PCE — Exploratory Research Projects (Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie)
Offers Romanian senior researchers support through PNCDI exploratory grants for bold innovation ideas.
The PCE 2026 Exploratory Research Projects program is Romania's flagship investigator-driven research grant, administered by UEFISCDI (Unitatea Executivă pentru Finanțarea Învățământului Superior, a Cercetării, Dezvoltării și Inovării) under the National Plan for Research, Development and Innovation. The program funds fundamental and exploratory scientific research across all disciplines, and is designed for senior researchers at Romanian institutions who hold demonstrated international recognition. The preceding cycle, PCE 2023, concluded with results announced on November 26, 2024. The PCE 2026 call entered public consultation in early 2026, with the ANC (Advisory National Council for Research) approving the launch of public discussion of the information package and setting a deadline of February 16, 2026 for public comments.
Eligibility extends to both Romanian citizens and foreign researchers based abroad who commit to leading their projects at a Romanian research institution. The project director must meet minimum eligibility standards established by CNCS (Consiliul Național al Cercetării Științifice). Award amounts are denominated in Romanian Leu (RON); specific figures are set out in the full information package published after the consultation period. All submissions are processed through the UEFISCDI-direct.ro portal. For-profit companies, nonprofits, and individuals outside the Romanian research institution system are not eligible to apply.
PCE grants represent the primary national mechanism for supporting curiosity-driven scientific inquiry in Romania, covering disciplines from life sciences and materials to artificial intelligence and energy research. Organizations best positioned to win are established universities and accredited research institutes with a principal investigator who can demonstrate an international publication record and prior competitive grant experience. Applicants should monitor the UEFISCDI website for publication of the full information package, which will contain award ceilings, page limits, evaluation criteria, and the official submission deadline for the 2026 cycle.
Fundamental and exploratory scientific research across all disciplines, led by senior researchers at Romanian institutions with demonstrated international recognition.
Sign up free to see the funding breakdown
Sign up free to see the industries in scope
Sign up free to see the full eligibility
Sign up free to see the timeline