Open Competition

€800k, up to €1,050k with optional investment module||4-5 years

14:00 CEST

Last seen in a scan/import: 13 Sept 2026.

Catalog updated: 13 Sept 2026.

These timestamps are not source verification. Confirm the current deadline and your eligibility on the funder’s call page before applying.

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ZonMw's Open Competition funds ambitious, curiosity-driven team science projects in fundamental biomedical and health research, with up to €800,000 over four to five years and an optional investment module (€100k-€250k) for up to €1,050,000 total. Researchers must work in collaborative multi-group consortia and be hosted at Dutch knowledge institutions. This annual call is open to any research theme and runs a two-stage process with rebuttal and interview components.

Details

Funder	ZonMw
Budget	€800k, up to €1,050k with optional investment module
Duration	4-5 years
Consortium	Required — collaborative team science with principal and co-applicants from complementary research groups
Application	2-stage: pre-proposal (already closed) → full proposal, followed by rebuttal and interview
Frequency	Annual
Eligible countries	NL

Eligibility & scope

Curiosity-driven, collaborative team-science proposals in fundamental (bio)medical health research with no thematic restriction. Full proposal submission only allowed for applicants invited after a positive pre-proposal decision; optional investment module of €100k-€250k available on top of base grant.

Who Should Apply

•Research leaders heading teams at Dutch academic or medical institutions
•Consortia with multiple research groups across institutions (collaboration is mandatory)
•Fundamental biomedical or health research projects with no thematic restriction
•Applicants with positive pre-proposal decisions (must be received before full proposal submission)

Key Dates

•Full proposal deadline: 15 September 2026, 14:00 CEST
•Two-stage process: rebuttal window November 2026, interview 3 February 2027 (physical attendance required in Utrecht)
•Final decision: end of March 2027; project duration 4-5 years

Tips for Applicants

✓Pre-proposal is gating: without a positive decision, you cannot submit a full proposal. Recheck your pre-proposal decision status before 15 September.
✓Consortium composition matters for scoring, clarify each partner's distinct contribution in the full proposal; ZonMw values genuine intellectual collaboration, not co-signed tokenism.
✓The interview is in-person and mandatory in Utrecht; prepare the lead speaker to defend feasibility and risk mitigation to a panel with both fundamental and clinical expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the budget limit for ZonMw Open Competition grants?

Up to €800,000 over four to five years; an optional investment module adds €100,000-€250,000 (maximum total €1,050,000).

Do I need a positive pre-proposal decision to submit a full proposal?

Yes. Only teams with a positive pre-proposal decision can proceed to the full proposal stage on 15 September 2026.

Is consortium participation mandatory?

Yes, the call requires collaborative team science across multiple research groups; solo or two-institution applications do not meet the eligibility criteria.

Is the interview mandatory for ZonMw Open Competition?

Yes, shortlisted proposals go to interview on 3 February 2027, and physical attendance in Utrecht is required.

Can I apply for the optional investment module without the base grant?

No, the investment module is available only on top of the base grant, for a maximum combined total of €1,050,000.

zonmwfundamental-researchbiomedicalhealth-researchconsortium-requirednetherlandsteam-sciencecuriosity-driven

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