The mission of the F.R.S.-FNRS is to promote free scientific (fundamental) research in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation by attributing grants to researchers and institutions (mainly WBF universities). To fulfil this mission, the F.R.S.-FNRS has set up its own financial instruments that are the subject of calls for proposals at different times of the year. Allocation of grants is conditional on a peer review of the quality of the proposal and is based on scientific excellence.
The F.R.S.-FNRS employs over 2,000 researchers at different stages in their careers.
This covers:
- either grants or fixed term contracts, for doctoral or postdoctoral researchers,
- or permanent positions for confirmed researchers (Research Associates, Senior Research Associates and Research Directors).
These researchers carry out their activities in all areas of science, within French-speaking universities that make their infrastructures available to them and integrate them into their academic environment. Other tools also make it possible to provide researchers conducting a project of excellence with scientific and technical personnel, equipment and means of operation.
Postdoctoral researcher - CR
The CR fellowship is for a period of 3 years. Postdoctoral researchers may use the 3 years of their fellowship for a period of 6 years if external funding is found to carry out a postdoc outside the WBF.
Post-doctorate Clinical Master Specialists - SPD, Clinical Researcher - CCL
The part-time SPD fellowship is restricted to postdoctoral accredited specialist clinical doctors who wish to dedicate themselves to fundamental research while pursuing a part-time hospital activity. It consists of a 6-year probation period divided into three two-year fellowships, followed by four-year fellowships that can be renewed without limits. As from the first four-year renewal, the name of the fellowship becomes Clinical Researcher (CCL).
Télévie postdoctoral researcher
F.R.S.-FNRS – Télévie research assistant
The F.R.S.-FNRS - Télévie research assistant is part of the category of postdoctoral scientific personnel requested by a promoter of a Télévie funding application.
Permanent researcher
A senior research fellowship enables a researcher to devote him/herself to research in a university within the WBF. This fellowship is for an indeterminate period and has 3 levels:
- the Research associate fellowship (CQ),
- the Senior research associate fellowship (MR), which is a promotion of the CQ fellowship based on merit,
- the Research director fellowship (DR), which is a promotion of the MR fellowship based on merit.
Research associate - CQ
The CQ fellowship allows a senior researcher to pursue his/her research independently.
- Rules & Guides (dans le cadre des appels à candidatures)
- Documents providing regulations and useful information for FRNS Qualified Researchers (recipients in office)
Senior research associate - MR
CQ fellowship holders may apply for promotion to the MR title from the eighth academic year following their appointment, provided that during these years they have been exercising a fundamental research activity.
Research director - DR
MR fellowship holders who are effectively exercising their research fellowship may apply for promotion to the title of DR from the beginning of the 4th year of the MR mandate.
Installation in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation
ULYSSE Incentive Grant for Mobility in Scientific Research - MISU
The objective of the MISU funding is to encourage highly-qualified Belgian and foreign researchers who have a scientific research activity and are paid abroad to come and pursue their career in a WBF university.
The promoter-applicant to a MISU must be an active researcher with an excellent career track record during the past ten years, demonstrating significant research results. They must have the required skills for leading a research team and enjoy an international scientific recognition.
Under the MISU, the eligible costs are of 3 types: operations, equipment and staff.
The MISU is granted for a maximum duration of three years (2 years + possible extension of 1 year) and makes it possible to request maximum average annual funding of € 200,000.