The AFR ("Aides à la formation-recherche") grant scheme supports young researchers (PhD students and postdocs) in Luxembourg and abroad. The main objective of the programme, which is managed by the National Research Fund (FNR), is to improve the general working conditions and career prospects of researchers. The AFR scheme gives young researchers access to work contracts and supplementary training opportunities.

The programme has no thematic limitations. It is open to all researchers, regardless of their nationality. Their research projects should be interesting for the Luxembourg research sector. Candidates are responsible for finding a host institution in the form of a research group active in their area.

PhD students who wish to apply for an AFR grant must hold a university degree allowing them to enter into doctoral training. Support can be awarded for up to 4 years.

Post-doc applicants must hold a PhD diploma. They can apply up to 8 years after obtaining their PhD. Post-doc support can be awarded for up to 2 years. In order to be eligible for an AFR grant, the research training must be carried out in a different country from where the applicant has mainly worked for the 24 months preceding the beginning of the intended postdoctoral funding period.

The AFR scheme promotes public-private partnerships (AFR-PPP) by paying an incentive for research projects carried out in collaboration with the private sector.

The grant level is determined and varies according to several factors:

• PhD or post-doc training
• work contract or university fellowship
• collaboration with an accredited private company in Luxembourg
• full-time or part-time contract

Project proposals are evaluated according to the following selection criteria:

• scientific quality of the research project
• candidate profile
• quality of the host institution
• interest of the research project for the Luxembourg R&D context
• prospects offered by the research project for the career development of the candidate (this applies to post-docs only)

Applications to the AFR scheme are done through calls for project proposals according to a specified timeframe. Proposals are submitted online at the AFR website, which also provides more detailed information regarding proposals and grant levels.