VLAG Calls

VLAG Open Rounds

The VLAG Open Rounds are only meant for Wageningen University research groups and research institutes participating in the Graduate School.

For additional information please contact Vesna Prsic.

VLAG Research fellowships

Research fellowships aim to promote the quality of scientific research and strengthen international collaborations. It is one of the oldest policy instrument for international cooperation that is successfully in use at WUR. Since mid-2020 we have extended the possibilities and at the same time set clear eligibility criteria for all activities.

We aim to support scientific activities and events that make ground breaking ideas available for the VLAG community, spark crosspollination of knowledge, and catalyse international collaboration by providing funding/grants/fellowships for:

PhD candidates and Postdocs for international secondments

For secondments at international institutes/universities

Deadline:

1 November 2023 for activities starting in 2024.

International experience is a vital ingredient for a successful academic career. To support this, VLAG provides grants which allow VLAG PhD candidates and Postdocs to visit a top research institute/university abroad. These grants cover expenses up to €1000 per month, with a maximum of €3000 for a visit of three months or longer. The grant covers essential travel (including visa) and accommodation based on actual costs. It will be administered via the chair group. The grant does not cover living expenses, such as food, local transportation, personal expenses, etc. The visit can be combined with an international course or conference but needs to include the visit to an international research group for at least 2 weeks.
Fieldwork or other activities already covered in the original project are not eligible for this grant.

Conditions:

  • For PhD candidates: an approved Training and Supervision Plan (TSP), an approved research proposal, and a positive Go-decision
  • Substantiated and clear added value of the secondment to the research project of the candidate
  • Expected results in terms of establishing international networks or longer lasting work relations
  • Consent of the supervisor(s)
  • Written confirmation of host institute to be submitted before reimbursement
  • Within 4 weeks after the visit, a short ‘back to office report’ (1 A4) should be sent to VLAG

Selection of fellows is done by the VLAG Office taking into account all information provided, given the available budget, and the number and quality of all applications. No a priori selection criteria are set, but they might include the fair distribution of funds over VLAG Research Themes, chair groups, individual researchers. Also, projects with limited funds, like VLAG Open round and bursary PhDs, might be prioritized.

Please use the application form.

Visiting guest researchers

For sabbaticals, master classes and symposia

Continuous application

The research groups participating in VLAG Graduate School can request a subsidy for visiting researchers. These visits can vary from a sabbatical (usually 3-6 months) to a shorter visit of international top scientists in a specific research area (with the aim to be the main contributor to a master class or symposium). The maximum grant per visitor covers expenses up to € 1500 per month with a maximum of € 5000 (for actual costs of essential travel and accommodation based on receipts) and will be administered via the chair group. The grant does not cover living expenses, such as food, local transportation, personal expenses, etc.

PhD thesis committee members invited by a chair group may be eligible for reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs in case the stay is extended with the aim to actively and substantially contribute to a VLAG workshop or master class.

Conditions:

  • The visiting researcher is an expert in the field (e.g. Assistant Professor or more senior)
  • The duration of the stay in Wageningen is in line with the aim of the visit
  • The candidate has not been employed by WU, or spent a research period longer than a week in Wageningen in the last 3 years
  • Active contribution to the VLAG PhD programme as keynote speaker, lecturer or expert in a PhD education activity (e.g., PhD course, workshop, seminar, lecture, master class) is mandatory; the involved chair group is expected to host and co-organise the activity, and discuss the format with the VLAG PhD programme coordinator prior to applying for the grant
  • For a sabbatical the visiting researcher should also contribute to the research of the hosting chair group
  • Application for a visiting scientist fellowship needs to be supported by a senior tenured researcher from the chair group
  • Within 4 weeks after the visit, a short report (1 A4) is sent to VLAG

Please use the application form.

Excursions by groups for PhD candidates

Continuous application

VLAG stimulates PhD candidates to organise group excursions to research facilities abroad. These excursions contribute to broadening PhD’s horizons, both from scientific and organizational points of view. The PhD excursions are organised by a PhD committee.

For more information visit the webpage PhD excursions

Assistant Professors fellowships (2023)

Deadline:

1 November 2023 for activities starting in 2024.

International collaboration is a vital part of a successful CV. Assessment committees often advise tenure track candidates to broaden their horizon and spend some time abroad. A sabbatical is not always feasible, while a visit of e.g. 2 - 3 weeks to a leading international institute may be easier to plan. These grants allow VLAG assistant professors to set up and maintain international collaborations. This is expected to contribute to their personal development and to have clear added value for the research of the chair group.

This grant covers essential travel (including visa) and lodging expenses up to €3000 and is based on actual costs. The grant will be administered via the chair group. The grant does not cover living expenses, such as food, local transportation, personal expenses, etc. The visit can be combined with an international course or conference but needs to include the visit to an international research group for at least 2 weeks.

Conditions:

  • VLAG Assistant Professor at the time of submission and during the visit
  • Added value of the visit to both personal/professional development of the candidate and the research of the chair group
  • Consent of the chair holder
  • Written confirmation of host institute
  • Within 4 weeks after the visit, a short ‘back to office report’ (1 A4) should be sent to VLAG

Selection of fellows is done by the VLAG Office taking into account all information provided, given the available budget, and the number and quality of all applications. No a priori selection criteria are set, but they might include the fair distribution of funds over VLAG Research Themes.

Please use the application form.