Visiting Researchers
Applications 2026
The call for applications for the Visiting Fellows Program 2026 is now open.
Next submission deadline: June 30th, 2026.
The Visiting Fellows Program is aimed at promising researchers who wish to conduct research at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine for a specified period of time. During their stay, fellows receive a workplace at the University and are invited to share and develop their ideas through participation in lectures, seminars, colloquia and conferences.
The program is aimed at researchers of Health Sciences and Medicine who are conducting research in one of the subject areas covered by our professorships. The aim of the initiative is to create new national and international collaborations and promote inter- and transdisciplinary exchange.
The following visiting researcher options are available:
Short term research visits:
From 1 to 4 weeks.
Mainly for Master or PhD students, who are affiliated with projects led by one of our faculty members.
Longer term visiting positions:
A stay usually ranges from 1 to 3 months. In some cases, a stay of up to 6 months is possible, if the visa regulations are compatible.
For PhD holders, postdocs, associate professors, or professors are particularly welcome to apply.
This category is limited to 2 visiting researchers per year in our faculty.
About the Faculty
We are dedicated to addressing the evolving health needs of society through an interdisciplinary and person-centered approach that breaks traditional boundaries.
Our comprehensive academic offerings in Health Sciences and Medicine include undergraduate and graduate degrees, alongside continuing education programs, all rooted in deep knowledge about health and bolstered by innovative teaching, and cutting-edge research that has both national and international impact.
Research
The Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine (GMF) is organised in three closely cooperating departments:
- Health Sciences and Health Policy
- Medicine and Medical Sciences and
- Rehabilitation Sciences and Human Functioning Sciences.
In addition to the departments, research is bundled in various centres and research units.
Our research focuses on pivotal, contemporary challenges within the health system, e.g.:
- Social change and demographic shifts: Understanding and adapting to the changing needs of our global population.
- Digital innovation: Harnessing digital technologies to enhance health outcomes.
- Sustainable healthcare: Promoting high-quality care that is accessible for all and sustainable.
- Healthy living and well-being: Creating opportunities for individuals to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
- Evidence-based policymaking: Shaping effective policies that improve health systems and outcomes through informed research and strategic partnerships.
Applications should relate to research topics that are being investigated in the faculty.
Applicants are advised to consult the Guidelines (below) prior to making submissions. Please contact research_gmf@unilu.ch if you have any questions.
Please note that you will need funding from your University of origin or from other parties. The faculty does not provide any funding.
There are no restrictions on nationality or country of residence. Please be advised, however, that it is the responsibility of the applicant to check necessary visa requirements for Switzerland. The University’s Welcome Centre may be able to assist in this regard (welcome-centre@unilu.ch).
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact research_gmf@unilu.ch
During their stay, fellows are generally expected to:
- participate in the faculty’s activities (workshops, seminars, lectures, conferences);
- meet regularly with our members and other fellows;
- avail themselves of further opportunities for exchange;
- be in residence in Lucerne.
Agreements on specific work tasks are made prior to commencement of the fellowship in liaison with the Dean of the Faculty, Associate Director and/or designated academic mentor. These will be tailored to the needs, expectations and experience of individual fellows.
Options might include:
- presentation of a paper at a research seminar/colloquium;
- delivery of a guest lecture as part of a teaching module;
- (co-)organisation of a seminar or workshop
Applications are submitted in response to an annual call. All candidates should submit:
- a completed application form;
- an up-to-date academic CV (including a list of publications).
Please complete the application form and send this together with an up-to-date academic CV (including a list of publications) to the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Stefan Boes research_gmf@unilu.ch
Decisions will be made by a selection panel, following the submission deadline.
