NWO

NWO Open Competition Domain Science M

Up to €800,000 (M-2) or €400,000 (M-1)| Deadline: 1 August 2026 (3 days)|~4 years

2025/2026 round CLOSED (max proposals reached). Next round expected August 2026.

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 funds curiosity-driven research across physics, chemistry, and related fields with budgets up to €800,000 over approximately four years. Researchers can apply as a single PI (up to €400,000) or lead a two-PI team (up to €800,000). The call is open to researchers at Dutch institutions and operates on a rolling basis, with capacity-capped rounds opening annually each August.

Details

Funder	NWO
Budget	Up to €800,000 (M-2) or €400,000 (M-1)
Deadline	1 August 2026
Duration	~4 years
Consortium	Single PI (M-1) or 2 PIs (M-2)
Application	Single-stage rolling submission
TRL	Fundamental / curiosity-driven
Frequency	Annual
Next round	2026-08

Who Should Apply

•Researchers based at recognised Dutch research institutions
•Single principal investigators or two-PI collaborative teams
•Fundamental and curiosity-driven research projects in physics, chemistry, and related domains
•Projects with scientific novelty and high potential impact in natural sciences

Key Dates

•Annual rolling deadline in August (next round 1 August 2026; 2025/2026 round at capacity)
•Single-stage submission with rolling assessment
•Approximately four-year project duration

Tips for Applicants

✓The 2025/2026 round has reached maximum proposals; plan your submission for the August 2026 round to ensure consideration.
✓Two-PI consortia unlock the higher budget ceiling (€800,000 vs €400,000); frame collaboration deliberately if your project benefits from complementary expertise.
✓Emphasise the fundamental novelty and long-term vision of your research; NWO Domain Science prioritises curiosity-driven intellectual risk over near-term application.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I apply for with NWO Open Competition Domain Science?

Up to €400,000 as a single PI or up to €800,000 if you lead a two-PI team, over approximately four years.

Who is eligible for NWO Open Competition Domain Science?

Researchers based at recognised Dutch research institutions can apply individually or in two-PI consortia.

What type of research does NWO Domain Science fund?

Fundamental and curiosity-driven research in physics, chemistry, and related natural sciences fields.

When is the next deadline for NWO Open Competition Domain Science?

The next round opens on 1 August 2026; the 2025/2026 round has reached capacity and is closed to new proposals.

How does the rolling submission work?

Proposals are assessed in sequence as they arrive during the open window, rather than in a single batch after the deadline.

nwodomain-sciencefundamental-researchnetherlandsphysics-chemistrycuriosity-drivenopen-competition

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