# NWO Open Competition Domain Science M

**Funder:** NWO
**Budget:** Up to €800,000 (M-2) or €400,000 (M-1)
**Deadline:** 1 August 2026 (2025/2026 round CLOSED (max proposals reached). Next round expected August 2026.)
**Duration:** ~4 years
**Consortium:** Single PI (M-1) or 2 PIs (M-2)
**Application:** Single-stage rolling submission
**TRL:** Fundamental / curiosity-driven
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2026-08
**Official call:** https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/open-competition-domain-science-m-2025/2026
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Summary

NWO Open Competition Domain Science funds curiosity-driven research across physics, chemistry, and related fields with budgets up to €800,000 over approximately four years. Researchers can apply as a single PI (up to €400,000) or lead a two-PI team (up to €800,000). The call is open to researchers at Dutch institutions and operates on a rolling basis, with capacity-capped rounds opening annually each August.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at recognised Dutch research institutions
- Single principal investigators or two-PI collaborative teams
- Fundamental and curiosity-driven research projects in physics, chemistry, and related domains
- Projects with scientific novelty and high potential impact in natural sciences

## Key dates

- Annual rolling deadline in August (next round 1 August 2026; 2025/2026 round at capacity)
- Single-stage submission with rolling assessment
- Approximately four-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- The 2025/2026 round has reached maximum proposals; plan your submission for the August 2026 round to ensure consideration.
- Two-PI consortia unlock the higher budget ceiling (€800,000 vs €400,000); frame collaboration deliberately if your project benefits from complementary expertise.
- Emphasise the fundamental novelty and long-term vision of your research; NWO Domain Science prioritises curiosity-driven intellectual risk over near-term application.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much can I apply for with NWO Open Competition Domain Science?

Up to €400,000 as a single PI or up to €800,000 if you lead a two-PI team, over approximately four years.

### Who is eligible for NWO Open Competition Domain Science?

Researchers based at recognised Dutch research institutions can apply individually or in two-PI consortia.

### What type of research does NWO Domain Science fund?

Fundamental and curiosity-driven research in physics, chemistry, and related natural sciences fields.

### When is the next deadline for NWO Open Competition Domain Science?

The next round opens on 1 August 2026; the 2025/2026 round has reached capacity and is closed to new proposals.

### How does the rolling submission work?

Proposals are assessed in sequence as they arrive during the open window, rather than in a single batch after the deadline.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nwo-open-competition-domain-science-m-2026-08) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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