NWO

NWO Open Competition Domain Science M 2025/2026

Up to €800,000 (ENW-M-2)| Deadline: 31 July 2026 (2 days)|~4 years

Rolling continuous until budget exhausted

Last verified: 18 June 2026

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This is the current call of the NWO Open Competition programme. The programme guide covers eligibility, budget, success rate and FAQ across every round.

NWO Open Competition Domain Science M funds fundamental research projects in physics, chemistry, astronomy, and related fields, with budgets from €400,000 to €800,000 over four years. The call welcomes single-PI or two-PI teams based at Dutch research institutions and operates on a rolling basis until the budget is exhausted. Applications are evaluated continuously, making early submission advantageous.

Details

Funder	NWO
Budget	Up to €800,000 (ENW-M-2)
Deadline	31 July 2026
Duration	~4 years
Consortium	Single PI (M-1) or 2 PIs (M-2)
Application	Single-stage (continuous rolling)
TRL	Fundamental
Frequency	Annual
Next round	2026-08
Eligible countries	NL

Who Should Apply

•Researchers based at Dutch academic or research institutions
•Fundamental science projects in physics, chemistry, astronomy, and related domains
•Single-PI or co-PI teams (max two principal investigators)
•Established researchers with a track record in the field

Key Dates

•Rolling deadline 31 July 2026; evaluation is continuous until budget is exhausted
•Single-stage application process
•Projects run for approximately four years

Tips for Applicants

✓This call operates on a rolling basis, submit early to avoid budget exhaustion; later submissions risk desk rejection before peer review.
✓Clearly justify the budget tier (€400-800k) by itemising staffing and equipment; reviewers flag vague cost allocations.
✓If co-PI, ensure role division is explicit in the proposal; NWO expects clear leadership and contribution mapping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the budget range for NWO Open Competition Domain Science M?

Between €400,000 and €800,000 depending on project scope, awarded over approximately four years.

Can I apply as a co-PI to NWO Open Competition Domain Science M?

Yes, the call accepts single-PI or two-PI teams; co-PI roles must be clearly delineated in the proposal.

Is this a rolling deadline?

Yes, applications are evaluated continuously until 31 July 2026 or until the budget is exhausted, whichever comes first.

Who is eligible to apply for NWO Open Competition Domain Science M?

Researchers based at recognised Dutch academic or research institutions working in fundamental science domains including physics, chemistry, and astronomy.

nwofundamental-researchphysics-chemistry-astronomynetherlandsopen-competitionmid-careerrolling-deadline

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