PDR-THEMA PFAS 2026 – Thematic Research Project : Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

Financing description

Objective

The objective of the PFAS thematic call is to support research projects aiming at a better understanding of these substances, their effects on the environment and health, and the societal issues they raise.

Scope

The PDR‑THEMA PFAS call is open to all fields, organized into the following three major domains: Exact and Natural Sciences (Sciences Exactes et Naturelles – SEN), Life and Health Sciences (Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé – SVS) and Human and Social Sciences (Sciences Humaines et Sociales – SHS).

Depending on the domain, projects must contribute to a better understanding of:

• the physico‑chemical properties of PFAS, their distribution and environmental impact, alternative solutions, and prevention pathways.
• the impact of PFAS on human and animal health.
• societal and legal issues surrounding the PFAS problematic.

Access Conditions

Eligibility criteria

A research project is conducted by a promoter within a university of the French Community of Belgium (Communauté française de Belgique - CFB).

To be a promoter, one must:

• either be:
  • Research Associate (Chercheuse qualifiée ou Chercheur qualifié - CQ);
  • Senior Research Associate (Maître de recherches - MR);
  • or Research Director (Directrice ou Directeur de recherches - DR) of the F.R.S.-FNRS;
• either carry out a Ulysse Incentive Grant for Mobility in Scientific Research (Mandat d’impulsion Scientifique – MISU);
• either carry out a FED-tWIN mandate;
• either hold an academic or scientific appointment on a permanent or probationary basis within the institution.

The promoter can conduct the research project individually or in collaboration with one or more co-promoters within one or more institutions recognised as eligible.

To be a co-promoter, one must meet the same conditions as those applicable to a promoter within their institution.

For further details, including any additional conditions that apply, please refer to the instrument's regulations. 

Accumulation rules

• The number of applications that may be submitted as promoter or co-promoter is limited to one per call.
• The submitted project may not be identical to a PDR-THEMA project currently under funding or to a project previously funded through PDR-THEMA.
• In the case of recurrent PDR-THEMA calls on the same theme, awardees are not authorized to apply to the following edition if it closes less than 18 months after the previous one. In this case, the closing date corresponds to the deadline for validation by the promoter on the e-space platform.

Important: only the conditions detailed in the regulations and the cumulation rules document will be taken into consideration for administrative review. The elements listed on this page are provided for informational purposes only. 

Funding characteristics

Duration

The funding is for a period of 2 or 4 years.

Amount

The funding instrument allows you to request a minimum and maximum total budget depending on the duration and type of project:

Eligible costs 

The following cost categories are eligible:

• Staff
• Operating costs
• Equipment

For more information on staff eligibility, please refer to the instrument's regulations.

For more information on the different categories and eligible costs, please consult the practical guide on costs.

Submission of an application

Procedure

Applications must be submitted online on the e-space platform.

The application must be drafted in French or English.

Timeline

• Opening of the call : 09-06-2026
• Closing of the call:
  • Promoter validation: 15-09-2026
  • Co-promoters validation: 22-09-2026
  • Validation of the rectoral authorities: 29-09-2026
• Evaluation: November
• Funding decision: December
• Start date of projects: 01-01-2027

Evaluation

Evaluation modalities

Applications are evaluated by a thematic Scientific Commission.

Evaluation criteria

The criteria taken into account in the evaluation of applications are as follows:

Useful documents

Regulations : Rules and regulations of the PDR-THEMA instrument

Scientific section (to be completed following the given Instructions) :

• Research project
• Resubmission (if applicable)
• Interdisciplinary component (if applicable)
• Task distribution (if applicable)
• Research environment
• Key elements (optional)
• Publication list (if applicable)
• Significant publications

Financial guide : Guide pratique des frais

Contact

Email

credits-projets@frs-fnrs.be

Phone

Michelle LEUNG 02/504.92.66