Description

The Prospective Research programme (PRB) funds research that promotes the development of new academic knowledge addressing major societal challenges in the Brussels-Capital Region. The aim is to explore alternative systems and inform public action and political debate with empirically grounded, long-term insights—particularly relevant in times of crisis or transition.

Projects should contribute to a systemic understanding of Brussels society and be participatory, multidisciplinary, and valorised toward public policy and society. The programme is open to both humanities and exact/applied sciences.

Funding Amount

• Funding Rate: 100% of the total project cost.
• Duration: 3 years of research + 3 months for valorisation.
• Costs Covered: Personnel, equipment, operating costs, subcontracting, and overhead.
• Per Project Amount: No formal ceiling per project. However, selection depends on project’s quality and score and budget availability.

Important Dates

• Opening of call: May 2025
• Deadline to submit to research organization’s Interface: 15 October 2025
• Evaluation: November 2025 – May 2026
• Funding decision: July 2026
• Project start date: Between 1 October and 1 December 2026

Eligible Applicants

• Research organisations with at least one place of business in the Brussels-Capital Region, as defined by EU State Aid Framework:
  • Universities
  • University colleges
  • Collective research centres
  • Other recognised research bodies (certification required if not among the above)
• Promoters must be full professors, research directors, or equivalent, and researchers must hold at least a Master’s degree at project start.
• Only organisations located in the Brussels-Capital Region are eligible.