# NWO Talent Programme Vici – ZonMw 2026

**Funder:** ZonMw
**Budget:** Up to €1,500,000
**Deadline:** 8 September 2026 (Full proposal deadline: 14:00 CEST. Pre-proposal deadline was 10 March 2026 (closed).)
**Duration:** 5 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: pre-proposal (closed 10 Mar 2026) → full proposal (8 Sep 2026) → interview selection (Dec 2026) → interviews (Jan 2027) → board decision (Feb 2027)
**TRL:** 1-3
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** January 2027
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.zonmw.nl/en/subsidy/nwo-talentprogramme-vici-zonmw-2026
**Last verified:** 24 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For senior researchers at the consolidation/leadership stage who obtained their PhD within 15 years before 1 March 2026 (extensions possible). Proposals must be written in English. Aimed at researchers with academic qualities clearly exceeding international peer group norms and established leadership/mentorship skills; not for those who have already built an established research group.

## Summary

The NWO Talent Programme Vici (ZonMw track) offers up to €1,500,000 over five years for senior Dutch researchers demonstrating exceptional academic quality and established leadership in health and life sciences. Eligible applicants are within 15 years of their PhD with a track record of independent research and mentorship at the consolidation or leadership stage. This is the most prestigious tier of the NWO Talent Programme and runs on an annual cycle.

## Who should apply

- Senior researchers within 15 years of their PhD with clear academic quality exceeding international peer norms
- Applicants based at Dutch academic or hospital institutions in health and life sciences
- Researchers with demonstrated leadership and mentorship track record
- Strong publication and independent research record relative to career stage

## Key dates

- Full proposal deadline 8 September 2026 (14:00 CEST); pre-proposal stage closed 10 March 2026
- Multi-stage: interviews in January 2027, board decision in February 2027
- Five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- The pre-proposal stage is now closed; only shortlisted candidates invited to the full proposal round in September.
- Vici explicitly weights leadership and mentorship: include evidence of PhD supervision, group management, and field visibility.
- Submit via Mijn ZonMw portal in English; proposals exceeding scope or missing ZonMw domain alignment are desk-rejected.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the NWO Talent Programme Vici award?

Up to €1,500,000 over a five-year project period.

### Who is eligible for the NWO Talent Programme Vici?

Senior researchers within 15 years of their PhD based at Dutch institutions, with academic quality exceeding international peer norms and established leadership or mentorship skills.

### What is the deadline for the NWO Talent Programme Vici 2026?

The full proposal deadline is 8 September 2026 at 14:00 CEST; the pre-proposal deadline (10 March 2026) has already closed.

### Is the NWO Talent Programme Vici annual?

Yes, the programme runs annually with results expected in early 2027 for this round.

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

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