Principal Investigator Projects

Maximum flexibility and the freedom to implement pioneering projects in all disciplines of basic research – the FWF’s Principal Investigator Project funding offers researchers a thematically open funding program that covers a wide range of individual requirements. It provides principal investigators and their research groups with the resources they need to investigate key research questions over a period of several years.

Target group

This funding program is aimed at researchers from all disciplines.

Funding goals

The Principal Investigator Projects program gives researchers the opportunity to carry out thematically clearly defined research projects limited to a specific duration and to devote themselves to investigating individual research questions.

Funding period and funding amount

  • Maximum 48 months
  • Depending on the proposed research, project-specific funds (personnel and non-personnel costs) can be applied for. The number of reviews required depends on the amount of funding requested.

Prerequisites

  • The applicant has the academic qualifications needed to lead the proposed research project
  • Project to be carried out at an Austrian research institution with the necessary infrastructure
  • For further details, please see the application guidelines.

Approval

  • Decided by the Scientific Board based on an international review process
  • Five approval meetings per year

  • Co-financing option with the Matching Funds initiative

Application information

Rolling submissions using the online application portal elane.

Funding institution

Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and, if applicable, other funding agencies

Submissions

Rolling

Inquiries and contact

Staff members of the specialist departments

Event(s)

Oct. 10, 2025: FWF Coaching Workshop (DE): Submitting FWF Proposals

Nov. 04, 2025: Virtual FWF Coaching Workshop (DE): Submitting FWF Proposals

Nov. 27, 2025: FWF Webinar (DE): FWF Funding 101

Dec. 09, 2025: FWF Webinar (EN): Focus on Career Programs (women only)

Application portal

Program-specific FAQ

Why do we need a sustainability statement? What is it good for?

It’s important to the FWF to facilitate sustainability in its funding activities, including the implementation of FWF-funded research projects. The aim is to raise awareness of ecological aspects in the implementation of research projects.

Does the sustainability statement have to be related to the topic of my research project (e.g., research on sustainability)?

No, the statement is exclusively about reflecting on the ecological sustainability of the research process, not about the research topic itself.

Do I have to comment on all the topics mentioned in the  orientation guide?

No. The orientation guide is only intended to provide suggestions. Address only those topics that are relevant to your research or discipline.

Should the sustainability statement also address other sustainability dimensions in the research process (social sustainability, economic sustainability)?

No, please address only the ecological sustainability of the research process.

Should the sustainability statement cover all of my research institution’s activities in the area of environmental sustainability?

No, the focus is on your own research work. You can add links to any existing measures at your institution (e.g. your research institution’s sustainability strategy or information on sustainability, travel guidelines, or procurement guidelines on your research institution’s website), but this is not required. Your sustainability statement may not exceed 1 page in length.

Can the sustainability statement be shorter than 1 page?

Yes, there is no minimum length.

My planned research includes no relevant environmental sustainability aspects. What should I do?

If there are no ecologically relevant aspects in the research process, please write “Does not apply” in your statement.

Will I receive additional funding from the FWF if I make the research process sustainable?

No, no additional funds are being granted for sustainable measures. However, the FWF’s current guidelines already do include funding for sustainable working practices (e.g., repairing equipment, sustainable modes of travel).

Do reviewers receive the sustainability statement for review?

The FWF introduced the sustainability statement in the fall of 2025 and will evaluate it after a pilot phase lasting several months. During the pilot phase, the statement is not subject to assessment by reviewers. Once this evaluation has been completed, reviewers will be asked specifically about sustainability statements and they will be included in the overall review of the application.

Does the FWF fund the repair of equipment? 

If project-specific equipment is required that is available at the research facility but in need of repair, funding for repair can be requested instead of funding for a new purchase. The following applies: The equipment must not be part of the research facility's infrastructure and therefore not be used for other purposes. Furthermore, the FWF funds the purchase of refurbished/used equipment. In principle, the FWF only funds project-specific equipment if no comparable equipment is available within a reasonable distance.

Additional programs