# INBO – FWO Doctoral Fellowships

**Funder:** FWO
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/phd-fellowships/inbo-fwo-fellowships/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

PhD fellowships co-funded by INBO (Research Institute for Nature and Forest) and FWO, focused on biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services with policy relevance. Only applicants to regular FWO doctoral fellowship calls where INBO has agreed to act as additional host institute, and approved but unfunded by FWO, are eligible. Host must be a Flemish university collaborating with INBO.

## Summary

INBO, FWO Doctoral Fellowships fund PhD research on biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services with policy relevance, co-awarded by the Research Institute for Nature and Forest and FWO. Applicants compete through regular FWO doctoral fellowship calls and must be approved but unfunded by FWO to be eligible for INBO co-funding, with the host institution a Flemish university partnering with INBO. This is an annual scheme open to researchers based in Belgium.

## Who should apply

- PhD candidates applying through regular FWO doctoral fellowship calls
- Researchers focused on biodiversity, ecosystems, and ecosystem services research
- Applicants with a host Flemish university that collaborates with INBO
- Projects with demonstrated policy relevance to nature and forest management

## Key dates

- Applications submitted via annual FWO doctoral fellowship calls
- Only approved-but-unfunded FWO proposals are eligible for INBO co-funding consideration
- PhD project duration typically 3-4 years

## Tips for applicants

- INBO co-funding comes after FWO approval; ensure your host institution is already in INBO's collaboration network to avoid delays.
- Emphasise policy relevance and application to Flemish nature or forest management; INBO prioritises research with direct impact on environmental governance.
- Coordinate early with both your university and INBO to confirm INBO's willingness to act as additional host for your specific project.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the INBO, FWO Doctoral Fellowship?

It is a co-funded PhD fellowship programme by INBO and FWO for research on biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services with policy relevance in Flanders.

### How do I apply for the INBO, FWO Doctoral Fellowship?

You apply through the regular annual FWO doctoral fellowship call; only proposals that are FWO-approved but unfunded are then eligible for INBO co-funding.

### What institution can host my INBO, FWO Doctoral Fellowship?

The host must be a Flemish university that collaborates with INBO.

### What research topics does INBO, FWO fund?

Research on biodiversity, ecosystems, and ecosystem services that has demonstrable relevance to policy and environmental management.

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