They could make it an even 26 by the end of the night if they play their cards right.

bats eyelashes, casually implements b-tree

I think you can safely hold off on the eyelash batting for a few months. There were only 25 fellowships available, applications opened on July 4th and all have been awarded. This page on the program will tell you more:

https://stipendien.oeaw.ac.at/en/fellowships/apart-usa