Overview
Postdoctoral (Advanced Postdoc / R3 level)
Arts-based research (doctoral degree not mandatory under specific conditions)
Description
Postdoctoral (Advanced Postdoc / R3 level)
Arts-based research (doctoral degree not mandatory under specific conditions)
Eligibility
To be eligible for the FWF ASTRA Awards, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Hold a doctoral degree awarded at least 2 and not more than 9 years before September 30 of the submission year
Exceptions apply for parental leave or career interruptions
In arts-based research, applicants without a PhD may apply if they have 2–9 years of internationally recognized research experience
Must demonstrate experience in independent research, such as:
Competitive third-party funding
At least 3 months of continuous international research experience
Publications without dissertation supervisor involvement
Must not hold a tenured professorship or equivalent leadership position at the time of application
Applicants may apply a maximum of two times in their career and can lead only one approved ASTRA project
Applications must be submitted through an eligible Austrian research institution
Additional Information
Degree Level
Postdoctoral (Advanced Postdoc / R3 level)
Arts-based research (doctoral degree not mandatory under specific conditions)
Available Subjects
The FWF ASTRA Awards are open to all academic disciplines, including:
Natural Sciences
Engineering and Technology
Medical and Health Sciences
Social Sciences
Humanities
Arts-based Research
Benefits
Successful applicants receive one of the most generous research grants in Europe, including:
Funding between €500,000 and €1,000,000 for up to five years
Support for long-term, innovative, and high-risk research projects
Strong career development focus toward academic leadership positions
50% of awards reserved for women
Special measures supporting women researchers, including:
Career coaching and networking
Child allowances
A €200,000 tenure package for women awarded a permanent or tenure-track position within the first three years
International visibility and institutional integration within Austria’s research ecosystem
Merit Awards: Non-selected hearing finalists receive 3-year PI projects worth up to €450,000
Eligible Nationalities
All nationalities are eligible
Applicants must be based at, or move to, an Austrian research institution during the project period
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the FWF ASTRA Awards, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Hold a doctoral degree awarded at least 2 and not more than 9 years before September 30 of the submission year
Exceptions apply for parental leave or career interruptions
In arts-based research, applicants without a PhD may apply if they have 2–9 years of internationally recognized research experience
Must demonstrate experience in independent research, such as:
Competitive third-party funding
At least 3 months of continuous international research experience
Publications without dissertation supervisor involvement
Must not hold a tenured professorship or equivalent leadership position at the time of application
Applicants may apply a maximum of two times in their career and can lead only one approved ASTRA project
Applications must be submitted through an eligible Austrian research institution
Application Procedure
The application process for the FWF ASTRA Awards involves the following steps:
Identify an Austrian research institution willing to host the project
Prepare a competitive research proposal aligned with ASTRA objectives
Submit the application via the FWF online portal (elane) during the official call period
Applications undergo international peer review
Shortlisted candidates are invited to a jury hearing
Final funding decisions are made by the FWF Scientific Board
Expected number of awards per call: approximately 18, depending on available funding.
Funding Institution
Austrian Science Fund (FWF)
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
What is the FWF ASTRA Award? The FWF ASTRA Award is a highly competitive, long-term research funding program that supports outstanding postdoctoral researchers in Austria as they advance toward academic leadership positions.
How much funding does the FWF ASTRA Award provide? The award provides €500,000 to €1,000,000 for up to five years, with an additional €200,000 tenure package available for eligible women researchers.
Can international researchers apply for the FWF ASTRA Awards? Yes, researchers of any nationality may apply, provided the research project is hosted by an Austrian research institution.
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Funding
Fully Funded
Organization
Austria Universities
Degree
Post Doctorate
Subjects
All Subjects
Nationality
International Students, Domestic Students
Country
Austria
Source
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