Research grants for Dutch researchers

For early-career independent investigators (lab established 3–8 years prior to Dec 31, 2026; appointment start 2018–2023) at non-profit academic/research institutions worldwide. Supports high-impact, high-risk cancer research distinct from the applicant's current portfolio. Single PI only; no co-investigators. Applicants must have multi-year independent funding active in 2027. All materials must be submitted in English.

Part of Open Competition ENW-M. Dutch co-applicant (tenured or tenure-track at eligible NL institution) submits administrative submission to NWO when a Weave bilateral proposal is led by DFG, FNR, or FWO. Max one Dutch applicant per proposal; max €400k for the Dutch part funding one temporary scientific position (PhD or postdoc) plus other budget modules. Proposals must be in English. Must rank in top 20% at lead agency to be eligible for NWO allocation.

International collaboration grant: Dutch main applicant (tenured/tenure-track at eligible NL institution) with co-applicant(s) from Germany, Luxembourg, or Flanders. NWO acts as lead agency. Personal data shared between funding agencies. Proposals in English via Isaac.

Dutch co-applicant (tenured or tenure-track at eligible NL institution) joins a bilateral Weave proposal submitted to DFG. NWO acts as partner agency; DFG handles scientific evaluation. Max one Dutch applicant; up to €400k for one temporary position (postdoc; PhD not possible with DFG) plus other budget modules. Proposals must be in English. One ENW-M submission per applicant per 12 months.

Curiosity-driven basic research in earth sciences, astronomy, chemistry, computer science, life sciences, physics or mathematics. Single main applicant with tenured or tenure-track position at an eligible Dutch research organisation. Proposals must be submitted in English via Isaac. One ENW-M proposal per applicant per 12 months.

Joint Transnational Call (JTC) 2026 — joint transnational call by the BE READY NOW European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funders.

Open to organisations and partnerships operating in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Statia or Saba; lead applicant must be based on one of the ABCSSS islands. At least 75% of budget must be spent locally on the islands. Applications must be written in English. Projects should strengthen healthcare organisation, accessibility, quality and efficiency, with preference for vulnerable groups.

For postdoctoral researchers with <5 years mentored research experience at award activation, working at the intersection of cancer immunology and computational biology/data science. Must be conducted at a non-profit institution (US or abroad); no citizenship restrictions. Sponsor must hold assistant professor or higher rank. Proposals must be hypothesis-driven in basic or translational cancer immunology.

For researchers who obtained their PhD from a Dutch NWO-recognised research organisation within the 12 months preceding the deadline. Funds a research stay of 12–24 months at an excellent foreign research institute (all disciplines). Individual applicants only; no pairs or teams. Eligible costs: salary, travel, limited research costs. Proposal must be written in English.

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.

NWO/ZonMw Rubicon funds researchers who obtained their PhD in the Netherlands to gain international experience at a research institution abroad. Outgoing-mobility scheme: applicant origin is NL, host institution is outside NL.

Supports postdoctoral researchers in immunology and cancer immunology at non-profit institutions worldwide (no citizenship restrictions). Applicants must hold a doctoral degree by award activation and have <5 years of mentored research experience (M.D.s exclude residency years). Research must be hypothesis-driven and mechanistic, relevant to the immune system's role in cancer. Only 1 fellow per sponsor per round.

Supports outstanding early-career postdoctoral scientists seeking dual expertise in immunology and data science at the intersection of cancer immunology and bioinformatics/computational methods.

For researchers who obtained their PhD from a Dutch NWO-recognised research organisation within the 12 months preceding the deadline. Individual applications 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; no overhead.

Funds fundamental (Basic Research phase 1) and Credentialing (phase 2) cancer research, including biological mechanisms of cancer onset/progression and psychosocial impacts. Proposal types: Research Project, Consortium, and Unique High-Risk. Submitted via KWF GMS; participating institutes must register ≥6 weeks before closing. YIG proposals must use the separate 2026/YIG call.

For senior researchers (Science Domain) to build their own innovative line of research and develop into a research group leader. Applicants must be affiliated with a Dutch knowledge institution.

For senior researchers in Social Sciences and Humanities to build their own innovative line of research and develop into a research group leader. Applicants must be affiliated with a Dutch knowledge institution.

