Austrian society of surgery - Research scholarship

What the ÖGCH research scholarship gives you

During a research stay abroad, you will receive 1,000 EUR per month to cover your living costs. You will also receive a one-off travel allowance of 800 EUR towards your flight. For stays of more than 12 months, you may apply for support for accompanying family members: up to 30% extra for a spouse and up to 10% per child, subject to a maximum total increase of 50%. The scholarship is awarded by the Austrian Society for Surgery (ÖGCH). It is intended to support research in general surgery or a surgical speciality that promises innovative results for surgery in Austria.

The grant may be reduced if you receive other scholarships in the host country or undertake paid work there. If you are in regular paid employment there, you will not be entitled to it at all.

Who can apply

• Your job: You are a surgeon and work at a university hospital or in a hospital.
• Age: At the time of applying, you are 40 years old or younger.
• Membership: You are a full member of the ÖGCH and have paid all outstanding membership fees prior to submitting your application.
• Where you go: You have a confirmed place at a research institution abroad, as evidenced by an invitation or an employment contract. You will be spending more than 90% of the time there.
• Field: Your research focuses on general surgery or a surgical specialism.
• Longer stays: If your stay is longer than 6 months, you must also have a positive assessment from a recognised research funding organisation (e.g. Schrödinger or Max Kade).

How to apply

Please send your application by email to the Secretary-General of the ÖGCH. Please include your CV, list of publications, a research proposal, a statement from your supervisor, a letter of recommendation and proof of your stay abroad. Your complete application must be received no later than 3 months before the start of your stay. The decision will be made by a panel from the ÖGCH Executive Board; no appeal may be lodged against the decision.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding scheme is very restrictive. You must be a member of the ÖGCH, be practising as a surgeon, be no older than 40 years of age, and have already secured a research post abroad. This leaves only a small group of applicants who meet these criteria. If you meet these criteria and submit a sound research proposal with the support of your supervisor, your chances are good. Apply well in advance, as the research proposal must be submitted at least three months before your departure.