# Veni

**Funder:** ZonMw
**Budget:** Up to €320,000
**Deadline:** 1 September 2026 (Pre-proposal deadline; 14:00 CEST. Full proposal deadline: 26 January 2027, 14:00 CET.)
**Duration:** Up to 3 years (extendable to 4 years for part-time research)
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: pre-proposal (deadline 1 Sep 2026) → full proposal (deadline 26 Jan 2027)
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.zonmw.nl/en/subsidy/nwo-talent-programme-veni-2026
**Last updated:** 30 Aug 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For researchers within ~3 years post-PhD (reference date 1 Jan 2026; PhD obtained between 1 Jan 2023 and 1 Sep 2026, extensions possible). Research must be carried out at an NWO-recognised institution in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Applications must be written in English. Part-time appointments below 0.4 FTE are not permitted.

## Summary

ZonMw Veni awards up to €320,000 over three years (extendable to four for part-time researchers) for early-career researchers transitioning to independence in the life sciences and health. The call targets researchers within three years of their PhD defence, based at an NWO-recognised institution in the Netherlands. This is ZonMw's entry-level grant in the NWO Talent Programme, open annually with a two-stage application process.

## Who should apply

- Researchers within 3 years of their PhD defence (reference date 1 January 2026)
- Applicants based at an NWO-recognised institution in the Netherlands
- Life sciences and health researchers establishing independent research directions
- Candidates working at least 0.4 FTE (part-time positions below this threshold are ineligible)
- Researchers transitioning to independence, not yet established as group leaders

## Key dates

- Pre-proposal deadline: 1 September 2026, 14:00 CEST
- Full proposal deadline: 26 January 2027, 14:00 CET
- Project duration: up to 3 years (extendable to 4 for part-time researchers)

## Tips for applicants

- The pre-proposal stage filters on feasibility and independence, demonstrate a clear break from your PhD supervisor's work, even if you remain at the same institution.
- ZonMw emphasises health relevance; frame the public health or clinical significance explicitly, not just the scientific innovation.
- Part-time researchers can extend to four years, but minimum 0.4 FTE appointment is enforced at host institution, confirm this in writing before submitting.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much is the ZonMw Veni grant?

Up to €320,000 for a project lasting three years, or four years if you hold a part-time appointment (minimum 0.4 FTE).

### Who can apply for ZonMw Veni?

Researchers within three years of their PhD (with reference date 1 January 2026) based at an NWO-recognised institution in the Netherlands, working in life sciences or health.

### What is the deadline for ZonMw Veni?

Pre-proposal deadline is 1 September 2026 at 14:00 CEST; shortlisted candidates then submit a full proposal by 26 January 2027.

### Is the ZonMw Veni interview important?

Yes, shortlisted candidates after the pre-proposal stage are typically interviewed, and this stage carries significant weight in the final decision.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/zonmw-veni-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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