FWO

Odysseus programme

€21.8M (total call budget)5 years

Call open — check funder page for exact deadline

Last seen in a scan/import: 23 Sept 2026.

Catalog updated: 6 Sept 2026.

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The Odysseus Programme funds outstanding researchers relocating to Flanders to establish independent research groups at Flemish universities, with start-up support over five years. It targets researchers who have built careers outside Flanders and wish to launch or expand a research line within the region. The call is biannual and open to all research fields.

Details

Funder	FWO
Budget	€21.8M (total call budget)
Duration	5 years
Consortium	No - individual applicant, hosted by a Flemish university
Frequency	Annual
Eligible countries	BE

Eligibility & scope

Supports outstanding researchers who built a career outside Flanders, providing start-up funding to develop a research group or line of research at a Flemish university.

Who Should Apply

•Researchers with substantial careers built outside Flanders
•Scientists ready to establish an independent research group or line
•Applicants committed to joining a Flemish university as host institution
•Researchers across all scientific fields

Key Dates

•Biannual call (verify the next deadline on the FWO website)
•Five-year project duration for start-up funding

Tips for Applicants

✓Emphasize the independence and distinctiveness of your research line from prior affiliations; Odysseus rewards researchers bringing a new direction to Flanders.
✓The host institution commitment matters: secure a concrete hosting agreement and letter of support before submission.
✓Demonstrate how your career trajectory and external reputation position you to build a sustainable, competitive group within the Flemish research landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Odysseus Programme funding last?

Five years of start-up funding to establish your research group or line.

Who is eligible for the Odysseus Programme?

Researchers with careers built outside Flanders who are relocating to establish an independent research group at a Flemish university.

How often is the Odysseus Programme call open?

The call is biannual; check the FWO website for the next deadline.

What fields of research does Odysseus fund?

All research fields are eligible under the Odysseus Programme.

fwoflandersrecruitment-awardgroup-leaderbelgiumcareer-developmentfundamental-research

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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.

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