Institutional restrictions on scientific cooperation with Belarus and Russia in FWO funding instruments
As a result of the Russian invasion in Ukraine and in line with current EU sanctions in term of cooperation with/financing of Belarusian or Russian persons/entities, scientific cooperation with Belarus and Russia is until further notice not possible in all FWO funding schemes. This means i.a.:
- FWO fellowships: researchers affiliated to Belarusian or Russian institutions cannot act as co-promoter;
- FWO projects: researchers affiliated to Belarusian or Russian institutions cannot act as co-supervisor and are not eligible for FWO funding;
- Outgoing mobility grants: applications for an outgoing travel grant at a Belarusian or Russian host institution are not eligible;
- Incoming mobility grant: researchers affiliated to Belarusian or Russian institutions are not eligible to submit a travel grant for a scientific stay in Flanders;
- FWO review college: researchers affiliated to Belarusian or Russian institutions cannot act as an FWO panel member of external reviewer for FWO applications.
Above-mentioned restrictions apply on an institutional level and not on a particular nationality. E.g. researcher with the Belarusian or Russian nationality remain eligible to submit an FWO fellowship application and researchers with the Belarusian or Russian nationality, however not affiliated to a Belarusian or Russian institution, can still act as a co-promotor for an FWO fellowship/research project.
FAQ
Can I still publish papers to which Belarusian or Russian researchers contributed?
Yes, based on individual collaborations this is still possible. FWO restrictions mainly focus on contract-based collaboration on the level of research institutions.
Is Belarusian or Russian collaboration possible via subcontracting with FWO funding?
No, this is not possible.