How to Apply

 Application process
Applications must be submitted in English using the online application system no later than September 15th, 2025 (midnight CEST). A PDF version of the application form is available here. This document only aims at providing an overview of the different sections. It should not be used to submit an application. 

A « save and continue » module allows the applicants to quit the system and to come back working on their application at a later stage. Once the applicants quit the system, an automatic e-mail is sent to their e-mail address with a link to return to their application form.

The submitted application file consists of:
  • The administrative part
  • The research proposal
  • An updated CV
  • A complete list of publications
  • The supporting documentation (Host Institution support letter, any documentation needed on eligibility matters)
All applications will be checked to ensure that administrative eligibility criteria are met before being processed to the evaluation stage. 

 Eligibility Criteria

  • Principal Investigator
The Principal Investigator (PI) may be of any nationality but must hold a PhD degree that has been awarded no more than 12 years before the deadline of the call (i.e. the PhD must have been awarded between September 15th, 2013 and September 15th, 2025).

This 12-years period can be extended by the duration of certain properly documented career breaks that have occurred after the PhD has been awarded. The following career breaks supported by official statements will be considered for the prorogation of the eligibility period:

  • For maternity, the documented period of effective maternity leave (up to a maximum of 18 months) for each child born or adopted after the PhD award.
  • For paternity, the documented period of paternity leave (up to a maximum of 18 months) for each child born or adopted after the PhD award.
  • For national service, the documented period of occupation after the PhD award.
  • For long-term illness, the documented amount of leave actually taken by the principal investigator for each incident that occurred after the PhD award. Long-term illness is considered as a period of ≥ 90 days for the PI or a close family member (child, spouse, parent or sibling).
  • For specialty training of MD-PhD, the documented period of specialty training up to a maximum of 24 months after the PhD award.
In case the PI has obtained several PhD degrees, the effective elapsed time to be taken into consideration for the eligibility period will be that of the first PhD. 

The PI must be affiliated to a Belgian University, a Belgian University Hospital, or an eligible Research Institute (see below) at the deadline of the call.

The PI is also required to have a full-time position and a secured salary for at least five years beyond the start of the BLBA until at least June 30th, 2031. 

  • Host Institution
The research must be conducted in a public research Institution in Belgium, referred to as a Host Institution (HI). This can be the HI where the PI Applicant already works, or another HI located in Belgium. The recognized HIs are the universities, the university hospitals and the following research institutes:

  • Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp
  • LABIRIS
  • Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB)
  • Flemish Institute for Technological research (VITO)
  • de Duve Institute 
  • Bordet Institute
  • GIGA Institute
  • Sciensano
  • Belgian Nuclear Research Center (SCK CEN)
 
  • Biomedical research field       
The research to be supported by the "Baillet Latour Biomedical Awards" (BLBA) must pertain to the topic of the year of the Award. The following five topics will rotate on an annual basis:

  • 2026: Metabolism and Gastrointestinal System
  • 2027 : Infection and Immunity
  • 2028 : Neurosciences
  • 2029 : Cancer
  • 2030 : Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems

 Schedule of the call
  • Opening of the call: June 16th, 2025
  • Deadline of the call: September 15th, 2025
  • First Panel meeting: February 2026
  • Second Panel meeting: March 2026 
  • Award ceremony: April 2026
  • Sart of the research project: July 1st, 2026
The call is open.

Timeline Of The Call

  • Opening: June 16th 2025
  • Deadline: September 15th 2025
  • First Panel meeting: February 2026
  • Second Panel meeting: March 2026
  • Award ceremony: April 2026
  • Start of project : July 1st 2026

SUBMIT A PROPOSAL

The call is open