FWO
Junior Research Project
Closed 2026-04-01 at 17:00; next call expected ~January 2027
Last verified:
The FWO Junior Research Project funds fundamental, curiosity-driven research by early-career investigators at Flemish host institutions, with budgets of €50,000-€145,000 per year per institution plus up to €150,000 for equipment. Researchers within 12 years of postdoctoral appointment are eligible; proposals are submitted in English and evaluated in a single stage with a rebuttal phase. The call runs annually with the next deadline expected in January 2027.
Details
| 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 |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
| Eligible countries | BE |
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 in English via FWO e-portal by the main host institution. 6% overhead awarded to host institution(s).
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers within 12 years of postdoctoral appointment
- •Principal investigators based at an eligible Flemish research institution
- •Fundamental and curiosity-driven research projects
- •International collaborators as minor partners (up to 10% of budget)
Key Dates
- •Deadline 1 April 2026 at 17:00 (closed)
- •Rebuttal phase 10-21 September 2026
- •Project duration 2-4 years
- •Next call expected January 2027
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The rebuttal phase is mandatory; prepare clear, concise responses to reviewer comments rather than defensiveness.
- ✓Non-Flemish partners can participate but are capped at 10% of total budget; plan your team composition accordingly.
- ✓The host institution submits via the FWO e-portal in English; confirm institutional eligibility and support timelines well before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the FWO Junior Research Project fund?
€50,000-€145,000 per year per institution for staff and consumables, plus up to €150,000 for equipment per project, over 2-4 years.
Who is eligible for the FWO Junior Research Project?
Researchers with postdoctoral seniority of 12 years or fewer, hosted at an eligible Flemish institution; non-Flemish partners may receive up to 10% of budget.
What type of research does FWO Junior Research Project fund?
Fundamental, curiosity-driven research without a required application focus.
When is the next FWO Junior Research Project deadline?
The next call is expected around January 2027; the most recent deadline was 1 April 2026.
Related on Grantsby
- FWO writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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