The EMBO Fellowship Programme supports transnational mobility and scientific exchange in all areas of the life sciences. Renowned for its commitment to scientific excellence, the programme has funded thousands of talented early career scientists since its establishment in the 1960s. EMBO Long-Term Fellowships support advanced research and training by awarding funds to postdoctoral scientists for research visits between European countries or when justified worldwide. Since 2001, the number of applications for EMBO Fellowships has more than doubled, creating a situation in which the number of excellent proposals exceeded the available budget. To be able to meet the continous high demand for postdoctoral training in the life sciences EMBO is applying to the 2013 COFUND call. Cofunding will enable EMBO to improve fellowship conditions and also increase the number of transnational fellowships. Cofunding of EMBO Long-Term Fellowships will therefore not only allow selected fellows to enjoy the benefits and high prestige of an EMBO Fellowship – co-funded by a Marie Curie Action – but will also promote the further development of the European Research Area.