EMBOCOFUND2010 · Fostering trans-national research and mobility in the European Research Area - Promoting excellence in Life Sciences through co-funding of the EMBO Long-term Fellowship Programme

The EMBO Fellowship Programme supports international mobility and exchange in the molecular life sciences. Renowned for its attention to scientific excellence, the programme has funded thousands of talented young scientists since its establishment in the 1960s. EMBO Long-term Fellowships support advanced research and training, awarding funds to postdoctoral scientists for research visits between European countries or when justified worldwide. Since 2001, the demand for EMBO Fellowships more than doubled, illustrating the continued high demand for postdoctoral training in the life sciences. In 2007, EMBO successfully applied at the first published call for the Co-fund action. After the start of the project in 2009, the impact of the co-funding is already visible since a significant higher number of fellowships were awarded during the autumn selection 2009 and those selected fellows are enjoying the benefits and the high prestige of an EMBO Fellowship – co-funded by a Marie Curie Action. This project outline how a continued co-funding of EMBO Long-term Fellowships will positively contribute to the further development of the European Research Area.