RFPs: Springboard Grant for Applied Research in Primary Care (Belgium)

Applications are open for the Springboard Grant, a funding opportunity designed to help early-career postdoctoral researchers launch their research careers in applied primary care research. The programme provides €88,000 in funding and supports interdisciplinary research that creates practical healthcare impact and improves patient outcomes.

The programme targets emerging researchers in Belgium who aim to build long-term research careers and develop projects with measurable benefits for patients, healthcare professionals, and healthcare systems.

Overview of the Springboard Grant

The Springboard Grant supports promising postdoctoral researchers who are beginning their independent research journey in primary care.

The programme encourages:

• Interdisciplinary research
• Practical healthcare solutions
• Evidence-based interventions
• International collaboration
• Patient-centered research
• Long-term research development

The grant is intended to help researchers strengthen their research profiles and establish a foundation for future larger funding opportunities.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Support early-career postdoctoral researchers
• Advance applied research in primary care
• Improve patient and caregiver outcomes
• Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration
• Promote practical healthcare implementation
• Strengthen future research capacity

Research Focus Areas

Supported research areas include:

Applied Primary Care Research

Projects should focus on practical healthcare improvements and real-world application.

Implementation of Interventions

Research may include:

• Testing healthcare interventions
• Evaluating implementation methods
• Improving service delivery systems

Patient and Family Benefits

Projects should demonstrate potential benefits for:

• Patients
• Families and caregivers
• Healthcare users

Professional Healthcare Support

Examples include:

• Healthcare workforce support
• Clinical practice improvements
• Care delivery enhancement

International Collaboration

The programme also encourages:

• Cross-border partnerships
• International research networks
• Collaborative projects

Research Location Requirement

• Research activities must take place within Belgium

Funding Information

Selected applicants will receive:

• €88,000 funding support

Funding is intended to support research activities and career development.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must be early-career postdoctoral researchers in primary care.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Maximum 2 years of active research experience after PhD completion
• Additional time may be allowed for documented career breaks
• Applicants close to PhD completion may also apply

For applicants who have not yet completed their PhD:

• Public thesis presentation must be scheduled within 6 months after the application deadline

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must also:

• Demonstrate support from an established supervising researcher
• Work in a:
  • University
  • Academic centre
  • Research centre in Belgium
• Intend to pursue a long-term research career
• Plan to seek larger future funding opportunities

Work Commitment Requirements

Applicants must meet the following work commitments:

• Minimum 70% work commitment
• Primary care professionals may apply with 50% commitment

Restrictions

Applicants should:

• Not already have guaranteed salary funding for upcoming years
• Be seeking to establish independent research careers

Required Support Documentation

Applicants should provide evidence of:

• Supervising researcher support
• Institutional affiliation
• Research plans
• Career development intentions

Why This Grant Matters

Early-career researchers often face challenges in securing funding to establish independent research careers.

The programme supports:

• Research career development
• Healthcare innovation
• Evidence-based practice
• Better patient outcomes
• Sustainable research pathways

The grant also helps bridge the gap between doctoral studies and long-term research leadership.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm eligibility

Review:

• Research experience requirements
• PhD status
• Work commitment requirements

Step 2: Develop a research proposal

Include:

• Research objectives
• Methodology
• Expected outcomes
• Patient benefits
• Implementation plans

Step 3: Secure supervisory support

Obtain formal support from an established supervising researcher.

Step 4: Prepare supporting documentation

Collect:

• Academic records
• Research proposal
• Institutional support documentation
• Career information

Step 5: Submit the application

Submit the completed application according to programme requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without sufficient supervisory support
• Failing to demonstrate applied impact
• Weak patient benefit explanation
• Missing eligibility requirements
• Providing unclear career development plans

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate practical healthcare impact
• Highlight patient-centered outcomes
• Include implementation strategies
• Show interdisciplinary collaboration
• Explain future research goals
• Present a realistic project timeline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Springboard Grant?

It is a funding programme supporting early-career postdoctoral researchers working in applied primary care research.

2. How much funding is available?

Selected researchers receive €88,000.

3. Who can apply?

Starting postdoctoral researchers working in primary care research may apply.

4. Can researchers still completing their PhD apply?

Yes. Applicants close to completion may apply if their public thesis presentation is scheduled within six months after the application deadline.

5. Is institutional support required?

Yes. Applicants must have formal support from a supervising researcher and an eligible institution in Belgium.

6. What work commitment is required?

Most applicants require at least 70% commitment, while primary care professionals may apply with 50% commitment.

7. Can applicants already receiving long-term salary funding apply?

No. Applicants should not already have guaranteed salary funding for future years.

Conclusion

The Springboard Grant provides early-career researchers with funding and support to establish independent careers in applied primary care research. By encouraging practical healthcare solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration, the programme helps researchers generate meaningful impacts for patients and healthcare systems.