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Flemish research groups' portal

Open Slots in Flemish Laboratories under Modality A 2022

Modalities of the ODFP for the short research stay in Belgium

There are two modalities (A & B) in which applicants in Africa and the research institutions in Belgium can generate a research project to channel a research collaboration throughout the Open Doors Fellowship Program.

modalities

 

 

 

If your research activity and profile match the requirements of a receiving institute listed on the IPBO website, you can apply to the Open Doors Fellowship Program with modality A. 

Step 1 - Find a matching Flemish lab by consulting the list you can find under the Open Slots menu. 

Step 2 - Fill in the online application form. At this stage, the ODFP applicants should demonstrate how the research stay in the Belgian lab will impact their line of research in Africa, clearly define the objectives of the short research stay in Belgium, and highlight synergies that will arise from this collaboration. A tentative work plan for the proposed research will be required. 

Step 3.- The first round of selection will take place by the end of January. Candidates who fulfill the criteria and demonstrate the alignment and complementarity of the intended work will be invited for an online interview, regardless of the chosen modality (A or B).

Step 4.- Online interviews will take place in February. The selection panel will comprise the VIB-IPBO coordinators, the ODFP advisory board, and the representatives of the receiving laboratories in Belgium (one member).

Step 5.- Final selection of the awardees will occur by the 1st week of March. The VIB-IPBO will lead the process of travel arrangements and visas.

Step 6.- The ODFP awardees will join their receiving institutions in Belgium from the 1st of May for 8 weeks (minimum) up to 12 weeks (maximum) under the ODFP sponsorship.

 

Modality B allows you to create your application with a Belgian research institute of your choice. 

To apply for the Open Door Fellowship Program, 

Step 1.- The receiving laboratory in Belgium shall:

  • Present the group's research line(s) and activities, including a list of commonly used technologies (i.e. bioinformatics, genetic engineering, chromatography, sequencing, metabolomics, metagenomics).
  • Summarise (max. 400 words) the research project(s) that an ODFP fellow could contribute with her/their research.

Step 2.- Apply for the Open Door Fellowship Program before the deadline by illustrating how the stay in the Belgian laboratory will impact your line of research in Africa, clearly defining the objectives of the short research stay in Belgium, and highlighting synergies that will arise from the collaboration. A tentative work plan for the proposed research will be required.

Step 3.- The first round of selection will take place by the end of January. Candidates that fulfill the criteria and demonstrate the alignment and complementarity of the intended work will be invited for an online interview, regardless of the chosen modality (A or B).

Step 4.- Online interviews will take place in February. Both the fellow applicant and the Belgian laboratory host will be invited. The selection panel will comprise the VIB-IPBO coordinators, the ODFP advisory board, and the representatives of the receiving laboratories in Belgium (one member).

Step 5.- Final selection of the awardees will occur by the 1st week of March. The VIB-IPBO will lead the process of travel arrangements and visas.

Step 6.- The ODFP awardees will join their receiving institutions in Belgium from the 1st of May for 8 weeks (minimum) up to 12 weeks (maximum) under the ODFP sponsorship.

Adeola in the lab

What is the purpose of the short research stay in Belgium?

The research focus of the receiving Institution in Belgium should be agro-biotechnology, plant breeding, molecular biology & geneticsmicrobiology, chemical ecology, plant & soil health, livestock and aquaculture. The ODFP will prioritize the selection of applicants that will accelerate their research outputs thanks to their ability to:

  1. Learn, in a hands-on fashion, new techniques & experimental methodologies relevant to their research that are routinely used in Belgium labs but are at their early stages in their hosting institutions in Africa.
  2. Conduct experiments and analyses (in vivo, in vitro or in silico) with equipment, software, hardware or research facilities in Belgium that are not accessible to the fellows at their African hosting institutions.

The Open Doors Program explained to Belgian hosting labs

The Open Doors program encourages research groups in Belgium to expand their networks with researchers in African universities and (inter)national institutions, and to establish solid links with our African partners for future collaborations in the field of ago-biotechnology and agriculture.

Would you like to know more about this program and the modalities of engagement? Watch this video

opening a door

What do we offer to the hosting labs in Belgium?

  • Complete financial sponsorship of our fellows for a period of 8 weeks (minimum) to 12 weeks (maximum), including a bench fee of 500 euros/month per fellow for the receiving laboratory.
  • Whenever needed, for those researchers opting for Modality A, the VIB-IPBO team will conduct active scouting through our network for matching candidates with the proposed project.
  • Upon receipt of applications (both for Modalities A & B), VIB-IPBO will filter and assess the suitability of the fellows for selecting the most suitable candidates for each receiving institution in Belgium to maximize the impact of this collaboration.
  • Full coordination support to arrange travel, logistics, and accommodation of the fellows while in Belgium.
  • Follow up support with the fellows, their institute in Africa and the receiving laboratories in Belgium to generate future opportunities to strengthen collaboration and face-to-face interactions.
Shaking hands

How does the program benefits the Belgian hosting labs?

Joining the ODFP will help the Belgian research group to:

  • Broadening the understanding of your group on the ongoing agricultural research in Africa and the scientific opportunities and challenges faced in the continent by scientists.
  • Expand its network and create long-term synergies between research institutions in Africa and Belgium working in complementary research lines.
  • Promoting gender inclusiveness and diversity in the receiving institute.
  • Generate positive cross-cultural interactions in the laboratory.
  • Enhance the capacity, mentoring and supervisory skills of the staff in the research group.
I soon felt like our interaction would change something in both our professional contexts. The enthusiasm and ambition of the Open Doors fellows were energizing!
Prof. , Dr. Ir. Sarah Garré
Senior Scientist, Plant Sciences, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO)