicated.
EMBO expects responsible conduct of research from its awardees. All the research activities carried out shall be in compliance with fundamental ethical and research integrity principles. In line with our commitment with these initiatives, we require all members of the Global Investigator Network to complete an online course on research integrity.