INSPIRE Potentials - Quantum Center Master Award
These awards aim to increase the number of female students in the research areas represented in the Quantum Center, ETH Zurich - all belonging to fields where women are still strongly underrepresented.
Next application deadline is July 1, 2024
A challenging Master’s research project is an important stepping stone to developing an ambitious research career. In a field where women are still highly underrepresented, even at the undergraduate level, the INSPIRE Potentials – Quantum Center Master Award aims to attract and empower excellent female students to conduct their Master's thesis research in one of the Quantum Center's laboratories.
The prize amounts to CHF 8'000. External applicants can additionally receive a maximum of CHF 2'000 for travel expenses.
The initiative was launched by the NCCR QSIT in 2016 as INSPIRE Potentials – QSIT Master Internship Award and is now be continued by the Quantum Center. With 45 awardees between 2016 and 2021, it has shown to be an important initiative in promoting female students.
Applications can be submitted via the ETH online application portal.
The annual application deadlines are January 15 and July 1.
INSPIRE Potentials - Quantum Center Master Award applications are submitted via the ETH online application portal.
The award amounts to 8'000 CHF, divided into 6 monthly payments and paid directly to the awardee. External applicants may receive a maximum of 2'000 CHF for travel expenses in addition.
The awardees benefit from supervision in a stimulating research environment and social and networking events within the Quantum Center Community.
Not included: Accommodation, tuition, visa and other expenses must be paid by the awardee.
The award is intended for female Master's students who would like to conduct their Master's research project in one of the research groups of the Quantum Center. The applicant:
- Demonstrates outstanding motivation and potential to conduct her Master's research project in a professorship belonging to the Quantum Center at ETH. The list of the professorships can be found here.
- Meets the requirements for student enrolment at ETH Zurich. Relevant information on admission to the Master's degree studies at ETH Zurich can be found here.
Applicants must list all scholarships they received during their Master's studies in their curriculum vitae. Generally, holding two scholarships with financial support at the same time is not possible. However, it is possible to apply for the INSPIRE award without requesting financial support. Eligibility will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Candidates are encouraged to apply while planning their Master's thesis project, but may also apply within the first two months after starting their Master's thesis.
The following documents have to be submitted:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae; if other scholarships were received, they must be declared in the CV.
- Letter of acceptance from the host laboratory for the Master’s thesis
- 1-2 recommendation letters. Please provide the contact information of 1-2 referees via the ETH online application portal (as outlined under 'Application procedure').
- Copy of your university degree(s) / transcripts with all grades
- Copy of identity card or passport (foreigners who live in Switzerland: + residence permit)
- If available: documents such as TOEFL or GRE scores
Diplomas in English, French, German and Italian will be accepted, all other documents must be in English.
The applications are submitted via the ETH online application portal by following the steps below:
- Step 1: ETH students can log in directly to the authentication system (ETH-external students have to register first)
- Step 2: Start a new application -> New application
- Step 3: Choose a program -> INSPIRE Potentials - Quantum Center Master Award
- Step 4: Upload the required documents
- Step 5: Please provide the contact information of 1-2 referees for letters of recommendation. Once you have submitted your application, the referee(s) will automatically receive a link to upload the reference letter. Recommendation letters can be submitted until two weeks after the submission deadline.
- Step 6: Submit the application
Selection is made on a competitive basis by members of the Quantum Center Selection Committee. Applicants receive an answer about their application by email end of August or end of February. The selected candidates are asked to confirm their participation within 2 weeks. Otherwise, the award may be attributed to another candidate.
The award is granted only to selected applicants who have completed enrolment at ETH. Selected awardees are typically asked to start their Master's thesis research in the host laboratory within eight months. Payment of the award money is subject to the ongoing execution of the Master’s research project.
Selection Committee
Prof. Yiwen Chu, Hybrid Quantum Systems group, ETH Zurich
Prof. Renato Renner, Quantum Information Theory group, ETH Zurich
Prof. Marina Krstic Marinkovic, Institute for Theoretical Physics, ETH Zurich