Science fund - Science Communication Programme

Benefit

You will receive up to 100,000 EUR for a science communication project lasting up to 24 months. Science communication involves conveying research findings to people outside the scientific community – such as the general public or young people – in new and creative ways. The funding comes from the Austrian Science Fund (FWF). You can use this funding to cover staff costs, including your own salary as project leader, as well as equipment, materials, travel expenses and partnerships. The total amount includes a sum of 5% for general project costs. Once a project has been completed, you may reapply with a follow-up project.

Eligibility

• Your research: You are leading a research project funded by the FWF, or are involved in one, or have done so in the past. Your communication project builds on this ‘base project’.
• Timing: Your core project is still ongoing, or it was completed no later than 3 years before the application deadline.
• Excluded base projects: Your base project must not be an Erwin Schrödinger fellowship, a book or digital publication, an academic journal, a Cluster of Excellence, a Top Citizen Science project or an earlier science communication project.
• Where you work: You will carry out the project at a research institution in Austria, which will provide you with the necessary infrastructure.
• Skills: You have the necessary communication skills to lead the project.
• Field of study: Applications are open to all academic disciplines.

How to apply

Your research institution submits the application online via the FWF portal. The next call for proposals runs from 11 February 2026 to 13 May 2026, 14:00 Vienna time. Applications are usually written in English. International experts review the applications, and the FWF Executive Board makes a decision in October.

How realistic are your chances?

The FWF funds approximately 5 projects per call for proposals.

If you want to explore further funding opportunities beyond the FWF's science communication support, you'll find additional options in our guide Scholarships in Austria.