NWO

NWO Talent Programme Vici - Applied and Engineering Sciences (AES) 2026

Up to €1,500,0005 years

Last verified: 18 June 2026

This is the current call of theNWO Viciprogramme. The programme guide coverseligibility, budget, success rate and FAQacross every round.

The NWO Talent Programme Vici offers up to €1,500,000 over five years for senior researchers to establish independent research groups in applied and engineering sciences at Dutch institutions. This is a flagship career-development grant for established investigators ready to launch a new research agenda with institutional independence. The call runs annually with autumn deadlines.

Details

Funder	NWO
Budget	Up to €1,500,000
Duration	5 years
Consortium	No
Frequency	Annual
Eligible countries	NL

Eligibility & scope

For senior researchers. Individual grant for researchers at Dutch knowledge institutions to build their own innovative research group in Applied and Engineering Sciences.

Who Should Apply

•Senior researchers with an established track record in applied or engineering sciences
•Researchers based at Dutch academic, hospital, or research institutions
•Investigators ready to establish a genuinely independent research group and agenda
•Applicants with a clear vision for innovative research in AES

Key Dates

•Annual deadline (verify exact date on NWO website)
•Single-stage written evaluation plus interview
•Five-year project duration

Tips for Applicants

✓The independence criterion is strict: reviewers assess whether your proposed research is distinct from your current role and prior work.
✓Institutional support is gating, secure written commitment from your host institution covering space, facilities, and PhD student allocation before submission.
✓Vici panels value feasibility and team-building clarity; include a named recruitment plan for postdocs and PhD students, not just the science roadmap.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding does NWO Vici provide?

Up to €1,500,000 over five years for a single research group.

Who is eligible for NWO Vici?

Senior researchers at Dutch knowledge institutions with an established track record in applied and engineering sciences who can demonstrate research independence.

Is NWO Vici open to non-Dutch citizens?

Yes, but applicants must be hosted at a Dutch institution and meet the seniority and independence criteria.

Does NWO Vici require a consortium?

No, Vici is an individual grant for a single research group leader, not a collaborative programme.

How competitive is NWO Vici?

Highly competitive; only a fraction of eligible applicants receive funding, and the interview stage is decisive.

nwovicisenior-researcherapplied-sciencesengineeringnetherlandsgroup-leadertalent-programme

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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.