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CFPs: Leonardo Grants for Scientific Research and Cultural Creation (Spain)

Deadline: 20-Mar-2026

The BBVA Foundation Leonardo Grants support mid-career researchers and cultural creators with a strong record of innovation in science, technology, or culture. Grants of up to €50,000 fund individual, interdisciplinary projects over 12–18 months, encouraging recipients to dedicate themselves fully to their proposed work and advance groundbreaking ideas.

Overview

The Leonardo Grants aim to foster innovative and interdisciplinary work in scientific, technological, and cultural fields. They target individuals in the intermediate stage of their careers who demonstrate a clear trajectory of originality and the capacity to develop personalized, high-impact projects.

Key Focus Areas

  • Science and Technology: Projects in natural sciences, life sciences, engineering, or emerging technologies.

  • Culture and the Arts: Creative and interdisciplinary projects bridging theory and practice.

  • Interdisciplinary Innovation: Encourages projects that connect diverse fields, integrating theory with practical applications.

Funding Details

  • Total Budget: €2,750,000 globally.

  • Number of Grants: At least 55 grants.

  • Grant Amount: Up to €50,000 per project (gross, subject to applicable taxes).

  • Project Duration: 12–18 months from grant acceptance.

  • Commitment: Recipients are expected to prioritize the funded project over other activities.

Who is Eligible?

  • Individuals aged 30–45 at the time of application.

  • Spanish nationals residing in Spain or other nationals meeting residency requirements.

  • Must be individual researchers or cultural creators; applications from groups, associations, or legal entities are not accepted.

  • Affiliation with a university, public or private non-profit research center, or hospital is required if applicable.

  • Previous Leonardo Grant recipients are ineligible.

What Projects Are Supported?

  • Original, ongoing work: Funding is for projects in progress, not completed projects.

  • Individual choice: Applicants define the scope and direction of their projects.

  • Funding must be directly linked to the development and execution of the proposed work.

  • Projects must be completed fully within 12–18 months of grant acceptance.

How to Apply

  1. Access the Digital Platform: Submit applications exclusively via the BBVA Foundation’s online portal.

  2. Provide Identification Details: Include personal information and professional affiliations.

  3. Career Summary: Summarize research or creative achievements over your career.

  4. Project Proposal: Describe the project scope, objectives, and methodology.

  5. Curriculum Vitae: Focus on the last five years, highlighting innovation and interdisciplinary work.

  6. Selected Contributions: Provide a list of representative work relevant to the project.

  7. Reference Letters: Submit letters from experts familiar with your work.

  8. Funding Declaration: Declare any additional funding sources linked to the same project, including amount and purpose.

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Emphasize originality and innovation in your work.

  • Highlight interdisciplinary connections and practical relevance.

  • Clearly define how grant funds will be used exclusively for project development.

  • Demonstrate dedicated commitment to the proposed project.

  • Provide strong reference letters from recognized experts in your field.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for a Leonardo Grant?

  • Individual researchers or cultural creators aged 30–45 with a proven innovative trajectory.

2. Can groups or institutions apply?

  • No. Only individuals are eligible; groups, associations, or legal entities are not accepted.

3. How much funding is available per grant?

  • Up to €50,000 per project.

4. What is the duration of the funded projects?

  • Projects must be completed within 12–18 months from the date of signing the grant agreement.

5. Can previous Leonardo Grant recipients apply?

  • No. Past beneficiaries are ineligible.

6. Are completed projects eligible for funding?

  • No. Grants are intended for ongoing or proposed projects, not completed work.

7. How should additional funding sources be declared?

  • Applicants must specify source, amount, and purpose of any additional funding linked to the project.

Conclusion

The BBVA Foundation Leonardo Grants provide a unique opportunity for mid-career researchers and cultural creators to pursue innovative, high-impact projects in science, technology, and culture. With up to €50,000 in funding and a 12–18 month project timeline, recipients can focus fully on advancing their work, fostering interdisciplinary innovation, and leaving a lasting impact in their fields.

For more information, visit BBVA Foundation.