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Scientific Research Network

With this funding channel the FWO supports researchers with setting up and coordinating Scientific Research Networks (SRNs): international networks of researchers that encourage national and international cooperation.

Status

Open
01/09/2026

Duration

5 Year
Possibility of extension

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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.

Important dates

  • 28 April 2026: call opens
  • 01 september 2026 at 5pm: submission deadline via interprog@fwo.be
  • November 2026: Evaluation by the Cross-Domain Panel (CDP)
  • December 2026: announcement of results
  • 01 Januari 2027: start scientific research network

Features

  • 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 (SRN) consists at least of:

    • three research groups from at least two eligible host institutions as defined in the regulations governing research projects fundamental research (see regulations Article 7);

    • minimum two research groups from research institutions from the French Community and/or from abroad.

Transdisciplinarity: Non-academic partners can be added to a WOG (Scientific Research Community), provided that their participation demonstrably adds scientific and/or social and/or economic value to the 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 SRN. 
  • A research group can apply once as a core group in each application round.
  • You agree with the Research Integrity Clause.

Selection and evaluation criteria

Check all selection and evaluation criteria for applying for a Scientific Research Network

Selection and evaluation criteria Scientific Research Network

Top-up funding opportunity when Welsh research group(s) are involved:

When a SRN involves minimum one Welsh research group from one university from Wales, the involved Welsh research group(s) can request a financial top-up from Universities Wales. This top-up needs to be requested making use of the FWO application form for SRNs. For more information on this top-up funding opportunity see the following guidelines.

In light of this, an information session will take place on June 2 at 2pm CEST (1pm UK time) to explain this opportunity. Registration for this information session can be done via this registration link.

Procedure

  • Applications must be submitted by e-mail to interprog@fwo.beby September 1st (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

Documents

Selection- and evaluation criteria
Here you can find all selection and evaluation criteria to apply for a grant for a Scientific Research Network.

Application form

0.39 MB doc

Template for progress report – Scientific Research Network

57.17 kb docx

Template for final report – Scientific Research Network

99.50 kb doc

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 as the regulations stipulate that ‘non-academic partners can be added to a Scientific Research Network, provided that their participation demonstrably adds scientific and/or social and/or economic value to the 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 September of the fifth year, together with the summary report of the ongoing Scientific Research Network.