PhD Fellowship Fundamental Research

€2,600/month (net, minimum) + €3,720/year bench fee||4 years

Call 2026 — see interview dates PDF for timeline details

Last seen in a scan/import: 3 Jul 2026.

Catalog updated: 10 Aug 2026.

These timestamps are not source verification. Confirm the current deadline and your eligibility on the funder’s call page before applying.

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The FWO PhD Fellowship Fundamental Research funds early-career researchers pursuing fundamental science within Flanders, Belgium, through a postdoctoral or early-career fellowship. Applicants must be affiliated with a Flemish research institution, and Open Science contributions, such as datasets, software, and grey literature, are explicitly encouraged in proposals. The call runs annually with a two-stage process including preselection and interview.

Details

Funder	FWO
Budget	€2,600/month (net, minimum) + €3,720/year bench fee
Duration	4 years
Consortium	No
Application	2-stage: preselection (remote assessment by 3 panel members) then interview (in-person preferred or remote with justification)
Frequency	Annual
Career stage	Early-career opportunity
Eligible countries	BE

Eligibility & scope

PhD fellowship for fundamental research in Flanders (Belgium). Applicants must be affiliated with a Flemish research institution. Includes preselection and interview stages. Open Science contributions (datasets, software, grey literature) are explicitly encouraged in the application.

Who Should Apply

•Early-career researchers in fundamental science (typically within 3-5 years of PhD)
•Applicants affiliated with a Flemish academic or research institution
•Researchers committed to Open Science practices and dissemination
•Projects in any fundamental discipline with strong scientific novelty

Key Dates

•2026 call deadline, consult interview dates PDF on FWO website for exact timeline
•Two-stage evaluation: preselection followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates
•Annual call cycle

Tips for Applicants

✓Highlight Open Science outputs explicitly: datasets, software, preprints, or grey literature strengthen your profile with this funder.
✓The interview stage is decisive; prepare to defend feasibility and methodological rigor to a peer panel.
✓Ensure your host institution is Flemish-affiliated and confirmed as eligible before submission; check the FWO institution list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the FWO PhD Fellowship Fundamental Research?

Early-career researchers affiliated with a Flemish research institution in Belgium. Consult the call text for specific career-stage windows.

What does the FWO expect in Open Science contributions?

FWO explicitly encourages datasets, software, grey literature, and other Open Science outputs; include these in your proposal where relevant to strengthen your application.

Is the FWO PhD Fellowship Fundamental Research competitive and multi-stage?

Yes, it uses a two-stage process with preselection and interviews for shortlisted candidates.

Does the FWO PhD Fellowship Fundamental Research run every year?

Yes, it is an annual call; deadlines and exact dates vary by year, consult the FWO website and interview dates PDF for 2026 timing.

fwoflanders-belgiumearly-careerfundamental-researchphd-fellowshipopen-sciencepeer-reviewed

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