FWO
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions - Seal of Excellence Postdoctoral Fellowships
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The FWO Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Seal of Excellence Postdoctoral Fellowships support researchers who received a Seal of Excellence in the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship competition to develop independent research careers in Flanders. This scheme targets postdoctoral researchers whose proposals were ranked highly but missed MSCA funding, offering a pathway to build European research networks within a Flemish host institution.
Details
| Funder | FWO |
| Consortium | No |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
| Eligible countries | BE |
Eligibility & scope
Supports researchers who received an MSCA Seal of Excellence in developing an independent, international research career. Applicants must be hosted at a Flemish research institution. Targets postdoctoral researchers who narrowly missed MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship funding.
Who Should Apply
- •Postdoctoral researchers holding a Seal of Excellence from the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship competition
- •Applicants hosted at a Flemish research institution
- •Early-career researchers seeking to establish independence and build international collaboration
- •Researchers with a strong MSCA proposal rated highly but unfunded in the main call
Key Dates
- •First listed on Grantsby 12 April 2026 (consult FWO website for deadline and application stages)
Tips for Applicants
- ✓A Seal of Excellence is a prerequisite, only resubmit if your MSCA score is already confirmed above the funding line by MSCA.
- ✓Emphasise the international dimension of your MSCA project and how Flemish hosting strengthens rather than narrows your network.
- ✓Your MSCA proposal review feedback is gold; use it to highlight feasibility and supervisor fit at the Flemish host.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an MSCA Seal of Excellence and do I need one to apply?
A Seal of Excellence is awarded to MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship proposals that scored highly but fell outside the funded range. Yes, it is mandatory for this FWO call; only Seal holders may apply.
Can I apply to this call if I am not based in Flanders?
No, your host institution must be located in Flanders, Belgium. You may be any nationality, but your research home is Flemish.
Is the FWO Seal of Excellence call a second chance to fund my MSCA proposal?
Yes, this scheme allows researchers whose MSCA proposals were excellent but narrowly missed funding to proceed with their research plan in a Flemish setting, leveraging FWO support instead of MSCA.
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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