FWO
PhD Fellowship Fundamental Research
Call 2026 — see interview dates PDF for timeline details
Last verified:
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 |
| Consortium | No |
| 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.
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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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