Bial Foundation Opens Applications for the 17th Edition of its Scientific Research Grants Programme

The Bial Foundation has officially opened applications for the 2026/2027 edition of its Scientific Research Grants Programme, an international initiative that has supported innovative research focused on the healthy human being, in both its physical and spiritual dimensions, for more than three decades.

Now in its 17th edition, the programme aims to support scientific projects exploring topics that remain largely unexplored but are susceptible to rigorous scientific investigation. Applications are open until 31 August 2026.

Supporting Research in Emerging Scientific Fields

The programme is exclusively dedicated to projects in the fields of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology, reflecting the Bial Foundation’s long-standing commitment to advancing knowledge on consciousness, human behaviour, and the relationship between mental and physiological processes.

Scientific researchers of any nationality may apply, either individually or as part of a research team, provided they are affiliated with an eligible host institution. All applications must be submitted in English through the Bial Foundation Grant Management System.

Up to €60,000 Available per Project

Approved projects may receive funding of up to €60,000, with the final amount determined according to the specific requirements and scope of each proposal.

Research projects may run for a maximum of three years and must commence between 1 January and 31 October 2027. Funding is awarded to the host institution and disbursed according to the approved project schedule.

Eligibility Criteria

According to the programme regulations, the following types of projects are not eligible:

• Projects involving clinical or experimental models of human disease and therapy;

• Research primarily focused on eating behaviour, sexual behaviour, or physical exercise;

• Fundamental neuroscience projects that are not directly and unequivocally associated with a psychophysiological measure.

Applications will be assessed by the Bial Foundation’s Scientific Board, with funding decisions expected within four months after the application deadline.

An Opportunity for the Portuguese Scientific Diaspora

For Portuguese researchers working across the Nordic countries and other international research ecosystems, this programme represents an important opportunity to secure funding for innovative and exploratory research in fields that are often underrepresented in conventional funding schemes.

SPOT Nordic encourages members of the Portuguese scientific community abroad whose work aligns with these areas to explore this opportunity and assess their eligibility for submission.

Key Information

Application deadline: 31 August 2026

Supported fields: Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Maximum funding: €60,000 per project

Project duration: Up to 3 years

Project start period: Between January and October 2027

Application language: English

Further information, application guidelines, and the full programme regulations are available on the Bial Foundation website: www.bialfoundation.com