# doc.funds.connect

**Funder:** FWF
**Consortium:** Required — multi-institutional consortium of at least 5 researchers from Austrian universities (UG) and/or universities of applied sciences (FHG)
**Eligible countries:** AT
**Official call:** https://www.fwf.ac.at/en/funding/portfolio/careers/docfundsconnect
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds joint doctoral training programs at Austrian universities and universities of applied sciences. At least 5 researchers must form a multi-institutional consortium. Run in cooperation with the Christian Doppler Research Association (CDG). Targets doctoral student career development across institutions.

## Summary

The FWF doc.funds.connect programme funds joint doctoral training initiatives run across multiple Austrian universities and universities of applied sciences in partnership with the Christian Doppler Research Association. Consortia must comprise at least five researchers from different institutions, making it ideal for early-career researchers seeking collaborative PhD supervision in a structured, multi-site environment. This scheme emphasises doctoral student development through institutional cooperation.

## Who should apply

- PhD supervisors and early-career researchers at Austrian universities (UG) or universities of applied sciences (FHG)
- Research groups willing to form consortia of at least 5 researchers across institutions
- Supervisors committed to structured, collaborative doctoral training
- Researchers in any discipline eligible at participating institutions

## Key dates

- Multi-institutional consortium of minimum 5 researchers required at application
- Doctoral training programme structure emphasises cross-institutional collaboration

## Tips for applicants

- Consortium formation is a gating criterion; ensure buy-in from at least five named researchers across different Austrian institutions before submission.
- The partnership with CDG signals emphasis on structured training and knowledge transfer; frame your programme as building a learning community, not just pooling supervision.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the FWF doc.funds.connect scheme?

It funds joint doctoral training programmes run collaboratively across Austrian universities and universities of applied sciences, requiring consortia of at least 5 researchers from different institutions in partnership with the Christian Doppler Research Association.

### Who can apply to doc.funds.connect?

Researchers at Austrian universities (UG) or universities of applied sciences (FHG) who can form a multi-institutional consortium of at least 5 members.

### Is doc.funds.connect open to all disciplines?

Yes, the scheme is open to researchers across all fields at eligible Austrian institutions.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fwf-doc-funds-connect-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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