This round closed on 24 March 2026. The details below are from that round.
ZonMw
Off Road 2026
14:00 CET
Last seen in a scan/import: .
Catalog updated: .
These timestamps are not source verification. Confirm the current deadline and your eligibility on the funder’s call page before applying.
The Off Road 2026 call from ZonMw funds innovative health research projects of €2,600,000 total (€2,000,000 base + €600,000 for non-animal models module) over 12–18 months in the Netherlands. The call welcomes early-career researchers and is open to proposals across health sciences, with a particular emphasis on advancing research methodologies including non-animal model (NAM) approaches. This annual programme supports researchers ready to pursue bold, unconventional directions outside traditional funding routes.
Details
| Funder | ZonMw |
| Budget | €2,600,000 total (€2,000,000 base + €600,000 NAMs module) |
| Duration | 12-18 months |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
| Eligible countries | NL |
Who Should Apply
- •Early-career researchers and established scientists seeking unconventional research directions
- •Researchers based at Dutch academic medical centres, universities, or research institutes
- •Projects incorporating non-animal models (NAM) or novel methodologies eligible for €600,000 NAM module
- •Health research across infectious disease, chronic disease, public health, or biomedical innovation
Key Dates
- •Single deadline: 24 March 2026 at 14:00 CET
- •Single-stage application and review
- •Project duration: 12–18 months
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The NAM module is competitively allocated — clearly map how non-animal methods strengthen your primary research aim, not as an afterthought.
- ✓Off Road prioritises innovation and intellectual risk; frame your proposal as departing from established paradigms in your field, with realistic feasibility.
- ✓ZonMw values health-system relevance — connect your unconventional approach to a concrete health problem or unmet clinical need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does Off Road 2026 offer?
Up to €2,600,000 total per project: €2,000,000 base funding plus €600,000 for the non-animal models (NAM) module if applicable.
What is the deadline for Off Road 2026?
The deadline is 24 March 2026 at 14:00 CET. This is a single-stage submission with no pre-proposal stage.
How long can an Off Road 2026 project run?
Projects are funded for 12–18 months, allowing rapid exploration of innovative research directions.
Who can apply for Off Road 2026?
Early-career and established researchers based at Dutch institutions are eligible; the call is open to health research across disease areas and methodologies.
What is the non-animal models (NAM) module?
The NAM module provides up to €600,000 additional funding for projects that incorporate or develop non-animal model approaches; this is competitively allocated within the main call.
Related on Grantsby
- ZonMw writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
Similar grants
DUT Call 2026
DUTDeadline: 17 Nov 2026M-ERA.NET Joint Call 2026
M-ERA.NETDeadline: 18 Nov 2026SBEP Fourth Joint Call - 2026 (preannouncement)
SBEPDeadline: 16 Nov 2026MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027
MSCADeadline: 8 Sept 2027Msca Cofund 2027
MSCADeadline: 6 Apr 2027
Browse Related
This call has closed. See what's open now.
Get matched against every open call from ZonMw and the rest of the 65 funders we track, rechecked every week. 30 seconds, no signup needed to preview.
See my matches free →