Brains for Brussels
ENDED
Anchoring bold researchers and their out-of-the-box research in the Brussels-Capital Region
Considering the available financial resources for 2026, ongoing projects will continue to be funded in accordance with the signed decisions and agreements.
However, no new projects can be funded in 2026.
No new calls will be launched in 2026, and all programs will be suspended in 2026.
Funding applications that have already been submitted will continue to be processed and may be eligible for funding in 2027, depending on available resources.
Would you like to set up in Brussels to carry out high-risk academic research and develop a new area of expertise relevant to the Brussels-Capital Region? Are you a research center (university, higher education establishment, etc.) looking to bring in expertise from abroad? Find out how you can benefit from funding!
Are you eligible?
To qualify for this funding, you must hold a doctorate. From the start date of your project, you must also:
- have held an academic research post abroad for at least the last two years
or
- have worked in industrial research, experimental development, or innovation in a Belgian or foreign company for at least two of the last three years.
These projects run for three years, renewable for a maximum of two years.
All the conditions of the programme are available in the regulations.
The procedure in 3 steps
- Download the application form.
- Contact your Knowledge Transfer Officers or counterparts. They will help you to develop your research project and the pathway for exploiting your anticipated results.
- Make sure that the academic authorities of your research organisation have submitted your application on 16 February 2026.
Good to know
The aim of the Brains for Brussels programme is to encourage high-level researchers, currently working abroad or in the private sector, to carry out pioneering research relevant to the Brussels-Capital Region in which the results will be exploited.
Do not hesitate to contact the Knowledge Transfer Officers or counterparts for further information.
