International Francqui Professor
The Internation Francqui Professor Chair, introduced as early as the Foundation’s beginnings, is one of the its most illustrious endeavors. The prestigious Chair promotes inter-university cooperation which allows to strengthen scientific cooperation with foreign countries and to expand the horizons of our university staff. The visiting scholar not only contributes to ongoing research but also serves as a source of inspiration for students and faculty.
By inviting eminent experts from around the world to engage with the local academic community, the Foundation elevates the standard of higher education and catalyzes encounters between distinguished figures in the field of research.
[Consult the list of titulars]
Essential information about an entry
Each year, the Francqui Foundation awards a few International Francqui Professor Chairs, which should allow the stay of a foreign scientist in Belgium for an uninterrupted period of three to six months.
Applications must be submitted by at least two Belgian Universities, one of which (« Host Institution ») is responsible for the practical and administrative aspects.
The International Francqui Professor Chair is designed for scholars of exceptional caliber who are globally renown and still active in their sector. The application must clearly articulate the chair’s interuniversity nature. The primary objective of this initiative is to attract professors who would otherwise note be available. Consequently, applications from individuals in neighboring countries or those already residing in Belgium will not be accorded priority treatment.
Given the limited number of chairs available, a selection process becomes inevitable. The Francqui Foundation reserves the right not to fill in the Chair if the entry file does not meet the strict quality criteria.
The task of the professor of the International Francqui Professor Chair includes :
1) an Inaugural Lecture ;
2) active participation in the scientific program of the groups concerned ;
3) a contribution to the formation of young scientists through contacts and seminars ;
4) and a mini-final symposium (with the intervention of the Francqui Foundation).
The Francqui medal will be handed to the titular of the International Francqui Professor Chair at the Inaugural Lecture . Therefore, the date for this Lecture should be set in consultation with the Foundation’s Executive Director.
At the end of such a mandate, a report and a final statement are expected, after which the balance of the allocated budget is settled.
File a submission
The deadline for applications to the Francqui Foundation is May 15.
These applications are submitted via the enclosed forms:
1) Filled in and signed application form;
2) the candidate’s curriculum vitae;
3) and a Budget proposal.
In addition to submitting a hard copy of the application to the Francqui Foundation, an electronic version must also be sent.