Open Call: Generet Award for Rare Diseases (Belgium)

The Generet Fund is inviting internationally established researchers to submit high-level research projects focused on advancing the understanding and translation of discoveries in rare diseases. This initiative aims to enhance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options for patients suffering from rare conditions in Belgium.

Who is Eligible?

The award is open to independent investigators of any nationality working in Belgium. To be eligible, candidates must:

• Be internationally established researchers with a strong track record in rare diseases or relevant common diseases with added value for rare diseases.

• Have at least ten years of research experience post-PhD (excluding career breaks such as maternity leave or long-term illness).

• Be affiliated with a Belgian university, university hospital, or recognized research institutes such as the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, LABIRIS, Flemish Institute for Biotechnology, and others listed in the eligibility criteria.

• Remain affiliated with the institution until December 31, 2030 and not reach retirement age during the project.

Why It Matters

This initiative aims to accelerate research into rare diseases, which often have unmet needs in terms of understanding their mechanisms and developing effective treatments. By funding groundbreaking research, the Generet Fund helps fill critical knowledge gaps and fosters innovations that improve patient outcomes, not only in Belgium but globally.

Research Focus Areas

Eligible research domains for this program include:

• Metabolic disorders

• Neuromuscular disorders

• Cardiovascular disorders

• Bone diseases

• Connective tissue and musculoskeletal disorders

• Lung diseases

• Neurological disorders

• Skin disorders

• Primary immune deficiencies

• Auto-inflammatory and auto-immune diseases

Research on rare cancers and rare adverse drug events is excluded.

How to Apply

The application process follows a two-step procedure:

1. Pre-Proposal Stage:

   • Submit a letter of intent (up to three A4 pages) outlining the scientific proof of concept, accompanied by a core bibliography and a short CV.

   • Deadline: April 20, 2026 (midnight CET).

2. Full Proposal Stage (for shortlisted applicants):

   • Submit a comprehensive proposal including all details of the research project, complete bibliography, and CV.

   • Deadline: July 6, 2026 (midnight CET).

Pre-proposals must be submitted electronically in English. Full proposals will be evaluated based on the originality, methodology, and feasibility of the research project, its potential impact, and the principal investigator’s achievements.

Funding Details

The Generet Award provides €1,250,000 over four years, allocated as follows:

• €750,000 for the first two years.

• The remaining €500,000 after a positive mid-term evaluation (scientific, financial, and communication review).

Eligible expenses include:

• Personnel costs

• Running costs

• Equipment

• Up to 30% of the grant can be outsourced for international/intranational personnel or collaborations, provided the services are charged at cost price.

• A maximum of 10% overhead may be applied, which must be explicitly stated in the agreement.

Selection and Evaluation Process

The evaluation follows an international, fair, transparent, and impartial process:

• Pre-proposals are assessed by an international panel of up to ten members based outside Belgium, focusing on the investigator’s achievements, project originality, and potential impact.

• Full proposals undergo remote evaluation, followed by a panel review that includes a rebuttal phase, allowing applicants to respond to anonymized feedback.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Incomplete Documentation: Ensure your pre-proposal and full proposal include all required sections (e.g., proof of concept, bibliography, and CV).

• Lack of Clear Impact: Clearly demonstrate how your research will impact both scientific understanding and patient care.

• Missing Feasibility Details: Ensure that your project plan, methodology, and data management strategy are clearly outlined and feasible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum grant amount?

   • The total award is €1,250,000 over four years.

2. Can applicants from outside Belgium apply?

   • Yes, applicants from any nationality can apply, provided they are working in Belgium.

3. What research topics are eligible for funding?

   • Research on rare diseases such as neurological disorders, immune deficiencies, and musculoskeletal disorders is eligible, excluding rare cancers and drug-related issues.

4. Is the award transferable if I move to another institution or abroad?

   • The award is portable between eligible Belgian institutions but cannot follow beneficiaries who move to a private company or abroad.

5. How are proposals evaluated?

   • Proposals are evaluated based on the investigator’s achievements, research originality, methodology, feasibility, and potential impact.

6. When are the application deadlines?

   • Pre-proposals are due by April 20, 2026, and full proposals by July 6, 2026.

7. What expenses can be covered by the grant?

   • The grant can cover personnel costs, running costs, equipment, and up to 30% for outsourced services.

Conclusion

The Generet Fund is an excellent opportunity for internationally established researchers working in the field of rare diseases. The program offers substantial funding to foster pioneering research that will help advance our understanding and improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of rare diseases. If you are an experienced researcher with a track record in rare diseases, this is a unique chance to contribute to impactful discoveries in Belgium and beyond.