FWO mandates Altered regulations and strategic advice

 Funding scientific research in Flanders  Active in all research disciplines, researcher’s initiative  Selection based on scientific excellence and inter- university competition (Flemish universities and research institutions)  Diverse funding programs, directed at all stages in scientific research  Open policy: attention to equal chances Mission FWO

1.Mission and core data FWO Core data Inkomsten: 3

1.Mission and core data FWO Core data Division:  Personal mandates  Research projects  Research grants  Internationalisation  Scientific awards 4

1.Mission and core data FWO Core data Division over disciplines Biological sciences Cultural sciences Behavioral and societal sciences Medical sciences Science & technology Interdisciplinary

1. Mission and core data FWO Critically low success rate Ph D scholarships:  21% for Ph D scholars (2010), strongly decreasing trend

Critically low success rate for postdoctoral research mandates:  23% for postdocs, strongly decreasing trend 1. Mission and core data FWO

Core data Evolution number of FWO appointed researchers 8 predocs postdocs

 Aspirantschappen / doctoral fellowships Content  Very good / excellent grades ! important differences between commissions Eligibility  EU, Iceland, Norwegia, Liechtenstein  Diploma Flemish Community or EU, Iceland, …  Non-Flemish diploma: university approval to start Ph D (start procedure in time)  Max. 5 years after obtaining Ma (!Age≥31)  Max. 2 applications  2011: if motivated request, 3rd application possible For whom

 Postdoctoral grants Content  Number of (main author) ISI-listed publications  Mobility (past or planned) ! important differences between commissions Eligibility  Any nationality  Ph D or diploma/certificate acknowledged equivalent  Ph D defended before 1. June  Age ≥ 36 years: limit 3 years after Ph D  Max. 2 applications  2011: if ranked in 2010, 3rd application allowed For whom

 Aspirantschappen / Ph D fellowships  2 x 2 years  Fundamental, groundbreaking research  Bottom-up  Bear in mind: future perspectives  Postdoctoral grants  3 years (2 x renewal possible)  Fundamental, groundbreaking research  Bottom-up  Bear in mind: future perspectives What for

 When: deadline 1. February 2011, 17.00h  How:  Register (eLoket on fwo.be): ca. 12 hrs.  Login: ca. 48 hrs.  Personal data, diplomas*, job experience, contact data, ….  Fill in application form   Layman’s summary  Personal motivation  (Aspirantschap) Letter of recommendation (co)promoter  (Postdoc) Letter of recommendation (co)promoter and head research unit (+ 10 referees) How and when

 3 pages: efficient presentation is essential  Future research  This study will focus on… This study focuses on…  Uncertain results  These results might indicate that…  We hope to prove that…  Doubts vs. realistic assessments Strategic writing advice

 Passive vs. active voice  In the current study it is examined…  Alternatives: pro and contra I examine We examine This study examines Strategic writing advice

 Structure and lay-out  Titles in bold, white space  Decimal numbering title: read like manual  Keywords in bold (limited!)  No combinations of underline, bold, indented Strategic writing advice

Ph D scholarships  Research competence and potential (a.o. study results)  Research skills and methodological skills  Scientific autonomy  Originality and groundbreaking character project  Feasibility project  Goal-orientedness project  Quality research environment and guidance Selection criteria

Ph D scholarship  Research competence and skills Ph D student  Progress Ph D thesis  Quality Ph D thesis  Quality published results Evaluation criteria

Postdoctoral mandate  Research competence and potential (a.o. candidate’s publications)  Research skills and methodological skills  Scientific background candidate  Scientific autonomy  Originality and renewing character project  Mobility applicant  Feasibility project  Goal-orientedness project Selection criteria

Postdoctoral mandate  Research competence and skills  National and international level of publications  Integration in research team Evaluation criteria

 As many proofreadings as possible  Research Coordination  Internal deadline 17. January 9.00h (a.m.)  Preliminary version accepted  Feedback on January   Hand in application in time Strategic writing advice

 Backup funds BOF  Ph D fellowships (1y)  Postdoctoral grants  Automatically in the running IF…  DOC –fund: Ph D fellowships (2 x 2 y)  Separate application BOF backup

 Other fundable activities  Other postdocfunding   and     … FWO

Prof. dr. Dirk Vanderzande Expert panel W&T4: Chemistry Prof. dr. Marcel Ameloot Interdisciplinary expert panel Expert witnesses