Building capacity in ME/CFS research is critical for advancing our understanding of this
complex condition.
Young and early career researchers play a pivotal role in this effort,
bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the field.
Now, the Vienna Science and Technology Fund (WWTF), is initiating a new scheme that will further enhance research into the disease
and provide new possibilities for young and early career researchers
to develop their knowledge.
The WWTF is announcing a fellowship programme to allow lab rotations with various research groups in Vienna.
More details are provided below.
Young EMERG is dedicated to supporting early career ME researchers through initiatives
such as this ME/CFS Call 2026 Fellowships.
In November 2025, Young EMERG will
host a workshop in Vienna, and included will be
an opportunity for ECRs to learn more about this fellowship,
connect with experts, and engage in initiatives to explore potential collaborations.
WWTF ME/CFS Fellowship Call 2026
Scope of the Call
This call invites early career ME/CFS researchers to conduct a six
months research stay in Vienna or abroad. The ME/CFS Fellowship
programme aims to strengthen the ME/CFS community by supporting
excellent young scientists, helping to accumulate expertise on ME/CFS
within various research groups in Vienna.
The programme provides a
stipend for fellows to learn new methods and techniques in renowned
laboratories in Vienna or abroad.
The fellowship should help young
researchers forge and strengthen international connections early in
their career and enrich the ME/CFS research community in Vienna with
their expertise.
Who can apply?
Early career researchers starting at PhD level (exceptions can be
made for outstanding young researchers already showing academic success
at an earlier stage of education)
The applicants must be based/will be hosted at a university or
non-university research institution in Vienna
Project Duration
6 months
Funding
Call volume: € 200.000
Fellowship budget: up to € 40.000 per person
Personnel and non-personnel costs can be claimed
Max. 30% non-personnel costs
No overhead costs
Timeline
Time until deadline:
Deadline: 3 February, 2026, 14:00 CET
Expected funding decision: late March, 2026
Fellowship should start the latest in June, 2026
Process / Zoom Meeting
International Jury
Application via WWTF Funding Portal
On October 22 at 10 a.m. CET, there will also be a short information session hosted by the WWTF.
At the recent International ME Conference Week in UK organised by UK charity Invest in ME Research,
a presentation was given at the #IIMEC17 International ME Conference by
Professor Eva Untersmayr-Elsenhuber, of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
The presentation, entitled "Austria: Concerted research efforts for ME/CFS" gave an
overview of some of the research and efforts being made to research and treat ME in Austria.
Interested in being part of this exciting European initiative or staying in the loop about
future Young EMERG events?
Use the contact form to join up with Young EMERG.
The next in the series of Young EMERG International ME Workshops has been arranged for Vienna, Austria.
The event will take place on 27-28 November 2025 at the Medical University of Vienna.
