The project-leader must have been a principal investigator for a maximum 7 years and come from an emerging laboratory. Any extended breaks from research (e.g. maternity, paternity or adoption leave) are accepted and should be justified in the application. The collaborator must be a principal investigator and may come from either an emerging or an established laboratory. 

The term “emerging laboratories” refers to laboratories established within the last 7 years and led by an early-career researcher. 

Fellowship Specifications: The collaborations must begin in 2026. The collaboration must include bi-directional travel of principal investigators, postdocs and/or students that plan to work on the scientific collaboration defined in the project application. The collaboration must be completed within maximum two years from the collaboration start date. The required funding report should be submitted one year from the collaboration start date. More information on the grant report will follow after the grantee selection. The Collaborative Research Grants will be transferred according to an 80:20 format, meaning 80% of the grant will be awarded two months prior to the start date of the collaboration, and the remaining 20% upon completion and submission of the associated grant report. The funds can be transferred to an account in the grantee’s name, that of their institution or that of someone else directly involved with the grant. Depending on the situation, exceptions could be made.