# Rubicon 2026-1

**Funder:** ZonMw
**Budget:** €3,145,000
**Deadline:** 24 March 2026 (14:00:00 CET (2 PM sharp))
**Duration:** 12-24 months
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Official call:** https://www.zonmw.nl/en/subsidy/rubicon-2026-1
**Last verified:** 31 May 2026

## Summary

The ZonMw Rubicon 2026-1 call funds early-career researchers to pursue ambitious, independent research projects in the Netherlands, with grants up to €3,145,000 over 12–24 months. Researchers in any field can apply, provided they are hosted at a Dutch academic or healthcare institution and have demonstrated research independence. Rubicon is ZonMw's flagship early-career programme, running annually to nurture the next generation of Dutch research leaders.

## Who should apply

- Early-career researchers establishing independent research groups
- Researchers hosted at Dutch universities, medical centres, or research institutes
- Applicants with a strong track record of publications and research independence
- Projects across all research fields and disciplines

## Key dates

- Deadline: 24 March 2026 at 14:00 CET (2 PM sharp)
- Single-stage application process
- Project duration: 12–24 months

## Tips for applicants

- Emphasise research independence and your vision beyond your PhD or postdoc supervisor's work — ZonMw panels screen explicitly for this.
- Structure your 12–24 month timeline realistically; overambition in a compressed timeframe weakens scoring.
- Include institutional support letters confirming research space and resources; ZonMw requires concrete host commitment.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the ZonMw Rubicon grant offer?

Up to €3,145,000 per project. The actual budget depends on your proposal scope and is negotiated within the single-stage review process.

### Who is eligible for ZonMw Rubicon?

Early-career researchers hosted at Dutch academic or healthcare institutions, across all research fields. You must demonstrate research independence.

### What is the deadline for ZonMw Rubicon 2026-1?

24 March 2026 at 14:00 CET (2 PM sharp).

### How long is a ZonMw Rubicon project?

Projects run for 12–24 months, allowing flexibility to match your research scope and milestones.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/zonmw-rubicon-2026-1-2026-03) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.