For senior researchers at the consolidation/leadership stage, with PhD obtained within 15 years before 1 March 2026 (extensions possible). Proposals must be written in English. Applicants must demonstrate that Vici will substantially contribute to consolidating their research group. Hosted at Dutch institutions via ZonMw.

Funds clinical research (Proof of Concept or Clinical Validation studies) into drug repurposing of existing off-patent medicines for ME/CFS patients in the Netherlands. Applicants must be Dutch legal entities (public or private law). Non-research organisations must provide ≥50% co-financing. Proposals must be written in English.

For senior researchers at the consolidation/leadership stage who obtained their PhD within 15 years before 1 March 2026 (extensions possible). Proposals must be written in English. Aimed at researchers with academic qualities clearly exceeding international peer group norms and established leadership/mentorship skills; not for those who have already built an established research group.

For senior researchers in Applied and Engineering Sciences to build their own innovative line of research and develop into a research group leader. Applicants must be affiliated with a Dutch knowledge institution.

Postdoctoral researchers of any nationality, max 8 years full-time research experience post-PhD at deadline. Mobility rule applies: researcher must not have resided/worked in the host country for >12 months in the 3 years before deadline. Full-time commitment required. Host must be an eligible organisation in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.

Restricted to nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, max 8 years post-PhD. Outgoing phase at a non-EU/non-Associated Country organisation, with mandatory return phase to an EU/Associated Country host. Full-time commitment required; mobility rules apply.

Curiosity-driven, groundbreaking team science in fundamental (bio)medical and health research; no thematic restriction. Optional investment module of €100k–€250k available on top of base grant (max total €1,050k). Only applicants with a positive pre-proposal decision may submit a full proposal. Host institution must be a Dutch research organisation (NWO grant rules apply).

Horizon Europe RIA under the EU Cancer Mission supporting development of validated microbiome tools for early cancer prediction before disease onset, including AI risk modelling, longitudinal cohort studies, and comparison with liquid biopsy tests. Proposals must address multiple cancer types where possible and collaborate with large cohorts/registries. Lump sum grant; one grant expected.

Horizon Europe RIA under the EU Cancer Mission call HORIZON-MISS-2026-02. One indicative grant of approximately €15M. Full topic description available in the Work Programme. Consortia must include eligible entities from at least 3 EU member states or associated countries.

Horizon Europe Innovation Action under the EU Cancer Mission call HORIZON-MISS-2026-02. One indicative grant of approximately €7M. Full topic description available in the Work Programme. Consortia must include eligible entities from at least 3 EU member states or associated countries.

Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action under the EU Cancer Mission call HORIZON-MISS-2026-02. One indicative grant of approximately €5M. Full topic description available in the Work Programme. Consortia must include eligible entities from at least 3 EU member states or associated countries.

Horizon Europe RIA (lump sum) for academic investigator-initiated pragmatic clinical trials on immunotherapeutic interventions for refractory cancer patients. Proposals must include a clinical studies annex, disaggregate data by sex/gender/age, and engage patients in endpoint definition. Applicants must include diverse stakeholders and plan to join the EU Cancer Mission 'Diagnosis and Treatment' cluster. ~3 grants expected.

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.

Horizon Europe RIA under the Cancer Mission. Requires development of multiscale AI-integrated Virtual Human Twins for cancer onset, progression and personalised treatment. Proposals must include clinical study annex if clinical studies are envisaged. Interdisciplinary consortia including healthcare professionals, patient representatives, AI experts and SMEs expected. Open science principles mandatory; data must be shared via UNCAN.eu and Advanced VHT Platform.

Consortia apply to develop an EIT Label-certified micro-credentials programme for advanced Master's students and PhD candidates in life sciences, medical technologies, and biotechnology, focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and project management in healthcare. Applicants must register in the EU Funding & Tenders portal to obtain a PIC number before applying. Open to members and non-members of EIT Health.

Open to European SMEs (≥4 FTE employees) with ≥€2M total equity investment closed in the prior 36 months. Requires 50% co-funding from other sources. Scope: biotech (IML≥5), medtech (IML≥6), digital health/AI (IML≥7), biomarkers/diagnostics (IML≥7). Applicants must register in the EU Funding & Tenders portal to obtain a PIC number before applying.

