The first WIRVA call will open in early October 2026
The Weibel International Research Visit Award (WIRVA)
Image credit: Barbara Krieger / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0).
The Weibel International Research Visit Award (WIRVA) supports early-career researchers based in Switzerland in undertaking international research visits to leading laboratories worldwide. The award aims to foster scientific exchange, establish new collaborations, promote knowledge transfer, and strengthen the Swiss life sciences community.
Established in 2026 by Life Sciences Switzerland (LS2) through the generous legacy of Ewald and Verena Weibel, WIRVA honours the pioneering Swiss scientist and LS2 founder Professor Ewald R. Weibel, internationally recognised for his groundbreaking contributions to anatomy, physiology and quantitative morphology. His work exemplified scientific curiosity, international collaboration and a commitment to excellence.
Each award provides up to CHF 5,000 to support travel and accommodation costs associated with an international research visit. WIRVA is awarded as a fixed award rather than a reimbursement grant, allowing awardees maximum flexibility while keeping the administrative process simple.
Guidelines
Applicants must:
- be LS2 members;
- hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree (MD-PhD);
- be employed at a Swiss university or research institution;
- remain employed at their home institution following completion of the research visit;
- propose a research visit to an international host institution outside Switzerland;
The award provides up to CHF 5,000 to support eligible costs associated with the research visit, including travel, accommodation, visa expenses and, where applicable, costs related to accompanying children. The award amount may be adjusted based on the proposed duration and estimated costs of the visit. Registration fees for conferences or courses are not covered.
Applications are evaluated by the WIRVA Evaluation Committee based on: scientific track record and potential of the applicant; scientific quality and originality of the proposed project; feasibility of the proposed research visit; expected benefit for the applicant's scientific development; expected impact for the Swiss life sciences community and previous engagement with LS2 (duration of the membership, participation in meetings, volunteering).
Applications open yearly, on October 01, with submission deadline on February 28/29 in the following year. The final decision is communicated by email in early May. Research visits must begin between one and twelve months after the award notification.
For questions regarding eligibility or the application process, please contact: info@ls2.ch
Download full guidelines below. Templates for cost estimate and host/home institution confirmation provided HERE.
