HFSP announces first Accelerator Grants

HFSP is pleased to announce the first cohort of scientists selected under its newly launched Accelerator Grant scheme. Twelve researchers from six HFSP member countries will join existing Research Grant teams as part of this innovative initiative aimed at fostering greater equity and diversity in international science.

The Accelerator Grant was introduced in 2024 as a new component of the HFSP Research Grant Program. It offers newly funded teams under the Research Grant – Program and Research Grant – Early Career categories the opportunity to invite an additional collaborator—the accelerator team member—from one of seven HFSP member countries: India, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and South Africa.

By supporting the inclusion of these scientists into ongoing frontier research projects, the Accelerator Grant aims to promote more balanced participation across HFSP member countries and to cultivate new scientific links that will benefit future collaborations.

Twelve scientists selected in first round

Following the first call for applications in 2024, twelve accelerator grants have been awarded in 2025. The new accelerator members will join HFSP-funded research teams in the second and third years of their projects, contributing additional expertise to interdisciplinary efforts at the cutting edge of life sciences.

The selected researchers are based in six different countries. The following list presents the countries and respective scientists awarded an HFSP Accelerator Grant. Click on the researchers' names to consult the Accelerator Grant project, institutions, and team details.

This new HFSP initiative is unique in its design: science-driven, merit-based, and internationally collaborative, it reflects HFSP’s long-standing mission to support excellence in life science research through global partnership. The program also seeks to bridge the North-South divide by providing a platform for underrepresented member countries to engage more deeply in high-level scientific exchange.

Expanding the HFSP research community

The Accelerator Grant brings mutual benefit to both the hosting teams and the accelerator members. Teams gain access to new skills and perspectives that can enhance their research objectives, while the accelerator scientists become immersed in top-tier, international collaborations. Many of them will go on to become important connectors and multipliers within their home research communities, contributing to broader participation in future HFSP competitions.

HFSP congratulates the twelve newly awarded Accelerator Grant scientists and looks forward to the impact they will have within their teams and beyond. All the research projects awarded an Accelerator Research Grant can be consulted here.