FWF
Clusters of Excellence
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The FWF Clusters of Excellence programme funds large-scale cooperative research consortia at Austrian institutions with €10-35 million over five years (extendable to ten), including 40% co-funding from participating institutions. Applicants must assemble a consortium of 5-8 researchers across at least three Austrian research institutions, with one entitled to award doctoral degrees. This call supports outstanding research in any discipline, with only 3-5 projects typically funded per round.
Details
| Funder | FWF |
| Budget | €10M–€35M (including 40% co-funding from research institutions) |
| Duration | 60 months (up to 120 months with continuation) |
| Consortium | Required — consortium of 5–8 researchers from at least 3 Austrian research institutions (one must be entitled to award doctoral degrees) |
| Eligible countries | AT |
Eligibility & scope
Supports outstanding cooperative or arts-based research at Austrian institutions. Requires a consortium of 5–8 researchers, at least 3 Austrian research institutions (one UG-entitled), balanced gender ratio, and 40% co-funding from participating institutions. Approx. 3–5 projects funded per call. Currently no open submission window.
Who Should Apply
- •Established researchers with track records strong enough to anchor a national consortium
- •Consortia spanning at least 3 Austrian research institutions (one with doctoral degree authority)
- •Research teams committed to sustained 5-10 year collaborative projects in any discipline
- •Institutions able to commit 40% co-funding alongside the FWF grant
- •Teams with balanced gender representation in leadership roles
Key Dates
- •Currently no submission window open; monitor FWF site for next call announcement
- •Projects funded run 60 months with option to extend up to 120 months total
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Consortium composition is gating: at least one partner must hold doctoral degree authority; verify institutional eligibility early to avoid disqualification.
- ✓The 40% co-funding requirement must be formally committed by each participating institution before submission; letters of intent are insufficient.
- ✓This is a portfolio call (3-5 winners per round); differentiate your cluster by addressing a significant, unmet research gap with genuine inter-institutional synergy, not just co-authorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the FWF Clusters of Excellence programme fund?
€10-35 million per cluster over five years (extendable to ten years), including 40% co-funding from participating research institutions.
Who can apply for FWF Clusters of Excellence?
Consortia of 5-8 researchers based across at least three Austrian research institutions, one of which must be entitled to award doctoral degrees.
Is consortium participation required for FWF Clusters of Excellence?
Yes, you must assemble a multi-institutional consortium; individual researcher or single-institution applications are not eligible.
How many projects does FWF fund in Clusters of Excellence?
Approximately 3-5 projects per call, making this a highly competitive scheme.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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