FWF
Astra Award
Formal announcement in June
Last updated:
No deadline is on file for this call. Check FWF's own call page for the current round's status before you plan around it.
The FWF ASTRA Awards fund early-career researchers in Austria to establish independent research groups, with €500,000-€1 million over five years plus an optional €200,000 tenure package for women PIs. Applicants must be 2-9 years post-PhD, employed at an Austrian research institution, and not yet tenured; half of awards are reserved for women. A Merit Award scheme (€450,000 over three years) supports strong candidates not selected for ASTRA.
Details
| Funder | FWF |
| Budget | €500k–€1M + additional €200k tenure package for women |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Peer review and international jury hearing; decision by Scientific Board |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Next round | 2026-06 |
| Eligible countries | AT |
Eligibility & scope
Aimed at internationally visible researchers (R3 level) with a doctoral degree obtained 2-9 years before September 30 of the submission year, or equivalent experience in arts-based research; must be hosted at an Austrian research institution. Half of awards reserved for women; ineligible if already holding a tenured professorship.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers 2-9 years post-PhD at R3 career level
- •Not currently holding a tenured professorship
- •Employed at an Austrian research institution
- •Women applicants eligible for an additional €200,000 tenure package
- •Researchers in any discipline (all FWF funding categories supported)
Key Dates
- •Formal announcement expected June 2026; application window opens after announcement
- •Annual call
- •Five-year project duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The tenure package for women PIs is automatic if awarded ASTRA; factor it into your budget and career plan.
- ✓If ASTRA review ranks you close but outside the award line, a Merit Award (€450k, 3 years) may follow; design your full proposal to scale down gracefully.
- ✓Submit via the elan portal during the stated window; late submissions are not accepted regardless of technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the FWF ASTRA Award fund?
€500,000-€1,000,000 over five years; women PIs can also receive up to €200,000 as a tenure package.
Who is eligible for FWF ASTRA?
Researchers 2-9 years post-PhD at R3 level, employed at an Austrian research institution, and not holding a tenured position.
Is the FWF ASTRA Award open to all disciplines?
Yes, ASTRA supports all research areas eligible under FWF funding categories.
What is the FWF Merit Award?
A €450,000, three-year alternative for strong applicants not awarded ASTRA, allowing continued development without full five-year commitment.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
Similar grants
Wittgenstein Award
FWFDeadline: 17 Sept 2026€2 millionArts-Based Research
FWFESPRIT Program
FWF€45,000 (flat rate) to €75,000 project-specific costs, plus PI salaryErwin Schrödinger Fellowship
FWFVariable basic fellowship (country-dependent) + €300/month career-development allowance + up to €15,000 return-phase costs1000 Ideas Program
FWF€50,000–€175,000
Browse Related
Could Astra Award be right for you?
See your personalised match score for this grant and others in 30 seconds. No signup needed to preview.
See my matches free →