Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The DS-FR 2026 Public Call by the Slovak Research and Development Agency (SRDA) supports multilateral scientific and technological cooperation across the Danube Region. The programme aims to strengthen research collaboration between participating countries through joint projects, researcher mobility, and capacity-building initiatives.
It is implemented under Act No. 172/2005 Coll. and forms part of a broader regional cooperation framework involving Austria, Czech Republic, Serbia, and Slovakia.
Key Objectives of the Programme
- Strengthen international scientific and research cooperation in the Danube Region
- Support mobility of researchers within joint projects
- Develop research capacity across participating countries
- Encourage participation of young scientists in international collaboration
- Facilitate integration into European research programmes
- Promote new and existing cross-border research partnerships
Focus Areas
- Multilateral research and development cooperation
- Scientific mobility and exchange programmes
- Joint research project implementation
- Capacity building for research institutions
- Development of early-career researchers
- Preparation for participation in EU-level research initiatives
Eligible Research Fields
- All areas of research and development are eligible
- No thematic restrictions are imposed
- Projects must demonstrate clear international collaboration
- Scientific excellence and mutual benefit are key priorities
Funding Details
- Total programme budget: €200,000
- Maximum funding per project depends on number of participating countries:
- 3 countries: up to €10,000
- 4 countries: up to €12,500
- 5 countries: up to €15,000
- 6 or more countries: up to €17,500
Project Duration
- Start date: 1 January 2027
- Maximum duration: 24 months
- Projects must be completed within the defined timeframe
Eligible Countries and Cooperation Framework
- Austria
- Czech Republic
- Serbia
- Slovak Republic
- Additional participating countries in the Danube Region
- Multilateral collaboration involving at least two or more countries required
Who Can Apply?
- Research organisations
- Universities and academic institutions
- Scientific research institutes
- Public or private R&D entities
- Consortia involving partners from participating countries
- Projects must include international cooperation partners
How the Programme Works: Step-by-Step
- Identify research topic suitable for international collaboration
- Form a consortium with partners from participating Danube countries
- Develop joint research proposal with clear division of roles
- Include researcher mobility and collaboration activities
- Submit application to SRDA under DS-FR 2026 call
- If selected, implement joint research project starting January 2027
- Conduct research activities, mobility exchanges, and cooperation outputs
- Complete project within 24 months and report results
Key Features of the Programme
- Multilateral research cooperation across Danube Region
- Focus on mobility and knowledge exchange
- Open to all scientific disciplines
- Encourages young researcher participation
- Supports integration into European research frameworks
- Strengthens long-term institutional collaboration
Evaluation Criteria
- Quality and scientific excellence of the proposal
- Level of international cooperation and partnership strength
- Added value of cross-border collaboration
- Involvement of early-career researchers
- Feasibility and implementation plan
- Potential contribution to European research integration
Why This Programme Matters
- Strengthens regional scientific cooperation in Europe
- Builds research capacity across participating countries
- Encourages mobility and knowledge transfer
- Supports young scientists and career development
- Enhances participation in EU research programmes
- Promotes long-term international partnerships
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak international collaboration structure
- Lack of clear research mobility plan
- Overly national-focused research proposals
- Insufficient involvement of partner countries
- Poorly defined roles within consortium
- Missing alignment with European research objectives
Pro Tips
- Build strong, balanced partnerships across countries
- Clearly define mobility and collaboration activities
- Involve early-career researchers meaningfully
- Focus on long-term scientific cooperation potential
- Ensure clear division of responsibilities among partners
- Align research goals with broader European research priorities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the DS-FR 2026 call? It is a multilateral research funding programme for Danube Region cooperation
- What is the total budget? €200,000
- What is the maximum funding per project? Up to €17,500 depending on number of countries
- When do projects start? 1 January 2027
- What is the maximum duration? 24 months
- Which countries are involved? Austria, Czech Republic, Serbia, Slovakia, and other Danube Region countries
- What types of research are eligible? All scientific and technological fields
Conclusion
The SRDA DS-FR 2026 programme strengthens scientific collaboration across the Danube Region by supporting joint research projects, researcher mobility, and institutional cooperation. By fostering multilateral partnerships and encouraging participation from young scientists, the initiative builds long-term research capacity and enhances integration into European scientific networks.
For more information, visit SRDA.