Find research funding and a host institution

Choose funding according to the work you want to do: a visit, a fellowship, a research job or an independently led project.

Match the scale

A short visit may need mobility funding and an invitation. A postdoctoral fellowship usually needs a research plan and host support. A principal-investigator grant requires a larger project and institutional commitment. Do not treat every EU funding call as money an individual can receive directly.

Find an appropriate institution

Use publications, project records and research-group pages to identify relevant expertise. CORDIS can help identify institutions participating in related EU projects; those records do not establish a vacancy or a willingness to host you.

Approach the host with a concrete idea

Prepare a short description of the research question, why the host fits and the funding scheme you are considering. Ask the research support office about eligibility, internal deadlines and who would submit the application. Agree responsibilities before drafting a full proposal.

Review the whole funding package

Record allowable costs, duration, salary or stipend treatment, required co-funding and reporting obligations. For EU calls, read the exact call-year documents. If a rule depends on time since PhD, residence history or a career interruption, calculate it using the provider’s instructions rather than a broad programme summary.

Your checklist

• Funding matches the activity
• Host and research office identified
• Call-year rules checked
• Responsibilities and internal deadline agreed