Affinity Scholarship Program

The NCCR Separations Affinity Scholarship Program offers Bachelor’s and Master’s students from underrepresented groups the opportunity to undertake a 2–6 month paid research stay in a laboratory affiliated with NCCR Separations.
The program aims to promote equal opportunities in separation science by giving students access to hands-on research experience, scientific training and the NCCR research network. Participants work on a research project directly related to the scientific activities of NCCR Separations, with the opportunity to develop new skills, gain experience in a research environment and contribute to scientific outcomes.

What is funded?
Selected students receive a monthly living allowance of up to CHF 1,600, calculated pro rata according to the actual duration of the research stay.
The scholarship also covers:
– travel costs, based on a second-class train ticket or low-cost/economy airfare; and
– visa or permit processing fees, where applicable.

When needed, train tickets or flights may be arranged in advance through the NCCR or host institution administration.
If a participant already receives financial support from another scholarship or program, NCCR funding may complement this support up to a combined maximum of CHF 1,600 per month.
The scholarship does not cover research costs such as laboratory consumables, computers, equipment or other materials required for the research project. These costs are the responsibility of the host laboratory.
The scholarship is a funding award intended to support costs associated with the research stay. It does not constitute an employment contract or create an employer–employee relationship between the participant and NCCR Separations, EPFL or the host institution.

How to apply?
Applications are submitted through three competitive calls per year and must be completed in English.
Step 1 — Online application: Submit your application through the online Application Tool and provide the following documents:
– CV — maximum 2 pages;
– completed application questionnaire;
– proof of university enrolment and an up-to-date academic transcript; and
– declaration of other scholarships or financial support, if applicable.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications received after a deadline may only be considered in the following application round.

Step 2 — Online interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 30-minute online interview with the selection committee.

Application timeline

How are applications evaluated?
Applications are evaluated through a two-stage selection process.
The written application and interview are assessed according to:
– motivation and research potential;
– academic and extracurricular achievements;
– expected benefit of the research stay;
– fit with the Affinity Scholarship Program and preferred host laboratories;
– alignment between the applicant’s interests and available NCCR research projects; and
– eligibility under the program’s target criteria, including barriers to accessing research opportunities.
Unsuccessful applicants may submit a new application in a subsequent call.

How is the host laboratory selected?
In the application questionnaire, applicants indicate their preferred host laboratories. Following the scientific evaluation, the NCCR PMU contacts potential host laboratories to confirm their capacity to supervise the selected student. A scholarship offer is only confirmed once a suitable host laboratory has formally agreed to receive the participant.
The exact starting date is then agreed between the participant and the host laboratory.

During your research stay
Affinity scholars become part of the NCCR Separations community and are invited to participate in relevant NCCR activities taking place during their stay, such as seminars, site visits and the NCCR Annual Meeting. Where several scholars are hosted during the same period, joint activities may also be organized.
Participants are expected to engage actively in their research project and comply with the rules and regulations of their host institution and laboratory, as well as the NCCR Code of Conduct. Depending on the project, participants may also be required to sign a confidentiality agreement before starting their research activities.

Travel, accommodation, insurance and administrative requirements
Participants are responsible for organizing their travel administration with the support of the NCCR management office as well as completing any administrative procedures required by the host institution. Depending on the host institution and country, these requirements may include: visa or residence permit procedures; proof of financial resources; institutional admission procedures; health and accident insurance; and other country- or institution-specific requirements.
Participants requiring a visa or residence permit for a research stay in Switzerland will receive administrative support from the NCCR PMU and host institution in preparing the necessary documentation. However, obtaining and maintaining the appropriate immigration status remains the participant’s responsibility and is subject to the decisions of the relevant authorities. Participants are also responsible for complying with any applicable tax, social security, insurance or other legal requirements associated with their stay.

Ready to apply?
Before submitting your application, make sure that:
– you meet the eligibility criteria;
– you will remain enrolled at your home university throughout the scholarship;
– you have prepared all required documents;
– you have identified your preferred research projects or areas; and
– you submit your complete application before the relevant call deadline.

Submit your application through the Affinity Scholarship Program Application Tool

Questions?
For questions please contact the NCCR Program Managers at nccr-separations@epfl.ch.