ESS26 - Resilience and Crises / Key Facts
Scope of the Call
This call invites researchers led by by a social scientists to submit proposals for exploratory, interdisciplinary research projects that advance the conceptualization of resilience in relation to selected crises—primarily with regard to their societal dimensions. Projects should initiate structured collaboration with other scientific disciplines and relevant practitioner communities, and employ methodological approaches capable of anticipating potential future crisis events.
This call is part of a two-phase funding activity. Projects funded in phase one will be invited to submit a further project proposal for larger projects once the exploratory projects are concluded (see outlook at the end of this document). The call for phase two is expected in early 2028 once all projects of phase one have finished.
Who can apply?
- An interdisciplinary team of 2-3 researchers led by a social scientist as PI & Coordinator (PI&C).
- The PI&C must be based at a university or research institute in Vienna.
- Co-PIs may be based outside of Vienna (funding limited to 20% of total budget).
- Co-PIs with an affiliation to an institution in Lower Austria may apply for up to 49% of the overall budget (Joint Project).
Project Duration
12-18 months
Funding
- Call budget: € 2 million.
- Project budget: € 50,000 to € 100,000.
- Personnel and non-personnel costs may be claimed.
- Maximum
40%50% non-personnel costs. - Up to 20% overhead costs may be claimed.
Timeline
- Proposal deadline: June 17, 2026, 2pm CET
- Expected funding decision: October 2026.
-
Project start: January 2027.
Process
- One-stage selection process
- International jury
- Application via WWTF Funding Portal
Events and Workshops
Matchmaking and Networking Event: March 23, 2026, 13-17. Albert-Schweitzer-Haus, Schwarzspanierstraße 13, 1090 Wien. Please register at b2match.