ISTernship Fellowship: Summer Research Opportunity at ISTA
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) offers an exciting summer research opportunity through its ISTernship Fellowship program. Since 2013, this prestigious fellowship has been providing students and recent graduates with the chance to develop their scientific research skills in a cutting-edge interdisciplinary environment.
Each summer, selected ISTerns from around the world join ISTA for 2-3 months to work on research projects under the guidance of ISTA professors. This program offers not just research experience but also a tailored series of events to maximize the campus experience, culminating in a poster session where participants present their work to the broader ISTA community.
Application Timeline
Applications for the 2025 intake are now closed. The final deadline was February 5, 2025, at 15:00 CET. All applicants will receive their results via email by April 7, 2025.
For those interested in the 2026 intake, details will be announced in December 2025.
Research Areas and Duration
The fellowship offers research opportunities across all areas of basic research at ISTA, including:
Biology
Computer science
Data science & scientific computing
Mathematics
Physics
Neuroscience
Chemistry & materials
Interdisciplinary areas
The fellowship duration is 2-3 months between May 15 and September 15. The exact dates and length are decided with host professors after selection.
Eligibility Criteria
The ISTernship Fellowship welcomes applicants from across the world who meet the following criteria:
Current students and recent graduates with bachelor's or master's degrees (or equivalent) from all disciplines of natural sciences, mathematics, computer sciences, physics, chemistry, and related interdisciplinary areas
Applicants must have completed at least the second year or fourth semester of their bachelor's studies before the program start date
Recent graduates who completed their degree within one year of the program start date are eligible (those who graduated before May 15, 2024, are not eligible)
Important exclusions:
Students accepted to or enrolled in a PhD program are not eligible
ISTernship applicants invited to interview for ISTA's PhD program become ineligible for the ISTernship program
Applicants currently enrolled in universities located in Russia are ineligible due to suspended mobility programs
Application Requirements
A complete application requires the following documents:
CV/Resume (a template is available for download)
Statement of Purpose
Contact information of 1 or 2 referees
1-2 names of participating ISTA host professor(s)
University transcripts and diplomas (including all degree programs and years attended/enrolled)
No English language tests are required; English skills are evaluated through the application components. Importantly, applicants should not contact professors directly to apply for the fellowship.
Tips for a Strong Application
For a compelling Statement of Purpose, consider addressing:
Your motivation to participate in the ISTernship Fellowship
Why you've chosen the specific professor(s)/research group(s) indicated in your application
Skills you want to develop or learn during the fellowship
The potential impact of the ISTernship Fellowship on your scientific journey
Fellowship Benefits
Selected ISTerns receive comprehensive support including:
Monthly scholarship payment of €1,150 to cover basic living expenses
Travel allowance for round-trip transportation to ISTA
Health insurance assistance through OeAD
Subsidized accommodation on campus or in OeAD-operated student residences in Vienna
Free access to the ISTA shuttle bus with hourly service to Vienna on business days
Administrative support with travel and visa arrangements if required
The program is conducted entirely in English, and 100% in-person uninterrupted presence is required for participation.
ISTernship Community and Activities
The ISTernship experience includes several enriching events:
Research presentations by ISTA professors and postdocs (July & August)
Invitation to annual ISTA events over the summer
Annual poster session where ISTerns present their research projects (August)
Testimonials from Former ISTerns
"I gained a lot of confidence working independently and analyzing data, as I got great supervision from my mentors in the lab. Moreover, I developed my practical skills in multiple techniques, particularly protein purification and TIRF microscopy." - Marta Luterek
"During my time in the lab, I learned many new techniques and how to design experiments. My amazing supervisors guided me through the whole process, teaching me 'the secrets of the job' and allowing me to learn from my mistakes." - Gabriele Quaranta
"At ISTA, I worked in the Palacci group, studying the behavior of artificial swimmers on curved surfaces. I learned a lot during my ISTernship, such as how to code in MATLAB and how to use an optical microscope." - Siong Chen Meng
Further Information
For more information about the program, consult the FAQ section on the official website. If your question is not answered there, you can reach out via email at isternship@ista.ac.at.
The ISTernship Fellowship is developed in cooperation with OeAD, the Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation, which handles scholarship payments and assists with administrative matters.
This summer fellowship provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain valuable research experience in a world-class scientific environment while building international connections and advancing their academic careers.
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