The ATTRACT Programme, a fellowship initiative of the Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR), supports Luxembourg research institutions in expanding their competences within the National Research Priorities by attracting outstanding young researchers with high potential to the country. The programme enables highly talented junior researchers to establish independent research teams, integrate new skills and innovative research programmes into existing institutional competencies, and access attractive career perspectives beyond the funding period.

Overview

The ATTRACT Programme helps junior researchers build independent research groups at eligible Luxembourg-based host institutions. Proposed research must align with one of Luxembourg's four National Research Priorities. Applications are submitted jointly by the candidate and an eligible host institution, which offers the researcher an employment contract on a tenured or tenure-track basis. The programme offers two funding tracks: Starting Investigator and Consolidating Investigator.

Research Areas

Proposed research must align with one of the following National Research Priorities of Luxembourg:

• Industrial and Service Transformation
• Personalised Healthcare
• Sustainable and Responsible Development
• 21st Century Education

Funding and Benefits

The programme provides five-year funding with FNR contributions of:

• Starting Investigator: up to 1,500,000 EUR
• Consolidating Investigator: up to 2,000,000 EUR

Funding covers personnel, equipment, consumables, travel, and subcontracting, plus earmarked budgets for Training and HR Development and for Open Science and Research Data Management.

Eligibility

• Candidates must not yet be established in Luxembourg.
• Candidates must hold a first PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) between 2 and 8 years prior to the pre-proposal deadline (extendable for eligible career breaks, up to a maximum of 11 years).
• Candidates must not have been employed by the host institution for more than one year at the time of full proposal submission.
• Eligible host institutions include the University of Luxembourg, LIST, LIH, and LISER.
• The programme targets Established Researchers (R3) who have developed a level of independence.

Application Process

Applications are submitted jointly by the candidate and an eligible Luxembourg-based host institution. The host institution provides the researcher with an employment contract on a tenured or tenure-track basis. The process involves a pre-proposal stage followed by a full proposal stage.

Deadline and Timeline

• Pre-proposal deadline: 17 November 2026
• Full proposal deadline: 16 February 2027

Contact Information

Organisation: Fonds National de la Recherche (FNR)
Country: Luxembourg
More information: https://www.scientifyresearch.org/grant/attract-ai-personalized-health-sustainable-development-education-luxembourg/