# Off Road 2026

**Funder:** ZonMw
**Budget:** €2,600,000 total (€2,000,000 base + €600,000 NAMs module)
**Deadline:** 24 March 2026 (14:00 CET)
**Duration:** 12-18 months
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.zonmw.nl/en/subsidy/off-road-2026
**Last verified:** 7 June 2026

## Summary

The Off Road 2026 call from ZonMw funds innovative health research projects of €2,600,000 total (€2,000,000 base + €600,000 for non-animal models module) over 12–18 months in the Netherlands. The call welcomes early-career researchers and is open to proposals across health sciences, with a particular emphasis on advancing research methodologies including non-animal model (NAM) approaches. This annual programme supports researchers ready to pursue bold, unconventional directions outside traditional funding routes.

## Who should apply

- Early-career researchers and established scientists seeking unconventional research directions
- Researchers based at Dutch academic medical centres, universities, or research institutes
- Projects incorporating non-animal models (NAM) or novel methodologies eligible for €600,000 NAM module
- Health research across infectious disease, chronic disease, public health, or biomedical innovation

## Key dates

- Single deadline: 24 March 2026 at 14:00 CET
- Single-stage application and review
- Project duration: 12–18 months

## Tips for applicants

- The NAM module is competitively allocated — clearly map how non-animal methods strengthen your primary research aim, not as an afterthought.
- Off Road prioritises innovation and intellectual risk; frame your proposal as departing from established paradigms in your field, with realistic feasibility.
- ZonMw values health-system relevance — connect your unconventional approach to a concrete health problem or unmet clinical need.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does Off Road 2026 offer?

Up to €2,600,000 total per project: €2,000,000 base funding plus €600,000 for the non-animal models (NAM) module if applicable.

### What is the deadline for Off Road 2026?

The deadline is 24 March 2026 at 14:00 CET. This is a single-stage submission with no pre-proposal stage.

### How long can an Off Road 2026 project run?

Projects are funded for 12–18 months, allowing rapid exploration of innovative research directions.

### Who can apply for Off Road 2026?

Early-career and established researchers based at Dutch institutions are eligible; the call is open to health research across disease areas and methodologies.

### What is the non-animal models (NAM) module?

The NAM module provides up to €600,000 additional funding for projects that incorporate or develop non-animal model approaches; this is competitively allocated within the main call.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/zonmw-off-road-2026-2026-03) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.