FAQ

for students and researchers from a developing country

I am from a developing country, but my country does not figure in your list of eligible countries. May I still apply?

No, since 2008 we can only support students and institutions from our privileged partner countries. Click here (1)for more information

What is the average duration of a study visit to Belgium?

Four weeks, but occasionally this can be raised up to 12 weeks if the candidate brings complementary funding (2).

Will the Belgian GTI assist me with my visa application and other administration?

Yes, we utilise a standardised procedure that facilitates the acquisition of a visa for Belgium. We will notify you on this procedure in due time.

What are the chances of receiving a grant?

A large number of worthwhile individuals and institutions approach the Belgian GTI for support. The process is highly competitive. Even if a project fits within our guidelines, it will not necessarily be funded. Current acceptance percentage is about 25 %.

Does this type of grant also cover research equipment?

No, this grant does not foresee funding for equipment. Approved projects are however entitled to a limited amount of money  (200 €) to cover small costs.

Does this grant cover operational costs?

Yes, the tutoring lab receives a bench fee of 50 € per working day for operational costs with a maximum of 1,250 €.

Does this grant cover publication costs?

No, but GTI alumni can contact the Belgian GTI office, where each demand will be investigated for eventual reorientation.

Can I use this grant to get funding to go to conferences or other scientific meetings?

No, but GTI alumni can contact the Belgian GTI office, where each demand will be investigated for eventual reorientation.

My project has been rejected, can I re-apply for the next call?

Yes, but you should take into account the reasons of rejection (e.g. if you have been notified that there’s no Belgium-based expertise for your taxon of interest, there’s little chance that a re-application will be successful).

Can I re-apply when I was already granted a project?

Yes, but you can enter only one project per call.

When can I apply?

You can only apply if a call for proposals is open.

Does age of the applicant matter?

Junior researchers are preferred although senior staff is not excluded.

Does sex of the applicant matter?

No, male and female researchers are both encouraged to apply.

Will this grant allow me to travel to non-Belgian Institutions?

No, but on exceptional occasions exceptions can be made.

Will this grant allow me to work even when there’s no expertise and resources in Belgium?

No, this grant valorises Belgium-based expertise. Experts needing only access to Belgian-based collections (or non Belgian collections on loan in Belgium) can apply.

How do I know what expertise is available in Belgium?

http://biobel.biodiversity.be/ provides the needed information on Belgium based expertise and resources.

Is paleontological work also possible?

No, only extant taxa are considered.

for RBINS based promoters

How does the Belgian GTI operate for this type of grant?

The Belgian GTI asks promoters of accepted projects to enter in a Memorandum of Understanding.

This MoU can be downloaded here (3)

Do I have to report progress to the Belgian GTI?

In principle the Belgian GTI office requests only a final report at the end of the project.

However, we appreciate receiving newson progress on an informal basis.

When do I have to deliver my report?

Reports must reach the GTI office before 15 May of the year after the onset of the program.

I want to submit a project that will take longer then one year to complete. Will it be considered eligible for this type of grant?

No, only projects with a time span of one year will be considered. However, promoters can submit project extensions the following 2 years (making it possible to run a project for three years).

I do not foresee training in my project because I intend to work with professional taxonomists only. Will my project be considered eligible?

No, all projects must include human capacity building.

I have lost original receipts of expenses made. Can I still enter these into the project.

No, just as with the normal accountancy procedure of the RBINS, you cannot.

I want to invite researchers from non-developing countries for a study visit. Can I enter this in the project?

No, you cannot; unless it was specifically in your original project or if you have received a written approval from the Belgian GTI office.

Can I invite a researcher/student from the developing country in which my project runs?

Yes you can, but organisation (including the finances) is on you.