Call for proposals - PhD Booster Programme 2026

Monday, March 16th, 2026

The Faculty of Medicine launches the call for proposals for the 8th edition of the PhD Booster Programme. The programme is aimed at PhD students in life science who wish to deepen their skills in scientific communication and outreach and promote their thesis project.


All participants (up to 18 on a first-come-first-served basis) will receive personalised coaching to improve the presentation of their project, strengthen their ability to communicate clearly to a lay audience and master speaking in front of a camera. At the end of the process, a jury of scientists and communication specialists will award four grants of CHF 5,000 each to four finalists. We will continue our fundraising efforts with the aim of offering a fifth grant.


Although basic research remains essential for the development of new medical treatments, it often remains unknown, misunderstood or unattractive to a wider public. The Booster wishes to change this reality by promoting the excellence of biomedical research in Geneva and by demonstrating how this important work paves the way towards new therapies.


Conditions of participation and eligibility criteria:

  • This programme is open to PhD/MD-PhD students of the Faculty of Medicine, PSLS students, and students from the Lemanic Neuroscience Doctoral School affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Science
  • Candidates must have completed at least 18 months of their PhD by 30 April 2026 and finish their PhD no sooner than July 2027, in order to have time to disburse the grant (this rule does not apply to MD-PhD students)
  • Due to the high number of applicants and budget restrictions, we limit the number of candidates to 18 and will prioritize the candidates who apply for the first time
  • The candidates must be available to participate 1) in the auditions (in person only), 2) in the coaching sessions (online and in person) and 3) in the video shooting


Please read carefully ALL the conditions of participation before applying!


Application deadline: 7 April 2026

Auditions: 21 (PM) and 23 April (AM) 2026 (mandatory and in-person only)


Registration and more information here: https://www.unige.ch/medecine/en/booster2026