Funds mature digital, data-driven and AI-powered healthcare solutions ready to scale across European markets. Led by a Commercialising Entity (SME or industry player). Applicants must be legal entities established in eligible Horizon Europe countries (EU Member States, associated countries, or eligible third countries). 50% co-funding required. Covers commercialisation pilots, market adaptation, health economics analysis, and reimbursement pathway development.

Shaping the Future of Animal Health and Welfare — joint transnational call by the EUPAHW European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funder

Funds design and delivery of an EIT Label-certified Biotech pathway (personalised learning courses) within the Certified Innovation Path portfolio. Consortium must include ≥2 HEIs in ≥2 eligible Member States (at least one in an EIT RIS region) and ≥1 industry/non-academic partner. At least one HEI must be authorised to award ECTS credits. Focus on health biotech innovation, entrepreneurship, and translation to market-ready solutions across Europe.

Consortium of ≥2 HEIs in ≥2 eligible EU Member States (at least one in an EIT RIS region) plus ≥1 industry/non-academic partner. Funds design and delivery of EIT Label-certified personalised learning courses in health biotechnology (innovation, entrepreneurship, regulatory/translational expertise). At least one HEI must be authorised to award ECTS credits.

Global Health EDCTP3 Calls for proposals 2026 — joint transnational call by the GH EDCTP3 JU European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating fu

Public-private partnership (PPP) subsidy for Life Sciences & Health R&D in the Netherlands. Main applicant must be a for-profit company established in the Netherlands (micro-SMEs ineligible as main applicant). At least 80% of personnel costs must be incurred in the Netherlands. Co-financing (in-kind and/or in-cash) required from all consortium partners. Industrial research and/or experimental development only.

Add-on to ongoing or recently completed KWF-funded projects (incl. KWF-PPP, TTW Technology for Oncology, KWF-NWO early detection). Innovation must be at TRL ≥3. Supports translational pathway definition, limited development/validation, and regulatory/implementation preparation. Applicants must collaborate with their institution's TTO. Applications submitted during the project or up to 1 year after end date.

RAMP Joint Transnational Call 2026 — joint transnational call by the Raw Materials for the Green and Digital Transition European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the cal

Health~Holland PPP programme (KWF, NRG PALLAS, FAST, Oncode Institute) funding development of lead-212 production technology and enabling technologies for radiopharmaceutical cancer therapies. Proposals must include a private party (not in financial difficulty); TKI-LSH Budget Form and Consortium Agreement are mandatory. Projects embedded in Lead4Life governance structure and national TRT network.

For postdoctoral researchers with a PhD in a biological discipline moving to a new country and new research area. Must be ≤3 years post-PhD at Full Proposal deadline (24 Sep 2026). Applicants cannot work in their country of nationality or PhD country. 100% FTE commitment required. For-profit host institutions ineligible. Basic life sciences research only; applied/clinical projects excluded.

For postdoctoral researchers holding a doctoral degree from a non-biological discipline (physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, computer science) with no or little life sciences experience, moving to a new country. Must be ≤3 years post-PhD at Full Proposal deadline. Cannot work in country of nationality or PhD country. 100% FTE required. For-profit host institutions ineligible.

For postdocs with a PhD in a biological discipline moving to a new country and new research area. Must be ≤3 years post-PhD at Full Proposal deadline (24 Sep 2026). Applicants cannot work in their country of nationality or PhD country. For-profit host institutions ineligible. 100% FTE required. Basic life sciences research only; applied/clinical projects excluded.

For postdocs with a PhD in a non-biological discipline (physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, computer science) with no/little life sciences experience, moving to a new country. Must be ≤3 years post-PhD at Full Proposal deadline. Cannot work in country of nationality or PhD country. For-profit host institutions ineligible. 100% FTE required. Basic life sciences research only.

Dutch SMEs and research organisations may apply for PPP subsidy (€400k–€750k per project) for R&D in cell & gene therapies (CGT) and Organ-on-Chip (OoC) technologies (TRL 4–7). Priority partner countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. Healthcare providers and foundations are NOT eligible. Co-funding (in-kind/cash) by all partners required. Mandatory consortium agreement template with IP provisions.

