Switzerland Cyber Defense Fellowship 2025
Are you enthusiastic about cybersecurity, data science, or digital protection? Envisioning a role in pioneering research that safeguards our online environment? Here’s your opportunity to participate in one of Europe’s most esteemed talent programs—the CYD Fellowships, collaboratively provided by the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the Cyber-Defense (CYD) Campus in Switzerland.
The 12th application round is now officially underway! Whether you are a Master’s student, a PhD candidate, or a postdoctoral researcher, this chance is designed to assist you in investigating cyber-defense at the most advanced academic and research tiers.
About the CYD Fellowship Program
The CYD Fellowships, A Talent Program for Cyber-Defense Research, aims to enhance research excellence in cyber-defense by integrating fundamental and practical scientific endeavours. The initiative assists exceptional students and researchers who seek to investigate, create, and execute novel solutions to the increasing challenges of cybersecurity.
Fellows are based at a Swiss higher education institution while also performing some of their tasks at the CYD Campus—a Swiss cyber-competence hub situated at EPFL, ETH Zurich, and an office in Thun. The CYD Campus emphasizes proactive identification of cyber trends, innovations, and their societal effects, making it a perfect venue for acquiring advanced insights and practical skills in cyber-defense.
Types of Fellowship
1. Master Thesis Fellowships:
- For students studying in a Master’s program at a Swiss university who want to concentrate their thesis on a cyber-defense subject.
- Ongoing Applications: You can submit your application at any point during the year.
2. Doctoral Fellowships:
- Perfect for aspiring PhD candidates who possess a solid academic foundation and are eager to investigate cybersecurity issues through dedicated doctoral research.
- Present Application Deadline: 20 August 2025 (17:00 CEST)
- Upcoming Call Starts: 3 December 2025.
3. Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships:
- For exceptionally skilled researchers holding a PhD, focused on conducting advanced studies in cyber-defense and digital resilience.
- Present Application Deadline: 20 August 2025 (17:00 CEST).
Eligibility Requirements
This program is very competitive, with candidates chosen based on academic achievement, creativity, and research capability. Here’s what you require:
- A remarkable academic history with demonstrated accomplishments.
- A solid foundation in cyber defence, data science, computer science, or similar areas.
- Registration or association with a Swiss university or college
- A distinct research perspective pertinent to cybersecurity threats.
- Incentive to tackle actual cybersecurity risks
- Lastly, postdoctoral candidates must show a proven capability to work autonomously and guide advanced research efforts.
Benefits of the Scholarship
- Substantial Financial Assistance: Funds your research expenses, living expenses, and travel requirements.
- Premier Facilities: Utilize state-of-the-art laboratories and research resources at EPFL, ETH Zurich, and the CYD Campus.
- Expert Guidance: Collaborate with some of the most brilliant individuals in cybersecurity.
- Real-World Effects: Create research capable of affecting cybersecurity policies, technologies, and public safety measures.
- Global Network: Engage with an extensive community of researchers, professionals, and policymakers in Europe’s cyber-defense field.
How to Apply
Deadline for Applications: 20 August 2025. Applications for the Master Thesis Fellowships are accepted year-round, enabling interested Master’s students to submit their applications at any time.
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