SBO Strategic Basic Research Projects

FWO's SBO Strategic Basic Research Projects programme funds problem-driven basic research in Flanders when the scientific work is meant to open a path toward economic or societal applications. It sits under FWO (Flemish Research Foundation) and is designed for teams that can pair new knowledge production with a credible line to products, processes, services, or other usable outcomes. Projects run for four years and can receive 100% funding of eligible costs, including personnel, operations, equipment, and subcontracting, up to €500,000 per year including overhead for each participating legal entity with at least a 15% share of the budget. The typical project size is about €1.7 million excluding overhead, the host institution receives a 17% overhead supplement, and the 2026 call budget is €45.5 million. Eligible applicants are research institutions such as universities, university colleges, and strategic research centres, and some large Flemish institutions must apply with at least one other Flemish research organisation. Applicants need an advisory committee made up of potential economic or societal users, which makes stakeholder relevance part of the design rather than an afterthought. The programme fits teams that can show clear application potential without abandoning basic research, and it is strongest when the research question, the user context, and the governance of the project all align cleanly.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.