Navigating BrussELLS 2026

How can the EU help you develop your career?

Dates: May 19-21, 2026

Location: Brussels, Belgium (various locations near the European Parliament)

Organised by: ELLS Research Support Office Team

 Why join?

This 3-day intensive course will help you unlock opportunities for advancing your (not only scientific) career through European research programmes. Here's what you can expect:

• Learn about European research funding tailored to early-career researchers.
• Collaborate on project development in an interdisciplinary and international setting.
• Network with colleagues and peers from universities across Europe.
• Discover the inner workings of Brussels institutions and European policies.

What will you gain?

Through a blend of presentations, site visits, workshops, and networking, this course will provide:

• An introduction to European funding programmes for early-career researchers and key elements of proposal writing.
• Tools to evaluate your current career stage, identify strengths, and develop new skills.
• Insights into European research policy and funding, and guidance to apply this knowledge to future proposals and projects.
• Knowledge of research-related career opportunities outside academia, e.g. in industry and public (EU) bodies.

Who can apply?

• Final-year PhD candidates and junior postdocs (0–3 years post-PhD) at participating universities.
• Each participating university has three places available (25 places in total).
• Repeat participation is not permitted.

What are the costs?

• Course Fee: Free.
• Travel Support: Participants will receive a grant as contribution towards travel costs.
• Included: Lunches and tea/coffee during the course and one joint dinner.
• Not Included: All other expenses must be covered by participants or their university.

How to apply?

• Application opens: January 12, 2026, via the Navigating BrussELLS 2026 Application Form (The link will be uploaded on January 12, 2026).
• Deadline: February 9, 2026
• Notification: Decisions will be communicated by February 27, 2026
• Confirmation: Successful applicants must confirm their participation by March 13, 2026

Selection criteria

We will choose participants on a first-come, first-served basis, provided they meet the following criteria:

1. Eligibility requirements are met (employed at an organising university, correct career age)
2. A strong motivation statement is submitted
3. Gender balance is maintained among participants from each university
4. A diverse range of academic disciplines (max. one participant per department from each university)

 Take this opportunity to deepen your understanding of European research programmes, expand your professional network, and experience the heart of EU policymaking in Brussels.

Apply and chart your path to success!