Holcim Foundation Research Grant for Sustainable Construction 2027

Overview

The Holcim Foundation Research Grant funds PhD candidates and early-career researchers working on sustainable construction worldwide. Awards range from CHF 25,000 to CHF 75,000 per project across architecture, engineering, materials science, urban planning, and related sustainability research. Around 10 to 15 grants per cycle. The 2027 cycle closes 31 October 2026.

Benefits

• Research grant of CHF 25,000 to CHF 75,000 toward research costs (materials, equipment, fieldwork, conferences).
• Held at the recipient’s home university (the funding does not require relocation).
• Mentorship from Holcim Foundation industry partners.
• Profile feature in Holcim Foundation publications.
• Membership in the Foundation’s alumni network of research grantees.

Eligibility

• PhD candidate within 5 years of starting (or postdoctoral researcher within 3 years of completion).
• Citizen of any country; African candidates have been awarded in past cycles.
• Research aligned with one of the Foundation’s five “Target Issues”: innovation and transferability, ethical standards and social equity, ecological quality and energy conservation, economic performance and compatibility, contextual and aesthetic impact.
• Host university institutional support (letter required).
• Strong publication or research record relative to career stage.

How to apply

1. Open the Holcim Foundation Grants page at the source link.
2. Complete the online application: research proposal (10-page maximum), CV, host institution letter of support, three references.
3. Submit before 31 October 2026.
4. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by Foundation experts in January-February 2027.
5. Final grants are announced by April 2027 with funding starting July 2027.