At the beginning of their scientific careers, young scientists need not only perseverance, but also external support. This can take the form of scholarships, grant programmes or other types of funding. Which international grant programmes are useful for young researchers? Let's have a look in today's article.
Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is a European Union programme aimed at supporting education, youth and sport, as well as vocational training. In particular, the 2021-2027 programme will focus on social inclusion, green and digital transition, and encouraging young people to participate in democratic life. Although Erasmus+ does not offer separate competitions exclusively for young scientists, many initiatives provide opportunities for doctoral students, young researchers and postdocs to participate in international mobility programmes or research projects.
The most relevant offers for young scientists are Key Action 1 (KA1) and Key Action 2 (KA2).
Key Action 1 (KA1 – Mobility of Individuals) allows postgraduate and doctoral students to go on research placements lasting 2-12 months, and young teachers and researchers to go on trips lasting from 2 days to 2 months to teach or conduct research. Erasmus+ covers travel, insurance and accommodation costs.
Key Action 2 (KA2 – Cooperation among Organisations) provides researchers with opportunities to participate in international research projects, develop innovative scientific methods, educational platforms, digital tools, etc. In addition, researchers can be involved in:
- Cooperation Partnerships – inter-university cooperation in the field of research
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters – opportunity to be a lecturer, mentor or researcher
- Innovation Alliances – cooperation with large companies and businesses
Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe is one of the European Union's key programmes aimed at supporting research and innovation. It is particularly important for young scientists, as it provides opportunities for professional development in the early stages of their scientific careers.
The programme fulfils a number of important tasks, including:
- supporting doctoral students and funding their first independent postdoctoral research
- expanding international cooperation and researcher mobility
- investing in cutting-edge fundamental research in various fields of science
- creating conditions for the implementation of ambitious innovative projects
- ensuring high-quality support, monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of each funded project
Several specialised instruments are available for young researchers. First and foremost, these are the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), which cover two key formats:
- Doctoral Networks – international doctoral programmes implemented within research consortia;
- Postdoctoral Fellowships – individual scholarships lasting 1-3 years, available to scientists with up to eight years of experience after defending their PhD.
Another important tool for young scientists is the ERC Starting Grant, one of the most prestigious European individual grant programmes. Researchers who received their PhD 2-7 years ago and are ready to form and lead their own independent research group are eligible to apply.
COST
COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is one of the oldest and most effective European programmes aimed at supporting international scientific cooperation. Its main goal is to create a network between researchers from different countries, helping them to exchange knowledge and develop joint scientific areas.
The distinctive feature of COST is that it does not fund the research itself, but supports cooperation, mobility and the building of professional scientific communities. For young scientists, this is one of the most accessible ways to integrate into the international scientific community.
The COST programme attracts researchers and innovators from universities, as well as from public and private institutions, non-governmental organisations, industry and small and medium-sized enterprises. Participants can apply at any stage of their career.
COST opportunities for young scientists:
- COST Actions – participation in large international scientific networks covering all areas of science and operating for four years. Young scientists can join at virtually any stage of the Action.
- Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM) – short-term scientific trips (usually 1-3 months) to foreign research groups within the framework of COST Action, which provide an opportunity to acquire new skills and work with advanced methods.
- Training Schools – special training programmes, workshops and summer schools that provide practical training within the framework of Action.
- Funding for participation in conferences, seminars and meetings – the programme covers travel expenses, accommodation, etc.
- Support for young researchers (ECI – Early Career Investigators) – scientists who have obtained their PhD no more than 8 years ago have priority in competitions for STSM and other opportunities.
The programme also provides opportunities for the exchange of scientific ideas, training, strengthening links with the research community in different countries, promoting global research cooperation, etc.
Latvijas Zinātnes padome (LZP)
Latvijas Zinātnes padome (LZP) is the Latvian Council of Science, which is responsible for funding scientific research, supporting research projects and developing science in Latvia. LZP aims to improve the quality of science in the country, strengthen the international competitiveness of Latvian scientists and promote innovation.
The LZP offers several programmes to support researchers, including the following:
1. Fundamental and Applied Research
This is an annual competition that funds the best fundamental and applied research in any field of science. The topics of the projects are determined by the researchers themselves, the applications undergo international review, and the best projects receive funding. Projects can last up to three years, and universities, institutes, and laboratories can apply. In 2025, the programme's budget was €17.7 million.
2. Postdoctoral Research Grants
The grant programme supports young scientists after obtaining their PhD degree, helping them to develop their own projects and integrate into the international scientific community. Both Latvian citizens and foreigners can apply, provided that their doctoral degree was obtained no more than 10 years ago (taking into account possible breaks). As of 2025, the amount of a single grant for “Postdoctoral Research” is up to €192,360 for 36 months and covers the postdoctoral researcher's salary, research expenses, equipment, mobility, conferences and publication preparation. More than €39 million has been allocated to the programme until 2029, which will provide funding for many young researchers.
3. State Research Programmes
The programme supports research topics determined by the state in accordance with the country's strategic priorities, ranging from healthcare and technology development to energy security and social challenges. These competitions fund large interdisciplinary consortia aimed at creating practical solutions for public policy. The topics are set by the relevant ministries, and the selection and evaluation of projects is carried out by the LZP. The budgets for such initiatives can reach over €1 million for several years.
Latvian scientists have access to a significant number of programmes that will help them conduct high-quality research. The above-mentioned programmes are ideal for young scientists looking for opportunities to implement scientific projects or ideas.
Do you need a publication to apply for a grant programme? Contact Scientific Publications. We will help you find a suitable scientific journal, audit your article, and accompany you through all stages of the process. To receive a free consultation, fill out the form below, and our manager will answer all your questions. Together towards new scientific achievements!
