Open Call for Constructive Advanced Thinking (CAT) Programme 2025

The deadline for this call has passed. Keep up to date on active calls on our website, or subscribe to our newsletter here >

The CAT programme aims to foster networks of excellent early-career researchers conducting basic research to develop new ideas for understanding and addressing current and emerging societal challenges.

The programme facilitates collaboration by providing groups with opportunities to meet at various participating institutes, allowing researchers to enhance and develop their ideas by engaging with institute fellows and local research communities. With minimal guidelines and a very light application process, CAT is designed to maximize the creativity of research groups.

Launched in 2019 under the Network of European Institutes for Advanced Studies (NETIAS), the CAT initiative is supported by twelve Institutes for Advanced Study across Europe. The current call also includes participation from institutes beyond the network.

Interested applicants can find detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures in the call. 

Applications must be submitted through the application portal by 15 September 2024, 15:00 CET.

CAS joined the CAT program in 2023, enabling researchers from our partner institutions to apply for the CAT Grant and travel abroad to visit various sister institutions.

We are excited to welcome our first CAT group, led by Jonatan Kurzwelly, in February 2025. The ‘Over Their Dead Bodies’ project delve into the historical and ongoing ethical and political challenges surrounding the collection of human remains worldwide. You can read more about the project here >