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.