# Rubicon 2026-2

**Funder:** ZonMw
**Budget:** €3,145,000 (total round budget)
**Deadline:** 1 September 2026 (14:00 CEST)
**Duration:** 12–24 months
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.zonmw.nl/en/subsidy/rubicon-2026-2
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For researchers who obtained their PhD from a Dutch NWO-recognised research organisation within the 12 months preceding the deadline. Individual applicants only (no pairs/teams). Funds a research stay of 12–24 months at a foreign research institute (all disciplines). Proposals must be written in English. Eligible costs: salary, travel, limited research costs; overhead not eligible.

## Summary

ZonMw Rubicon 2026-2 funds recently qualified Dutch PhD holders to spend 12-24 months conducting independent research at a foreign institution, with support for salary, travel, and research costs. The call is open to individual early-career researchers across all disciplines who obtained their PhD within 12 months of the deadline. This is an annual opportunity to build international research experience and independence outside the Netherlands.

## Who should apply

- Researchers who obtained their PhD from a Dutch NWO-recognised institution within 12 months of the deadline
- Individual applicants (no team or pair applications)
- Early-career researchers across all disciplines
- Candidates planning a research stay at a foreign institution

## Key dates

- Deadline 1 September 2026 at 14:00 CEST
- Single-stage application
- 12-24 month research stay

## Tips for applicants

- Your PhD must be from a Dutch NWO-recognised institution and awarded within 12 months of the deadline; verify your institution's NWO status before submitting.
- Eligible costs cover salary and travel; research costs are limited, so budget carefully and justify each line item.
- Write your proposal in English and frame your host country research stay as building independence, not as an extension of your PhD group.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the total budget for ZonMw Rubicon 2026-2?

The total round budget is €3,145,000; individual award amounts are not specified in the call details.

### How long is a ZonMw Rubicon fellowship?

The research stay lasts 12-24 months at a foreign research institute.

### Who is eligible for ZonMw Rubicon 2026-2?

Researchers who obtained their PhD from a Dutch NWO-recognised research organisation within 12 months of the 1 September 2026 deadline, applying as individuals.

### Can I apply as part of a research team or pair?

No, only individual applicants are eligible; team and pair applications are not accepted.

### What costs does ZonMw Rubicon cover?

Eligible costs include salary, travel, and limited research costs; overhead is not eligible.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/zonmw-rubicon-2026-2) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.