PPP subsidy for Dutch SMEs and research organisations participating in international R&D consortia focused on cell and gene therapies (CGT) and Organ-on-Chip (OoC) technologies (TRL 4–7). Healthcare providers and foundations are not eligible. International partners must secure their own funding. Co-funding (in-kind and/or cash) by all partners is required.

Annual call for cancer research projects with Nordic collaboration. Norwegian Cancer Society contributes annually to this Nordic Cancer Union initiative. Applications via NCU's own portal. Nordic collaboration required.

PRIMA Call 2026 Section 2 — joint transnational call by the PRIMA European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funders.

Annual call for cancer research projects with Nordic collaboration. Total pool of €950,000. Applications submitted via NCU's own portal. Questions to ncu@kreftforeningen.no.

Annual call for cancer research projects with Nordic collaboration, funded by Nordic Cancer Union with Norwegian Cancer Society contributions. Total budget €950,000. Information and application portal on NCU's website. Questions to ncu@kreftforeningen.no.

Annual call for cancer research projects with Nordic collaboration. Total budget €950,000. Applications submitted via NCU's own portal. Nordic cross-country collaboration is required.

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.

Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship funds ambitious basic biomedical PhD projects. Europe-wide: EU citizens anywhere, or non-EU citizens whose PhD is at a European host. Experimental basic biomedical research only.

Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds MD Fellowship funds medical students (primarily enrolled in Germany) for an experimental basic-biomedical research project in a leading lab away from their home institution.

For early-career oncology researchers within 5 years of PhD (extensions possible for clinical training or parental leave). Project leader must hold a PhD and be employed ≥0.5 FTE throughout. Covers all research phases from basic to implementation. Applicants must be affiliated with a KWF-registered institute (registration required ≥6 weeks before deadline). Proposals must be submitted exclusively to this call.

Open cancer research call covering Creation of Modality, Preclinical, Clinical, or Implementation research phases. Proposals must include a development plan with steps, stakeholders, feasibility, and risks. Projects falling within scope of specific thematic calls (biomarker validation/implementation, PIPELINE, INTER-LOCAL, pancreatic screening) are excluded. Dutch summary and patient participation section required; PACO review weighted 30%.

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.

PRIMA Call 2026 Section 1 — joint transnational call by the PRIMA European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funders.

Directly funded by the European Union and fully managed by the PRIMA Foundation. Supports transnational research and innovation projects among Mediterranean countries. Focuses on water management, agricultural systems, and the agri-food chain (water-energy-food-ecosystems nexus). Consortium of partners from Mediterranean/EU countries required.

IHI Call 13 — joint transnational call by the Innovative Health Initiative European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funders.

CETP Joint Call 2026 — joint transnational call by the CETP European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funders.

Achieving open strategic autonomy in digital and emerging en — joint transnational call by the Made in Europe European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for

Open to researchers of any nationality, 0–10 years post-PhD (extensions possible for parental leave, illness, etc.), proposing frontier research in any field. Host institution must be a public or private research organisation in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe associated country. Single PI applies; no consortium required.

Funds nationwide implementation of clinically validated oncology biomarkers (TRL 7–9) in the Netherlands. Requires a multidisciplinary consortium of ≥4 parties, an HTA specialist in the team, a KWF-approved steering committee, and structural embedding of the patient perspective. PhD candidates are strongly discouraged. Public/private collaborations encouraged if co-funding is in place.

Clinical validation of known oncology biomarkers (TRL 5/6) for use in daily clinical practice. Requires multidisciplinary consortium of ≥4 parties, mandatory (early) HTA component, patient involvement, and robust statistical expertise. AI-component projects must engage AI4Health consortium. Discovery-phase (TRL 1–4) and side-effect biomarkers are out of scope.

Joint NWO–FAPESP call for interdisciplinary research on replacing fossil raw materials with circular biomass-derived materials in the chemical industry. Dutch main applicant must be at a research organisation in the Netherlands; São Paulo applicant must confirm eligibility with FAPESP. Mandatory 30% co-funding from a private company. Research must cover multiple perspectives (chemical engineering, economics, sustainability, social, legal).

