NWO — open calls

Thematic NWA programme focused on the further development and validation of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), aiming to reduce animal testing in research.

Open to knowledge chain-wide, interdisciplinary consortia focused on further development and validation of existing non-animal New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for chemical safety assessment. Consortia may include humanities/social sciences, exact sciences, legal experts, civil society, and industry. Main applicants must have participated in both collaborative workshops (14 Jan and 4 Feb 2026). Funds a single project.

Thematic programme of NWA focusing on the further development and validation of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). Open to research teams in the Netherlands.

Joint NL–Brazil (São Paulo/FAPESP) research call on replacing fossil raw materials with circular biomass-derived feedstocks. Two project sizes: small-scale (€140k–€290k) and large-scale (€350k–€700k); NWO/FAPESP fund max 70%, mandatory 30% co-funding from industry. Topics: biobased feedstocks and conversion processes; multidisciplinary scope required (chemical engineering, economics, sustainability, social, legal).

Invites researchers and societal organisations to form a consortium to conduct research on reducing drug harm through effective societal interventions. Part of the NWA programme on drug harm reduction.

Supports exploratory applied research on testable and existing AI applications (use cases) focused on labour-saving AI. Conducted through new practice-oriented research activities at universities of applied sciences.

Links questions from Defence units to practice-oriented research at universities of applied sciences. Supports exploratory practice-oriented research focused on Defence issues. Requires collaboration between Defence and applied research institutions.

Open to consortia addressing 'wicked problems' based on NWA-route themes and cluster questions, spanning the full knowledge chain (fundamental to practice-oriented research) with societal partners including citizens. Main applicant must have participated in both collaborative workshops for the relevant theme. Proposals assessed on problem definition, impact, consortium quality, and research quality.

Full, associate and assistant professors, other researchers with a doctorate, postdocs and PhD candidates with an appointment for the duration of the meeting can apply for support for scientific meetings and consultations.

Open to researchers with a tenured or tenure-track position at Dutch universities, UMCs, KNAW/NWO institutes, and select other Dutch research organisations. Supports free and independent technology research with societal/scientific impact; requires a user committee of at least four knowledge users. Not intended for proposals predominantly focused on investments, contract research, or clinical trials.

Top-up call exclusively open to project leads of current or completed projects funded under three specific NWO KIC Mission calls (2020, 2021, 2022). Aims to integrate and disseminate knowledge gained from mission-driven innovation projects. Consortiums may collaborate jointly to request higher grants.

Provides researchers and research groups access to computing time and associated data services and expertise on national computing facilities. Open to researchers in the Netherlands.

Researchers and research groups can gain access to computing time and associated data services and expertise on national computing facilities through this 2026 call. Open to researchers at Dutch institutions.

Universities of applied sciences can apply for funding for Professional Doctorate (PD) candidates. Maximum €271,400 per application, of which up to €258,000 is for the candidate. Restricted to universities of applied sciences.

Project leaders or co-applicants of awarded NWO research projects can apply for funding to cover Open Access publishing costs of academic books resulting from NWO-funded research.

Three funding instruments (Veni, Vidi, Vici) tailored to various phases in researchers' scientific careers, enabling them to conduct independent research. Targets early- to mid-career researchers at Dutch institutions.

Supports enterprising scientists at research universities who want to investigate the commercial feasibility of an innovative research result. Aimed at knowledge valorisation and technology transfer.

The Clean Energy Transition Partnership (CETP) is a European Partnership under Horizon Europe aiming to stimulate and accelerate the energy transition, contributing to the European ambition of becoming a climate-neutral continent. Opening in Q2 2026.

Three funding instruments (Veni, Vidi, Vici) supporting researchers at various career stages to conduct curiosity-driven research. Tailored to early, mid, and senior career phases.

Part of Open Competition ENW-M 2025/2026; NWO acts as partner agency for Weave proposals with a Dutch co-applicant submitted to DFG, FNR, or other Weave partner agencies. Supports international collaborative basic research.