FWO

Odysseus Programme Type I

€2M–€3.5M (over 5 years)| Deadline: 30 September 2026 (99 days)|5 years

5 PM CEST; final submission done by host institution

Last verified: 18 June 2026

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The Odysseus Programme Type I funds internationally recognised pioneer researchers relocating to Flemish universities with €2-€3.5 million over five years. The call targets researchers who have built careers outside Belgium and are willing to establish or lead research groups at a Flemish institution. This biennial call is open to all fields; candidates must be nominated by their prospective Flemish host university.

Details

Funder	FWO
Budget	€2M–€3.5M (over 5 years)
Deadline	30 September 2026
Duration	5 years
Consortium	No
Application	Single stage: internal university nomination → FWO submission → eligibility check → international peer review → optional preselection → interview phase (Apr 2027) → results (May 2027)
Frequency	Biennial
Eligible countries	BE

Eligibility & scope

For internationally recognised pioneer researchers who have built their career outside Belgium. Candidate must hold ≥80% appointment at a foreign institution and have been abroad ≥3 of the past 5 years (max 10% Belgium during that period). Must be nominated by a Flemish university; application must be written in English. Total programme budget: €21.8M.

Who Should Apply

•Internationally recognised researchers with established careers built entirely or primarily outside Belgium
•Researchers currently holding ≥80% appointment at a foreign institution
•Candidates who have spent ≥3 of the past 5 years abroad (≤10% of that period in Belgium)
•Applicants able to secure nomination from a Flemish university host

Key Dates

•Deadline 30 September 2026, 5 PM CEST; submission via host institution
•Multi-stage: eligibility check, international peer review, preselection, interview phase April 2027, results May 2027
•Five-year project duration

Tips for Applicants

✓You must be nominated by a Flemish university; contact prospective hosts early, they set the nomination timeline and coordinate the FWO submission on your behalf.
✓The mobility history is strictly verified: ≥3 of your last 5 years must be abroad with ≤10% time in Belgium during that window; document institutional affiliations and appointment percentages carefully.
✓International peer review is decisive; emphasise your global standing, track record of leading research, and the strategic fit for your Flemish host institution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding does the Odysseus Programme Type I offer?

€2-€3.5 million over five years per project.

Who is eligible for Odysseus Type I?

Internationally recognised researchers who have built their career outside Belgium, hold ≥80% appointment at a foreign institution, and have been abroad ≥3 of the past 5 years (≤10% in Belgium during that period). Candidates must be nominated by a Flemish university.

When is the next Odysseus Programme Type I deadline?

30 September 2026. The programme runs biennially; the next round after that will be announced in 2028.

Can I apply directly to Odysseus Type I?

No, you must be nominated by a Flemish university, which handles the submission to FWO on your behalf.

Is Odysseus Type I open to all research fields?

Yes, the call is open across all disciplines.

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