Basic Research Funding

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In 2024, Ghent University introduced non-competitive Basic Research Funding, financed through the Special Research Fund (BOF).

This means that all researchers who belong to the target group based on their ZAP appointment and who are research-active are entitled to research funding without having to submit an application through a competitive channel.

To be part of the target group, one must hold at least a 50% ZAP position at Ghent University. A lower ZAP percentage is also acceptable if supplemented by certain other appointments.

Being research-active is defined by meeting 3 accessible criteria related to scientific publishing, supervising PhD students, and obtaining or applying for external research funding.

The Basic Research Funding consists of an annual amount, equal for each ZAP member. This amount is guaranteed to be of such an order that 2 ZAP members together can fund one PhD scholarship, supplemented by a small amount for operational costs.

ZAP members who are part of the target group will be invited via email to submit a very concise application through an online application system. After an administrative check, the funding will be awarded shortly thereafter.

ZAP members can apply for this funding in terms of 4 years, although shorter terms are possible if their current ZAP appointment ends sooner.

The use of the Basic Research Funding is very flexible. The only requirement is that the expenses are research-related. As long as that is the case, the funding can be used for PhD and other research staff salaries, various operational costs, and infrastructure purchases. Two or more ZAP members may also pool their Basic Research Funding.

New ZAP members at Ghent University with at least a half-time ZAP appointment first receive a 4-year research project (Starting Grant) of €240,000 (without a competitive application) before they can enter the Basic Research Funding system.

Ghent University employees can find all details about this non-competitive Basic Research Funding on Ghent University's internal platform.