# Senior 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 via FWO e-portal by the main host institution. 6% overhead awarded to host institution(s).

## Summary

The FWO Senior Research Project funds fundamental, curiosity-driven research with €50k-€145k per year per institution plus up to €150k for equipment, over four years minimum (two years). Applicants must have more than 12 years of postdoctoral seniority and be hosted at a Flemish research institution, with non-Flemish partners eligible for up to 10% of the budget. FWO runs this call annually.

## Who should apply

- Researchers with >12 years postdoctoral seniority
- Hosted at an eligible Flemish academic or research institution
- Fundamental and curiosity-driven research focus
- Proposals with potential for non-Flemish collaborators (up to 10% budget share)

## Key dates

- Deadline 1 April 2026 at 17:00 (closed); next call expected January 2027
- Single-stage application with rebuttal phase (10-21 September 2026)
- Four-year project duration (minimum two years)

## Tips for applicants

- The rebuttal phase is live; prepare concise, point-by-point responses to reviewer critique, this round shapes the final score.
- Non-Flemish partner budget is capped at 10%; frame collaborators as enhancing breadth, not core capacity.
- 6% institutional overhead is awarded; host institution administration will handle this, but budget your staffing and consumables accordingly within the yearly envelope.

## Frequently asked questions

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

€50k-€145k per year per institution for staff and consumables, plus up to €150k for equipment over the project duration.

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

Researchers with more than 12 years of postdoctoral seniority, hosted at a Flemish research institution.

### Can I include non-Flemish partners in an FWO Senior Research Project?

Yes; non-Flemish partners may receive up to 10% of the total project budget.

### How long is the FWO Senior Research Project?

Four-year duration with a minimum of two years; you may propose shorter projects within this range.

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