NWO
Vici - Science Domain
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The NWO Vici award offers up to €1,500,000 over five years for senior researchers to develop independent research lines and build their own groups in the sciences and engineering. The call is open to researchers at Dutch knowledge institutions and is designed for established scientists seeking to expand or redirect their research programme. Vici is the top tier of the NWO Talent Programme for the Science Domain, running annually.
Details
| Funder | NWO |
| Budget | Up to €1,500,000 |
| Deadline | 8 September 2026 |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | 2-stage: preproposal → full proposal |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | NL |
Recently updated
catalog cleanup 2026-07-04: deadline aligned with ZonMw sibling row (Vici 2026 round)
Eligibility & scope
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.
Who Should Apply
- •Senior researchers with an established track record and independent publication history
- •Researchers affiliated with Dutch universities, research institutes, or other recognised knowledge institutions
- •Scientists seeking to launch a new research direction or expand an existing programme
- •Applicants in physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, astronomy, or related sciences
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 8 September 2026
- •Two-stage submission: preproposal first, full proposal only on a positive preproposal decision
- •Five-year project duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Vici panels prioritise research ambition and independence, frame the proposal as a strategic departure or new opportunity, not an incremental extension of current work.
- ✓Budget planning matters: allocate realistically across personnel, equipment, and mobility; reviewers check feasibility against the team size you propose.
- ✓The research environment and institutional support letter carries weight; a strong host commitment to your group (office, lab space, start-up funds) improves scoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the NWO Vici award?
Up to €1,500,000 for a five-year research project.
Who can apply for NWO Vici?
Senior researchers at Dutch knowledge institutions with an established track record in the sciences and engineering domains.
Is NWO Vici open to researchers outside the Netherlands?
No, applicants must be affiliated with a Dutch university or recognised research institution.
When is the NWO Vici deadline?
The 2026 deadline is 8 September 2026; the call runs annually.
Related on Grantsby
- NWO writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
- NWO Vici, full programme guide
Eligibility, budget, success rates, application timeline, FAQ.
- NWO Vici past winners & funded projects
Recent recipients, host institutions, and funded project titles. See who tends to win before you apply.
- How to Write a Winning NWO Veni Proposal
Domain choice, the scored knowledge utilisation paragraph, the preproposal, and the interview.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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