For work visits to international research institutes/universities

International collaboration is a vital part of a successful scientific CV. Assessment committees often advise Assistant Professors to spend some time abroad to broaden their horizon. A sabbatical may not always be feasible, while a shorter work visit (e.g. 2 - 3 weeks) to a leading international research organisation may be easier to plan. These VLAG grants are intended for VLAG Assistant Professors to set up and maintain international collaborations. This is expected to contribute to their personal development and to have clear added value for the research of the chair group.

The visit to a leading international research organisation can be combined with an international course or conference but it needs to include a work visit to an international research group for at least 2 weeks (min 10 working days). Applications for fellowships outside Europe are only eligible if they last at least one month (4 full working weeks, not including travel).

This VLAG grant covers economy class accommodation expenses up to €500 per week, with a maximum of €3000 for a visit of six weeks or longer (based on actual costs). The grant also covers essential economy class travel (one return ticket) including visa, with a maximum of €1000. The grant does not cover living expenses, such as food, local transportation, personal expenses, etc.

The chair group is expected to provide the necessary means upfront. The VLAG grant will be transferred upon return to Wageningen, and it will be administered via the chair group.

Conditions:

• VLAG Assistant Professor at the time of submission and during the visit
• Added value of the visit to both personal/professional development of the candidate and the research of the chair group
• Consent of the chair holder
• Letter of acceptance by the host institution
• Within 4 weeks after completing the visit, we expect to receive:
  • A short ‘back to office report’ (one A4),
  • An excel file with an overview of the actual travel and accommodation costs (please enclose all relevant receipts in 1 PDF file),
  • WUR project number to which the grant should be transferred.

Please use the attached application form.

Selection of fellows is done by VLAG Office taking into account all information provided, given the available budget, and the number and quality of all applications. No a priori selection criteria are set, but they might include the fair distribution of funds over VLAG Research Themes and chair groups over time.

Deadline: May 1^st, 2026, for activities in 2026.

A deadline for activities starting in 2027 is anticipated on November 1^st, 2026, only if budget is available.

For more information please contact Vesna Prsic.