FWF
ASTRA Awards
Currently no submissions open; formal announcement in June
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Catalog updated: .
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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 | €500,000–€1 million + additional €200,000 tenure package for women |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Consortium | No - individual applicant must serve as principal investigator at an Austrian research institution |
| Application | Application via online portal elane; international peer review and hearing; decision by Scientific Board based on jury recommendation |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Next round | 2026-06 |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
| Eligible countries | AT |
Eligibility & scope
For advanced postdocs (2-9 years post-PhD, exceptions for career breaks) in all disciplines including arts-based research, applying at an Austrian research institution. Half of awards reserved for women; researchers may apply at most twice and lead only one project. Hearing finalists not awarded ASTRA may instead receive a 3-year Principal Investigator Project (Merit Award, up to €450,000).
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.
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