HER (Hosting Excellent Researchers) initiative - Call 2026

The Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) invites applications for its Visiting Female Researcher Program 2026, aimed at promoting the participation of women in research through short-term scientific visits.

Selected candidates will carry out a research stay of between 1 and 5 months at DIPC.

The program provides financial support covering travel expenses, accommodation, and daily allowances (per diem).

Applications are open under two categories:

• Senior researchers: applicants with a permanent research position.
• Junior researchers: applicants with a non-permanent position who completed their PhD between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2024. This eligibility period might be extended under special circumstances such as maternity (18 months for each child) or long-term illness (documented amount of leave actually taken).

• Estimated annual gross salary: Support provided under this program is intended exclusively to cover expenses associated with the research stay and does not constitute salary or imply any employment relationship with DIPC.

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Joining a research center of international relevance with a multidisciplinary, international and enthusiastic environment.

Applicants must submit:

• A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A Motivation letter, of up to 4 pages, including a description of the research
  project to be carried out at DIPC. While not mandatory, the following will be
  positively valued: i) names of potential collaborators at DIPC, ii) prospects for
  future synergies, and iii) projects that expand, enrich, or complement existing
  lines of work.
• Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

Application material should be sent to: [email protected]

Applications may be submitted at any time. The call will remain open until the annual funds are exhausted.

• Reference: HER 2026
• Application deadline: 2026/12/31
• Application email: [email protected]

Applications will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• CV of the candidate (45%)
• Scientific project (45%)
• Letters of reference and personal interviews (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.