EIC call (HORIZON-EIC-2026-STEP-DEFENCE-01): HORIZON EIC Equity Only

EIC call (HORIZON-EIC-2026-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01): HORIZON EIC Grants

EIC call (HORIZON-EIC-2026-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01): HORIZON EIC Grants

EIC call (HORIZON-EIC-2026-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01): HORIZON EIC Grants

ERDERA Clinical Trial Call 2026 (pre-announcement) — joint transnational call by the ERDERA European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating fun

Invite-only full application stage for NERC Large Grants. Applicants must be based at UK research organisations eligible for NERC funding. Associated studentships may be available. Proposals must align with NERC's environmental science remit.

Funds fundamental (basic and credentialing) cancer research covering biological mechanisms of cancer onset/progression and psychosocial impacts. Proposals must be submitted via KWF GMS; participating institutes not yet registered must request access at least 6 weeks before closing. Call 2027-1 is the final project-based Exploration call; from 2028 KWF transitions to Research Group Funding.

Funds fundamental (Basic Research phase 1) and credentialing (phase 2) cancer research, covering biological mechanisms of cancer onset/progression and psychosocial impacts. Applicants must submit via KWF GMS; unregistered institutes must register ≥6 weeks before closing. This is KWF's final project-based Exploration Call; from 2028 KWF transitions to Research Group Funding.

Novel ecosystems: biodiversity, socio-ecological consequence — joint transnational call by the Biodiversa-plus European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page fo

Water4All 2025 Joint Transnational Call - Sustainable Water — joint transnational call by the Water4All European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for parti

Supports early-stage, pre-development concepts with potential to transform cancer immunotherapy. Targets bold, innovative technology ideas at the pre-development stage in cancer immunotherapy.

Supports early-stage, pre-development technological innovations in cancer immunotherapy (computational, profiling, visualization, culture systems, novel therapeutics). Applicants must hold a tenure-track position at a not-for-profit research institution. Co-PIs encouraged. Does not fund clinical trials or continuation of existing technologies. Proposals must be submitted in English.

DUT Call 2026 — joint transnational call by the DUT European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funders.

M-ERA.NET Joint Call 2026 — joint transnational call by the M-ERA.NET 3 European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating funders.

MSCA Doctoral Networks fund collaborative doctoral training programmes across a consortium of academic and non-academic organisations. Doctoral candidates (early-stage researchers) must not have a PhD and must comply with MSCA mobility rules (not resided/worked in host country >12 months in last 3 years). Proposals submitted in English.

Supports innovative public-private partnerships (PPP) between Dutch SMEs and research organizations. Dutch companies must not qualify as an 'undertaking in difficulty' (OIM). Submitting a similar proposal to the Science for Industry Call 2026 is not permitted; applicants must choose one call only.

Improved system design for innovative PV applications — joint transnational call by the EUPI-PV European Partnership, listed on the ERA-LEARN joint-call calendar. Funded by national/regional agencies in participating countries; requires a transnational consortium. See the call page for participating

Supports innovative investigations at the intersection of laboratory discovery and clinical application in cancer immunology, accelerating translation of immunological discoveries into cancer therapies. Requires integration of clinical and laboratory components.

Supports pioneering immunotherapy clinical trials designed and led by academic researchers. Requires a clinical trial focus; applicants must be academic investigators leading immunotherapy trials.

Open to tenure-track assistant professors or higher at non-profit medical schools and research centers worldwide (US or abroad); no citizenship restrictions. Funds translational cancer immunology research bridging lab discovery and clinical application. For-profit institutions are ineligible. A chordoma-focused sub-track is co-funded with the Chordoma Foundation.

Funds investigator-initiated phase I/II or phase II immunotherapy clinical trials led by academic PIs. Open to researchers at medical schools or research centers in the US or abroad; no citizenship restrictions; for-profit institutions ineligible. Emphasis on novel immunotherapy, mechanistic insights, and biomarker discovery. Up to 10% indirect costs provided in addition to award. Co-funding available for chordoma-focused proposals (with Chordoma Foundation).