FWO is bringing 12 renowned researchers (back) to Flanders

With the Odysseus programme, the FWO brings excellent researchers working abroad to Flanders. Some, to come back 'home', others because they are attracted by the high quality of knowledge and framework that Flanders has to offer in research. Today, the names of 12 researchers were announced who can count on an Odysseus grant for the next 5 years, totalling 18.8 million euros. After all, the internationalisation of research, including the recruitment of top foreign researchers, contributes to the quality of groundbreaking, innovative research in Flanders.

World-class researchers are not guided by national borders, but by their hunger for knowledge and by good research conditions. The FWO's Odysseusprogramme responds to this and has been bringing renowned scientists (back) to Flanders since 2007.

They can count on an appointment at a Flemish university and sufficient project funding to develop their own research group. This symbiosis is the ideal starting point for them to further perfect their high-quality research at an international level.

The FWO has today announced the names of the 12 researchers who will settle in Flanders in the coming year to carry out their research here.

There are two types of profiles. On the one hand, there are top researchers who are internationally recognized as pioneers in their field and who already have a tenured appointment at a foreign university. The second group are postdoctoral researchers who have the potential to develop a leading international position.

The Odysseus programme also fits into a broader objective. The Flemish government wants to further stimulate the growth and flourishing of groundbreaking scientific research. After all, this is a success factor for innovation and development, both socially and economically.

Minister Diependaele is therefore delighted that FWO has once again succeeded in attracting such a group of top researchers: "The success of the Odysseus programme demonstrates our rock-solid image as an innovative research region," says Diependaele. " "Innovation puts bread on the table. After all, every research group also brings jobs. Thanks to this new Odysseus cohort of top scientists, about 55 extra researchers can get to work."