# PhD Fellowship Fundamental Research

**Funder:** FWO
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/all-calls/phd/phd-fellowship-fundamental-research/
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

PhD fellowship for fundamental research in Flanders (Belgium). Applicants must be affiliated with a Flemish research institution. Includes preselection and interview stages. Open Science contributions (datasets, software, grey literature) are explicitly encouraged in the application.

## Summary

The FWO PhD Fellowship Fundamental Research funds early-career researchers pursuing fundamental science within Flanders, Belgium, through a postdoctoral or early-career fellowship. Applicants must be affiliated with a Flemish research institution, and Open Science contributions, such as datasets, software, and grey literature, are explicitly encouraged in proposals. The call runs annually with a two-stage process including preselection and interview.

## Who should apply

- Early-career researchers in fundamental science (typically within 3-5 years of PhD)
- Applicants affiliated with a Flemish academic or research institution
- Researchers committed to Open Science practices and dissemination
- Projects in any fundamental discipline with strong scientific novelty

## Key dates

- 2026 call deadline, consult interview dates PDF on FWO website for exact timeline
- Two-stage evaluation: preselection followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates
- Annual call cycle

## Tips for applicants

- Highlight Open Science outputs explicitly: datasets, software, preprints, or grey literature strengthen your profile with this funder.
- The interview stage is decisive; prepare to defend feasibility and methodological rigor to a peer panel.
- Ensure your host institution is Flemish-affiliated and confirmed as eligible before submission; check the FWO institution list.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for the FWO PhD Fellowship Fundamental Research?

Early-career researchers affiliated with a Flemish research institution in Belgium. Consult the call text for specific career-stage windows.

### What does the FWO expect in Open Science contributions?

FWO explicitly encourages datasets, software, grey literature, and other Open Science outputs; include these in your proposal where relevant to strengthen your application.

### Is the FWO PhD Fellowship Fundamental Research competitive and multi-stage?

Yes, it uses a two-stage process with preselection and interviews for shortlisted candidates.

### Does the FWO PhD Fellowship Fundamental Research run every year?

Yes, it is an annual call; deadlines and exact dates vary by year, consult the FWO website and interview dates PDF for 2026 timing.

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