# Rare Diseases (ERDERA) — Joint Call

**Funder:** FWO
**Budget:** Approx. €350,000 (incl. overheads)
**Duration:** Up to 36 months
**Consortium:** Required — minimum 3 entities from 3 EU member states
**Frequency:** Periodic
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://erdera.org/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

FWO co-funds transnational rare disease research for Flemish researchers under ERDERA. ~€350k per Flemish project (2 projects, 3 years). Applicants submit to the call secretariat; FWO selection based on transnational panel ranking. FO or SBO rules apply; SBO spin-off projects ineligible.

## Summary

The ERDERA Joint Call funds transnational rare disease research consortia, with FWO co-funding approximately €350,000 per Flemish project over up to three years. Applicants must lead or participate in a consortium of at least three entities across three EU member states, with Flemish researchers based at eligible host institutions. FWO evaluates proposals through a transnational panel and applies standard fundamental research (FO) or strategic basic research (SBO) rules; spin-off projects are ineligible.

## Who should apply

- Flemish researchers at universities or eligible research institutions
- Consortium leaders or partners in 3+ entity teams across at least 3 EU member states
- Fundamental or strategic basic research projects on rare diseases
- Researchers not planning to commercialise results immediately (spin-offs ineligible under SBO track)

## Key dates

- Deadline varies by periodic call cycle; check FWO website for next announcement
- Single-stage evaluation by transnational expert panel
- Project duration up to 36 months

## Tips for applicants

- Consortium composition is gating, ensure you have confirmed partners from at least two other EU member states before drafting the science.
- FWO applies either FO (fundamental research) or SBO (strategic basic research) rules depending on your proposal track; confirm eligibility under the correct framework early.
- Transnational panel review means your proposal competes on scientific merit alone, not on FWO's institutional networks, lead with novelty and feasibility over local reputation.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does ERDERA fund Flemish researchers?

Approximately €350,000 per Flemish project, including overheads, for a project duration of up to 36 months.

### Do I need a consortium to apply for ERDERA through FWO?

Yes, a minimum of three eligible entities from three different EU member states must be part of the consortium.

### When does the next ERDERA call open?

ERDERA runs periodic calls organised by the partnership; check the FWO website for the next announced deadline.

### Are spin-off projects eligible under ERDERA?

No, SBO spin-off projects are ineligible; only fundamental research (FO) or other SBO projects qualify.

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

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