FAQ – InterACT [Skip to content](#main) [ ![InterACT](https://interact-programme.be/build/assets/interact-Bz2nHYWk.svg)](https://interact-programme.be) Menu - [About](https://interact-programme.be) - [Non-academic organizations](https://interact-programme.be/non-academic-organizations) - [People](https://interact-programme.be/people) - [About](https://interact-programme.be) - [Non-academic organizations](https://interact-programme.be/non-academic-organizations) - [People](https://interact-programme.be/people) Search FAQ ===== - I live in Belgium. Am I eligible to apply for InterACT? ----------------------------------------------------------- Applicants should not have resided in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the call deadline (i.e., 8 January 2027). Please note that time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention, compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account for calculating the 12 months. - I recently defended my doctoral thesis but have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree. Am I eligible to apply for InterACT? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will also be considered as postdoctoral researchers and will be eligible to apply. The successful defense must be unconditional (no further requirements/corrections that need to be addressed) and take place before the call deadline. Supporting documentation will be requested. Please note that, in case your project is approved for funding, you will need to have your PhD degree awarded before you can start your InterACT contract at VUB. If you are unsure, please contact us at contact@interact-programme.be. - Is the deadline for submitting my application to the InterACT programme flexible? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No. The deadline of the application is 8 January 2027, 17:00 CET. The online application system will automatically be closed at this time. - Can I submit my application via email? ------------------------------------------ No. You should use the online application page, which you can find here: https://interact-programme.be/apply. Applications sent via email will not be processed. - Do I have to move to Belgium if I get selected for the InterACT programme? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yes. One of the criteria of the InterACT programme is that the selected postdoctoral fellows reside in Belgium. You have to work and live in Belgium for the period of the fellowship (36 months). - I have applied for Call 1. When can I expect the results? ------------------------------------------------------------- You can expect the results in the first half of May 2027. - Can a VUB supervisor assist applicants with the writing of their application? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No. VUB supervisors are not allowed to assist applicants with drafting or writing their research proposal. - Can I use AI for the preparation of the proposal? ----------------------------------------------------- Yes, provided that the use of AI complies with the guidelines of the European Commission. Please consult the Guide for Applicants available on our call page: https://www.interact-programme.be/call. Please note that the use of hidden prompts will make the application inadmissible and it will therefore not be evaluated. - Is it mandatory to have a VUB supervisor? --------------------------------------------- Yes. All applications must include a letter of commitment from a VUB supervisor. This is a mandatory application requirement. If you have not yet identified a suitable supervisor, you can consult our list of eligible VUB supervisors here: www.interact-programme.be/vub-supervisor You can reach the InterACT Scientific and Management team at: [ ![InterACT](https://interact-programme.be/build/assets/interact-Bz2nHYWk.svg) ](https://interact-programme.be) [ ![Vrije Universiteit Brussel](https://interact-programme.be/build/assets/vrije-universiteit-brussel-C_oczC_z.svg) ](https://www.vub.be/) Follow us --------- - [ ![](https://interact-programme.be/storage/files/linkedin.svg) LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/135755484) - [ ![](https://interact-programme.be/storage/files/bluesky.svg) Bluesky ](https://bsky.app/profile/interactcofund.bsky.social) ![Flag of Europe](https://interact-programme.be/build/assets/flag-of-europe-bBfHiYmH.svg)This project is co-funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No. 101260463 © 2026 InterACT Programme - [ Privacy policy ](https://interact-programme.be/privacy-policy) - [ Cookie policy ](https://interact-programme.be/cookie-policy) Design & development by [Typi Design](https://typi.be) [ ](#top)