Scientific Research Network

Objective

This grant supports researchers with the coordination of Scientific Research Networks. These are international networks of researchers that encourage national and international cooperation.

These virtual research groups are set up through efficient coordination and intensive collaboration at (inter)national level. They prevent dual usage and provide researchers with more development opportunities. A scientific research network places the research of individual and complementary research departments in a wider framework.

Features

  • Call closed
  • Next call in 2023
  • Duration of projects: 5 years, renewable.
  • Annual bench fee: maximum 12,000 EUR.
  • Unused funds will be returned to the FWO.
  • The funding is to be used exclusively for:
    • the organization of guest lectures, symposia and scientific collaboration visits;
    • travel and accommodation expenses of foreigners;
    • fees for established researchers from outside the Flemish Community;
    • travel and accommodation expenses of researchers affiliated to the Flemish research groups of the Scientific Research Network, in charge of carrying out information-gathering activities at foreign research groups;
    • secretarial costs for organizing guest colleges, a limited number of symposia, workshops and research coordination meetings;
  • Other expenses subject to prior consent by the FWO.
  • Participation of junior research groups and a gender balance are encouraged.

Profile and conditions

  • A Scientific Research Network consists at least of:
    • three research groups from at least two eligible host institutions within the Flemish Community (see regulations Article 2);
    • minimum two research groups from research institutions from the French Community and/or from abroad.

When relevant, research groups from organizations other than research institutions can be added to the Scientific Research Network provided that they conduct (strategic) basic research and that their participation is of added value to the Scientific Research Network.

  • One of the Flemish research groups acts as the core group. This group must enjoy an international reputation for its high-quality outstanding scientific research.
  • A research group is only allowed to act as core group for a single ongoing Scientific Research Network. 
  • A research group can apply once as a core group in each application round.
  • You agree with the Research Integrity Clause.

Procedure

  • Applications must be submitted by e-mail to interprog@fwo.be by September 30th (5pm) of the year preceding the start year, using the appropriate application form (see below under ‘Regulations and downloads’).
  • The Cross-Domain Panel (CDP) will evaluate the new applications for Scientific Research Networks and will advise the board of trustees.
  • The board of trustees decides on the allocation of the funding.

Regulations and downloads

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the applicant (core group) come from a higher education institution?

No, but it can be one of the participating research groups within a Scientific Research Network.

Can costs still be declared after a Scientific Research Network has ended?

Yes, costs can be declared until after 2 years of the official end date of the Scientific Research Network.

When do I have to apply for an extension of a Scientific Research Network?

By the 1st of October of the fifth year, together with the summary report of the ongoing Scientific Research Network.