# Vici

**Funder:** ZonMw
**Budget:** Up to €1,500,000
**Deadline:** 8 September 2026 (Full proposal deadline 14:00 CEST; pre-proposal stage closed 10 March 2026 14:00 CET)
**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
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.zonmw.nl/en/subsidy/nwo-talentprogramme-vici-zonmw-2026
**Last updated:** 2 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For senior researchers at the consolidation/leadership stage, with academic qualities exceeding international peer group norms. PhD must have been obtained within 15 years preceding 1 March 2026 (extensions possible). Proposals must be submitted in English via Mijn ZonMw. Targets health research within ZonMw's remit.

## Summary

ZonMw Vici awards up to €1.5 million to senior researchers in the Netherlands who have completed their PhD within the last 15 years, to consolidate and expand established research groups. The call targets researchers ready to step into leadership positions and demonstrate how Vici funding will substantially advance their group's scope and independence. Vici runs annually and is open to all scientific domains within ZonMw's remit.

## Who should apply

- Senior researchers 0-15 years post-PhD, based at Dutch institutions
- Applicants leading or co-leading established research groups
- Researchers ready to transition to independent leadership roles
- Projects that demonstrate substantial group growth and development enabled by the grant

## Key dates

- Full proposal deadline: 8 September 2026 (14:00 CEST); pre-proposal deadline closed 10 March 2026
- Two-stage: shortlisted candidates interviewed in January 2027; board decision February 2027
- Project duration not specified in call materials

## Tips for applicants

- The pre-proposal stage filters for fit; if you advanced past 10 March 2026, focus your full proposal on demonstrating group consolidation and tangible steps toward independence.
- Vici panels weight group development and leadership trajectory heavily, articulate exactly how the €1.5M will expand capacity, recruit staff, or establish new directions.
- Proposals must be in English and submitted via Mijn ZonMw; verify institutional affiliation is active before the full deadline.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does ZonMw Vici pay?

Up to €1,500,000 per project.

### Who can apply for ZonMw Vici?

Senior researchers who obtained their PhD within 15 years before 1 March 2026, based at Dutch institutions. Extensions to the PhD cutoff are possible; check eligibility with ZonMw.

### What is the deadline for ZonMw Vici?

The full proposal deadline is 8 September 2026 at 14:00 CEST. The pre-proposal stage closed on 10 March 2026.

### Is the ZonMw Vici call annual?

Yes, ZonMw runs Vici annually.

### Can I apply to ZonMw Vici from outside the Netherlands?

No, applicants must be based at a Dutch institution.

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

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