# ATTRACT – Starting Investigators

**Funder:** Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR)
**Budget:** Up to €1.5M
**Duration:** 5 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Joint submission by candidate and host institution via FNR Online Grant Management System
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** LU
**Official call:** https://www.fnr.lu/funding-instruments/attract/
**Last verified:** 3 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For researchers 2–8 years post-PhD not yet established in Luxembourg, with outstanding track record. Must set up a research team at a Luxembourg host institution aligned with national research priorities. Proposals submitted jointly by candidate and host institution. Gender parity rule applies when institutions submit more than one proposal.

## Summary

ATTRACT, Starting Investigators funds researchers 2-8 years post-PhD to establish independent research teams in Luxembourg, with up to €1.5 million over five years. The call targets outstanding early-career researchers not yet based in Luxembourg who can align their work with national research priorities. Proposals require joint submission by candidate and host institution; FNR runs this programme annually.

## Who should apply

- Researchers 2-8 years post-PhD with an outstanding publication and funding track record
- Applicants not yet established in Luxembourg seeking to relocate and build a research team
- Projects aligned with Luxembourg's national research priorities and strategic objectives
- Candidates with a confirmed host institution committed to supporting the application

## Key dates

- Annual deadline; check FNR pre-announcement for next call dates and your host institution's internal deadline
- Single-stage submission: joint application by candidate and host institution via FNR Online Grant Management System
- Five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Coordinate early with your prospective host institution, the institution must formally endorse and co-submit your application, so alignment on research environment and support is critical.
- Explicitly link your proposed research to Luxembourg's strategic priorities and demonstrate how your team will integrate into the host institution's research landscape.
- Be aware of the gender parity rule: if your host institution submits more than one proposal, FNR applies a parity check at assessment.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does ATTRACT, Starting Investigators offer?

Up to €1.5 million over five years per project.

### Who is eligible for ATTRACT, Starting Investigators?

Researchers 2-8 years post-PhD with an outstanding track record who are not yet established in Luxembourg and will set up a research team at a Luxembourg host institution.

### Do I need a host institution to apply to ATTRACT, Starting Investigators?

Yes, proposals must be submitted jointly by the candidate and the host institution via the FNR Online Grant Management System.

### What is the deadline for ATTRACT, Starting Investigators?

The call is annual; consult the FNR pre-announcement for next call dates and your host institution's internal deadline before the FNR deadline.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fnr-luxembourg-attract-starting-investigators-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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