5 December 2025 - 14:00
Stadscampus Paardenmarkt, s.O.102 (Knechtjeshuis)

Join us for the Research Day – a unique opportunity to explore funding strategies, sharpen your writing skills and connect with fellow researchers.

We are honoured to welcome Bruno Blondé, Chairman of the FWO, who will share the mission and vision of the Research Foundation. Afterwards, we dive into practical insights: key funding channels for fundamental and basic research and tips to improve your proposals.

Experts from RIVA will introduce the main funding schemes, and successful FOW researchers will share their experiences with winning applications.

Participants will also get an exclusive first look at the new Research Policy Plan, outlining the strategic direction for the Faculty of Design Sciences in the coming years.

Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights, expand your network, and boost your success rate for future grant applications.

Programme

14:00 Intro vice-dean research, Tom Coppens
14:05 Mission & vision FWO, Bruno Blondé
14:30 Funding Schemes (experts RIVA & researchers FOW)

• FWO & ERC
  FWO Projects - Frederik Verleysen (RIVA) & Piraye Hacigüzeller (ARCHES)
  SBO FWO - Frederik Verleysen & Jouke Verlinden (Product Development)
  ERC - Frederik Verleysen (RIVA)
• Horizon Europe
  MSCA Postdoctoral fellowships - Liesbet Cockx (RIVA) & Lara Schrijver (Henry van de Velde)
  Horizon - Margo Daems (RIVA) & Inneke Baatsen (research manager USI)

16:30 Presentation Research Policy Plan (Tom Coppens)
17:15 Closing drink & free flow poster expo