FWF
Clusters of Excellence (COE)
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The FWF Clusters of Excellence programme funds large consortium projects of 5-8 researchers across at least 3 Austrian institutions with €10-35 million over five years (and up to ten years with continuation). The call targets research groups with outstanding track records in all disciplines seeking to establish internationally competitive, collaborative research clusters. Approximately 3-5 projects are funded per call.
Details
| Funder | FWF |
| Budget | €10M–€35M (including 40% co-funding from research institutions) |
| Duration | 60 months (up to 120 months with continuation) |
| Consortium | Required — 5–8 researchers from at least 3 Austrian research institutions |
| Eligible countries | AT |
Eligibility & scope
Supports large consortia of 5–8 top researchers from all disciplines at ≥3 Austrian research institutions. Aims to establish long-term cooperative or arts-based research at an international level, combining cutting-edge research, research-led education, and promotion of young researchers. Host institutions must be Austrian.
Who Should Apply
- •Consortia of 5-8 researchers with outstanding publication and grant records
- •Researchers based at Austrian universities and research institutions, including at least one degree-awarding university
- •Groups committed to establishing an internationally competitive research cluster
- •Teams demonstrating balanced gender representation in leadership roles
Key Dates
- •No submissions currently open; next call date to be announced on the FWF website
- •60-month initial duration, extendable to 120 months on continuation review
- •Approximately 3-5 projects funded per call cycle
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Consortium composition is gating: ensure at least 3 Austrian institutions (one degree-awarding) and balanced gender representation across leadership before drafting.
- ✓This is a strategic co-investment: your host institutions must commit 40% co-funding upfront, so secure institutional buy-in and letters of commitment early.
- ✓Emphasise international competitiveness and unique research synergies among your team; reviewers assess whether the cluster justifies its scale and complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the budget range for an FWF Cluster of Excellence?
€10-35 million over five years, including 40% co-funding from participating research institutions.
Who can apply for an FWF Cluster of Excellence?
Consortia of 5-8 researchers based at Austrian research institutions, including at least one university entitled to award doctoral degrees.
How long does an FWF Cluster of Excellence run?
Five years initially, extendable to ten years on continuation review.
How many projects does FWF fund per Clusters of Excellence call?
Approximately 3-5 projects are selected per call cycle.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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