# Junior Research Project

**Funder:** FWO
**Budget:** €50k–€145k per year per institution (staff & consumables); up to €150k equipment per project
**Duration:** 4 years (minimum 2 years)
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage with rebuttal phase (10–21 September 2026)
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-01
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/senior-researchersresearch-teams/junior-and-senior-research-project/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For researchers with postdoctoral seniority of ≤12 years. Funds fundamental, curiosity-driven research at eligible Flemish host institutions. Non-Flemish partners may receive up to 10% of budget. Proposals submitted in English via FWO e-portal by the main host institution. 6% overhead awarded to host institution(s).

## Summary

The FWO Junior Research Project funds fundamental, curiosity-driven research by early-career investigators at Flemish host institutions, with budgets of €50,000-€145,000 per year per institution plus up to €150,000 for equipment. Researchers within 12 years of postdoctoral appointment are eligible; proposals are submitted in English and evaluated in a single stage with a rebuttal phase. The call runs annually with the next deadline expected in January 2027.

## Who should apply

- Researchers within 12 years of postdoctoral appointment
- Principal investigators based at an eligible Flemish research institution
- Fundamental and curiosity-driven research projects
- International collaborators as minor partners (up to 10% of budget)

## Key dates

- Deadline 1 April 2026 at 17:00 (closed)
- Rebuttal phase 10-21 September 2026
- Project duration 2-4 years
- Next call expected January 2027

## Tips for applicants

- The rebuttal phase is mandatory; prepare clear, concise responses to reviewer comments rather than defensiveness.
- Non-Flemish partners can participate but are capped at 10% of total budget; plan your team composition accordingly.
- The host institution submits via the FWO e-portal in English; confirm institutional eligibility and support timelines well before the deadline.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the FWO Junior Research Project fund?

€50,000-€145,000 per year per institution for staff and consumables, plus up to €150,000 for equipment per project, over 2-4 years.

### Who is eligible for the FWO Junior Research Project?

Researchers with postdoctoral seniority of 12 years or fewer, hosted at an eligible Flemish institution; non-Flemish partners may receive up to 10% of budget.

### What type of research does FWO Junior Research Project fund?

Fundamental, curiosity-driven research without a required application focus.

### When is the next FWO Junior Research Project deadline?

The next call is expected around January 2027; the most recent deadline was 1 April 2026.

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