# Specialized Research Groups

**Funder:** FWF
**Budget:** €3M–€9M
**Deadline:** 15 September 2026 (14:00 Vienna time (CEST))
**Duration:** 60 months
**Consortium:** Required — 3–12 researchers from one or more Austrian research institutions
**Application:** 2-stage: pre-proposal then invited full proposal
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** AT
**Official call:** https://www.fwf.ac.at/en/funding/portfolio/collaborations/specialized-research-groups
**Last verified:** 28 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to consortia of 3–12 researchers from all scientific disciplines (including art-based basic research) at Austrian research institutions. Supports collaborative research projects with a common research goal across one or more locations.

## Summary

The FWF Specialized Research Groups (Forschungsgruppen) funds collaborative research consortia of 3-12 researchers from Austrian institutions, with budgets of €3-9 million over five years. Open across all scientific disciplines including art-based basic research, this call supports teams forming to tackle ambitious research questions at multiple host institutions. The programme runs annually with a two-stage review: pre-proposal followed by invited full proposal.

## Who should apply

- Consortia of 3-12 researchers from Austrian academic or research institutions
- Established researchers with proven track records seeking to form collaborative groups
- Cross-disciplinary teams in any field, including art-based basic research
- Researchers with ambitious, five-year collaborative projects requiring group-scale resources

## Key dates

- Deadline 15 September 2026, 14:00 Vienna time (CEST)
- Two-stage: pre-proposal review, then invited full proposal submission
- Five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Consortium composition matters: reviewers assess how well the 3-12 members are matched to the research goals and likely to collaborate effectively. Draft a detailed team-role matrix.
- The pre-proposal stage is a filter for feasibility and strategic fit; keep it tight and clear rather than comprehensive. A rejected pre-proposal cannot be resubmitted in the same call.
- Budget scales with consortium size and ambition; justify every euro against team capacity and deliverables. FWF expects efficiency in this tier.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the budget range for FWF Specialized Research Groups?

€3-9 million over five years, with the exact amount tailored to the consortium size and research scope.

### How many researchers can form an FWF Specialized Research Group?

Consortia must comprise 3-12 researchers from one or more Austrian research institutions.

### How long does a Specialized Research Group project last?

Five years from project start.

### What disciplines are eligible for FWF Specialized Research Groups?

All scientific disciplines are eligible, including art-based basic research.

### Is the FWF Specialized Research Groups call annual?

Yes, the call runs annually with a September deadline.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/fwf-specialized-research-groups-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.