Project name: Returns FZU
Registration number: CZ.02.01.01/00/24_037/0013815

RETURNING TO SCIENCE
AFTER A CAREER BREAK

The Returns FZU project supports researchers who interrupted their careers due to maternity or parental leave, long-term illness, or caring for a family member. We know that returning to science after a long break can be challenging - it requires refreshing professional skills, reestablishing contacts, and getting up to speed with the current research environment. That is why the project offers comprehensive support in the form of return grants that facilitate a smooth reentry into research.
 

 

 

The grants cover the salary of the principal investigator, contributions for child or family member care, up to 2 FTE support team, and the option of engaging a mentor. They also include funding for further education so that the return is not just a return, but a real career restart. The aim is to enable researchers to fully re-engage in scientific work, develop their skills, and continue their research with the necessary flexibility and support.
 

CONDITIONS AND DURATION
OF GRANT IMPLEMENTATION

An eligible applicant for a return grant is a person who:

  • At the time of application submission, is a PhD student or has obtained a Ph.D. degree or its equivalent.
  • Is currently on a career break or has returned from a career break, with no more than 12 months having passed since its end.
  • The duration of the career break must be at least 180 calendar days. During the break, research activities are allowed with an average workload of up to 0.3 FTE (maximum workload in one month 0.5 FTE).
  • The employment workload of the principal investigator must range between 0.5–1 FTE.
  • The duration of the grant must be at least 1 year and no more than 3 years (up to June 30, 2029).

     

FINANCIAL RESOURCES
FOR GRANT IMPLEMENTATION

The total cost of one return grant may not exceed CZK 10 million.

Funding of the return grant includes:

  • Salary funding for the principal investigator.
  • Contribution towards childcare or care for a family member.
  • Funding for a supporting research team (the size of the supporting research team is limited to four persons, with a total workload not exceeding 2 FTE; the grant can also be implemented without this research team).
  • A mentor may be included with a maximum workload of 0.2 FTE.
  • Training for the principal investigator.
     
     

Frequently Asked Questions

CONTACT

For detailed information, please contact: navraty [at] fzu [dot] cz (navraty@fzu.cz)