How to apply 

Candidates will undergo a two-steps application procedure encompassing a phase of a pre-proposal (open to all) and a phase of full proposal (accessible to shortlisted applicants from the first stage).

• Pre-proposals:

Each candidate must submit a letter of intent of max 3 A4 pages focusing on the scientific proof of concept of the research project and attach a relevant core bibliography and short CV information.

The pre-proposal must be submitted electronically in English using the online application system no later than April 20^th, 2026 midnight, CET (this is a strict deadline). A PDF version of the pre-proposal form is available here for information. This document only aims at providing an overview of the different sections. It should not be used to submit an application.

A ‘Save and continue’ module allows applicants to leave the system and return later. When they exit the system, an email is sent to them with a link to access their application form again.

All pre-proposals will be checked to ensure that all eligibility criteria are met before being processed to the evaluation stage.

• Full proposals: 

The full proposal must be submitted electronically in English using the online application system no later than July 6^th, 2026 (midnight CET). This is a strict deadline). A PDF version of the full proposal form is available here. This document only aims at providing an overview of the different sections. It should not be used to submit an application.

A ‘Save and continue’ module allows applicants to leave the system and return later. When they exit the system, an email is sent to them with a link to access their application form again.

All full proposals will be checked to ensure that all eligibility criteria are met before being processed to the evaluation stage.

• Candidates must be:                                                                                                
  • Internationally established investigators, with outstanding scientific achievements and multiple seminal contributions in the field of rare diseases
  • Internationally established investigators with outstanding scientific achievements and multiple seminal contributions in common diseases, who can demonstrate that their research will have a substantial added value for rare diseases and can accelerate research in this particular field. 

• Candidates must have a scientific seniority of min. PhD + 10 years of research activities at the deadline of the call (career breaks, such as maternity leave or long-time illness, not included). 

• Candidates must be affiliated to a Belgian University, a Belgian University Hospital or any of the following Research Institute:
  • Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp
  • LABIRIS
  • Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB)
  • Flemish Institute for Technological research (VITO)
  • de Duve Institute 
  • Bordet Institute
  • Institute for Interdisciplinary Innovation in healthcare (I3h)
  • GIGA Institute
  • Sciensano
  • Belgian Nuclear Research Center (SCK CEN)

• Candidates must be affiliated to their institution until December 31^st, 2030.

• Candidates must not reach the retirement age limit during the project.

• In case of international collaboration, the project must be initiated and coordinated by the team based in Belgium.

• Translational approach: referring to a research methodology integrating a basic science approach as well as clinical considerations. It encompasses all stages from bench to bedside. Beyond a better understanding of the disease, translation of the research results into benefit for the patients is a key objective of the Generet Fund. As such, a clear description of the translational strategy is a plus.
• Multidisciplinarity: referring to the use and application of different scientific disciplines as a substantial element of the research methodology.
• Multicentric cooperation: referring to the close collaboration with centres of excellence located in Belgium or abroad. In case of international collaboration, the researcher working in the Belgian Institution must remain the coordinator of the project.
• Communication : referring to a communication plan about the research within the scientific community but also towards patients and a broader public (conferences, articles, video with success stories, etc.).