How an Italian Psycholinguist Won the Fully Funded Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship for a Postdoc at the University of Neuchâtel

My name is Greta Mazzaggio, and I’m originally from Italy. I am currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Humanities at the University of Florence (Italy). I earned a PhD in Psychological Sciences and Education at the University of Trento (Italy), where I focused on experimental pragmatics and language comprehension in both typical and atypical populations. Driven by a strong interest in the cognitive and social aspects of language, especially in bilingual and clinical contexts, I pursued postdoctoral research thanks to a Swiss Government Excellence Postdoctoral Scholarship at the University of Neuchâtel.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Details

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists are prestigious awards offered annually by the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS). These scholarships aim to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries. They are designed for highly qualified young researchers at the postdoctoral level and are available for research at one of Switzerland’s public universities or research institutions. The Postdoctoral Scholarship, specifically, supports a 12-month full-time research stay in Switzerland and is awarded based on academic merit, the quality and feasibility of the proposed project, and the potential for scientific collaboration. Each grantee receives a monthly stipend of CHF 3,500, along with additional benefits such as a housing allowance, a public transport pass, and access to Swiss healthcare coverage (for non-EU/EFTA citizens). The scholarship does not cover family expenses or conference travel, emphasizing instead a focused period of academic immersion.

In my case, the scholarship funded my postdoctoral project at the Centre for Cognitive Science at the University of Neuchâtel, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Diana Mazzarella. The project title was "The Processing of Irony in the Aged Population". The program not only supports individual research but also facilitates integration into the Swiss academic environment through mentorship, institutional support, and organized cultural and academic activities for scholars from all over the world.

Educational Background

My academic journey has been interdisciplinary, spanning linguistics, cognitive science, and psychology. I began with a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages and Literatures at the University of Verona. I then pursued a Master’s degree in Linguistics, also at the University of Verona, graduating cum laude. This marked the beginning of my interest in the cognitive and pragmatic dimensions of language use. I further specialized through a PhD in Psychological Sciences and Education at the University of Trento, where I also graduated cum laude. My doctoral research focused on how people understand conversational implicatures—an area central to experimental pragmatics, especially when examined in both typical and clinical populations.

During my PhD, I had the opportunity to deepen my research experience through two international visiting periods: one at the University of Notre Dame (USA) and another at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in Lyon, France. These stays allowed me to collaborate with leading scholars, broaden my methodological skills, and engage with diverse academic cultures. Finally, before applying to the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, I completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Florence, where I further developed my research on psycholinguistics methodologies. Altogether, this background provided me with the theoretical insight, experimental training, and international perspective needed to successfully apply for competitive scholarships such as the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship and to conduct interdisciplinary research at the postdoctoral level.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Neuchâtel?

When preparing to apply to institutions, my approach was highly targeted and research-driven. I began by identifying universities and research centers whose academic focus closely aligned with my interests in experimental pragmatics, language processing, and cognitive science. I prioritized institutions with a strong interdisciplinary profile and active research in areas compatible with mine.

While exploring potential host institutions for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, I came across a Call for Applications promoted by Prof. Dr. Diana Mazzarella at the University of Neuchâtel, who was looking for candidates interested in applying for the scholarship with her lab. Her work in experimental pragmatics, particularly in irony and social cognition, was an excellent match for my research background, so I reached out to her directly.

Since the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship did not require a standardized test (i.e., English proficiency), my preparation was focused more on academic communication than formal testing.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship?

Knowing the scholarship supported only a one-year postdoctoral stay, I focused on designing a project that was both ambitious and realistically achievable within that timeframe. I began by drafting a preliminary version of the research and then co-developed the full proposal with Prof. Dr. Diana Mazzarella (the potential PI), aligning it with the host institution’s expertise while ensuring scientific originality and feasibility.

At the same time, I carefully studied the official guidelines and selection criteria, structuring my application to highlight academic relevance, methodological soundness, and international impact. I sought feedback from mentors and colleagues, which helped sharpen the proposal and ensure clarity. Given the competitive and administrative demands of the application, I started early and approached the process with the same rigor as a major grant submission.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe one of the key elements that made my application stand out was the motivation letter. While it’s often underestimated, I learned from colleagues that it’s a crucial component, especially for this scholarship. I used the letter to clearly articulate why my research project and the University of Neuchâtel were an ideal match, highlighting shared research interests and complementary expertise.

Importantly, I also addressed how my time in Switzerland would foster academic exchange and allow me to develop skills and knowledge I could bring back to my home institution in Italy. This focus on creating long-term, bidirectional impact, not just benefiting personally but contributing to my academic community, helped position my project as aligned with the scholarship’s goals of fostering international cooperation.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

It’s not easy to say, as I was fortunate to be awarded the scholarship on my first attempt. However, if I had to do it again, I would probably start earlier in building a relationship with the host institution, to allow for more collaborative input during the initial stages of the proposal.

Also, I think consulting more external resources could have been helpful. For example, a platform like globalscholarships.com, where candidates share experiences and practical advice, would have been an excellent reference point. Having access to real examples and tips from others going through similar processes can make the preparation feel more focused and less overwhelming.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Beyond crafting a strong academic proposal, my advice is to fully embrace the experience the scholarship offers, both professionally and socially. The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship is not only about research; it includes opportunities to connect with other international scholars, explore Swiss culture, and participate in organized events. Unfortunately, I was awarded the scholarship during the COVID year, so many of those activities were limited, but under normal circumstances, they are a rich and valuable part of the experience.

Also, I strongly recommend using that year to reflect on and plan your next steps. The time goes by quickly, and it’s helpful to start thinking early about what you want to pursue after the scholarship—whether it’s returning to your home country, continuing your research elsewhere, or applying for new positions or grants.