Tips and Tricks to Obtain Your Own Funding
9 October 2023, 9h - 12h and possibility to receive individual advice in the afternoon
General context
Most scientists find their own funding by applying for grants. Obtaining such a grant is not simple: the success rate is low and writing a proposal takes a lot of time and effort. Obtaining a competitive grant in life sciences requires you to formulate a bold biological question, to write down your ideas in a structured and clear manner, to build a strong research plan, and cope with deadlines. This is where this course comes in.
- Learn to write a strong, attractive abstract
- Understand what reviewers are looking for in a research project
- Keep on eye on parts that are easily overlooked such as the importance of a risk assessment and sex and gender
- Overview of the funding landscape
This training is highly interactive and provides all practical information on how to translate your research idea into a strong research proposal.
In the afternoon, participants can schedule an individual session with the trainers.
PhD students and postdocs planning to submit a research proposal in the near future.
- This training is free for VIB participants.
- The course is not open for non-VIB participants.
- Note that upon no show without valid justification a fee of € 100 will be charged and you will be blacklisted for the VIB training program for 1 year. Click here for more information.
Trainers
Lieve Ongena
Senior Science Policy and Grants Manager
Lieve Ongena is an experienced science policy manager with deep knowledge in R&D strategy for the Biotech and Life Sciences sectors. She specializes in guiding researchers through European and international funding landscapes, with a strong track record in EU programs such as MSCA and ERC. Her approach combines strategic advisory with practical training, leveraging real-world examples to enhance research competitiveness and increased success.
Holding a PhD in Molecular Biology (Ghent University, 1989), Lieve advanced her research through European postdoctoral fellowships at Kyoto and Chiba Universities in Japan. She later served as policy advisor and business development manager at Innogenetics (now Fujirebio), one of Flanders’ pioneering biotech spin-offs, before joining VIB as a science policy advisor in 2000. Her career bridges scientific research, policy development, and cross-cultural partnerships, with a unique specialization in Japan–Europe research relations.
Elien Vandermarliere
International Grants Office Manager
Elien Vandermarliere is International Grants Office Manager at VIB, where she leads strategic support for international funding applications under Horizon Europe. She guides scientists at all career stages through highly competitive funding schemes such as ERC and MSCA, combining practical insights with strategic advice to help applicants strengthen the clarity, impact, and competitiveness of their proposals.
Elien holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from KU Leuven (2008), where she specialized in structural biology and protein crystallography. She broadened her expertise during postdoctoral research in bioinformatics and proteomics at Ghent University and VIB, contributing to research projects and mentoring students. Beyond her institutional role, Elien actively contributes to the European research community as a member of the EU-LIFE grants working group and as a reviewer for EU projects. Her unique combination of scientific expertise and funding strategy experience makes her a trusted trainer for researchers aiming to succeed in highly competitive funding landscapes.
Practical info
09 October 2023
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
Pleinlaan 2
1050 Brussels
Belgium
09 October 2023
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
The campus is well served by metro, tram and buses of MIVB and De Lijn. An overview of stops around the campus can be found on the access plan.
Plan your route with the planner of MIVB and De Lijn.
The campus is easily accessible by train. Etterbeek and Delta train stations are within walking distance. From Brussels Central Station, in addition to the train to Etterbeek station, you can also take metro line 5 to Pétillon stop or cycle 5 km to the campus. You can plan your trip to VUB with the NMBS route planner.
09 October 2023
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
Brussels is building a network of cycling routes so that cyclists can get around safely. You can use the Brussels Route Planner to find the fastest or safest cycling route in Brussels. To commute easily from Flanders, you can use the Cycle Highways.
On the Campus Map, you will find an overview of bike tracks spread across the campus. At Student Information (Building D) you find the largest bike parking. There are several Villo! Stations around the campus where you can take a bike with a subscription or ticket and return it to another Villo! Station of your choice.
Here you can find more information on cycling to VUB and in Brussels.
09 October 2023
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
Plan your route via maps.
Visitors can request access by car via this link. Enter the campus via entrance 6 on Triomflaan and park in the underground car park under building I.
Low Emission Zone: The campus is located in the low emission zone (LEZ) of Brussels Capital Region (BCR). If you come by car, check whether your car is allowed to drive in the LEZ. If your car doesn't meet the access criteria for the LEZ, then you can buy a day pass. Cars registered abroad must register for the LEZ unless they are registered in The Netherlands.
09 October 2023
Brussels - VUB Campus Etterbeek
Building E, 5th floor (meeting room next to social room)