FWF-ASTRA Awards
The FWF-ASTRA Awards offer highly endowed prizes for advanced postdocs in Austria for the long-term implementation of excellent research projects and qualification for academic leadership positions. Submissions possible from 01.10.2024.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The highly endowed FWF-ASTRA Awards create the framework conditions to carry out long-term research projects at an international top level, to consolidate one's own research profile, and to qualify for an academic leadership position. Furthermore, excellent research, the recruitment of internationally visible scientists, the promotion of women, and sustainable career prospects at Austrian research institutions are supported.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Tenure package
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- Scientific qualification to lead the planned research project
- Doctorate or equivalent artistic-scientific practice, at least 2 up to a maximum of 9 years after defense/final examination (exceptions for career interruptions)
- No permanent professorship or equivalent leadership position at the time of application
- Maximum of two applications in the ASTRA program, only once as project leader
Documents required for application
- Application Guidelines ASTRA Awards (pdf, 354 KB)
- Checklist ASTRA Awards (pdf, 103 KB)
- Template Publication Performance of the Project Leader (docx, 62 KB)
- Application and Project Number Limitation (pdf, 102 KB)
- Scientific Disciplines / Code Statistics Austria (pdf, 517 KB)
- FWF Definitions (PROFI) (pdf, 96 KB)
- Information on Career Interruptions (pdf, 78 KB)
- Form for Career Interruptions (docx, 86 KB)
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the research project
- Internationality and visibility
- Consideration of promotion of women
- Qualification for academic leadership positions
- Long-term career perspective
Description
The FWF-ASTRA Award is one of the highest endowed honors in Austria for advanced postdocs and aims to enable long-term research projects at an international top level. With funding amounts ranging from €500,000 up to €1 million over five years, the program provides ideal conditions to consolidate one’s research profile and advance qualifications for an academic leadership position – particularly professorships. A special focus is placed on strengthening outstanding women in science: half of the awards are reserved for female researchers, who can additionally receive a tenure package of up to €200,000 if they secure a permanent tenure commitment within the first three years. Accompanying coaching, networking, and childcare allowances are offered to ensure sustainable career development.
Eligible are internationally visible scientists from all disciplines who have been active for at least two and at most nine years after their doctorate or equivalent artistic-scientific practice and who do not hold a permanent professorship at the time of application. Submission via the electronic portal elane is possible from 01.10.2024; a maximum of two applications within the ASTRA program ensures fair access conditions. Evaluation is based on innovation content, international visibility, promotion of women, qualification for academic leadership positions, and long-term career prospects. Comprehensive guidelines, checklists, and templates are available to support a structured and successful application.
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