# Vici - Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) 2026

**Funder:** NWO
**Budget:** Up to €1,500,000
**Deadline:** 8 September 2026
**Duration:** 5 years
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/nwo-talentprogramma-vici-ssh-2026
**Last verified:** 5 July 2026

> **Recently updated:** catalog cleanup 2026-07-04: deadline aligned with ZonMw sibling row (Vici 2026 round)

## Eligibility & scope

For senior researchers. Dutch knowledge institutions. Allows senior researchers to develop their own innovative line of research and build their own research group in Social Sciences and Humanities.

## Summary

The NWO Vici award funds senior researchers in the social sciences and humanities to develop innovative research programmes and build independent research groups in the Netherlands, with up to €1,500,000 over five years. The call is open to established scholars based at Dutch knowledge institutions with a track record of research leadership. Vici runs annually and is the senior tier of the NWO Talent Programme.

## Who should apply

- Senior researchers with significant publication and leadership track record
- Researchers hosted at a Dutch academic or research institution
- Researchers in social sciences and humanities disciplines
- Applicants developing a genuinely innovative and independent research direction
- Scholars aiming to establish or expand their own research group

## Key dates

- Deadline 8 September 2026
- Two-stage evaluation (pre-proposal, then full proposal and interview for shortlisted)
- Five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Vici panels prioritise conceptual innovation and research leadership distinctly separate from prior work, frame your shift, not your continuation.
- The interview is weighted heavily; prepare to defend feasibility and group-building strategy to a multidisciplinary panel.
- Host institution commitment to infrastructure and PhD student support strengthens your implementation score.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much is an NWO Vici grant?

Up to €1,500,000 for a five-year research project.

### Who can apply for NWO Vici in social sciences and humanities?

Senior researchers with a strong publication and research leadership record, hosted at a Dutch knowledge institution.

### Is NWO Vici recurring?

Yes, NWO runs Vici annually across its domains, including the social sciences and humanities track.

### What is the deadline for NWO Vici SSH 2026?

The deadline is 8 September 2026.

### Can I apply for NWO Vici if I am not based in the Netherlands?

No, you must be hosted at a Dutch knowledge institution to be eligible for Vici.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nwo-vici-social-sciences-and-humanities-ssh-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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