This round closed on 1 September 2026. The details below are from that round.
ZonMw
Rubicon
14:00 CEST
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.
ZonMw Rubicon awards up to €3.1 million total (distributed across NWO domains) for newly qualified researchers to conduct a 12-24 month research stay at an excellent foreign institute immediately after their PhD. The call targets researchers who completed their doctorate at a Dutch NWO-recognised institution within 12 months of the deadline, with individual applicants only. This is the key postdoctoral mobility scheme for Dutch early-career researchers establishing independence abroad.
Details
| Funder | ZonMw |
| Budget | €3,145,000 (total round budget) |
| Duration | 12–24 months |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
| Eligible countries | NL |
Eligibility & scope
For researchers who obtained their PhD from a Dutch NWO-recognised research organisation within the 12 months preceding the deadline. Funds a research stay of 12–24 months at an excellent foreign research institute (all disciplines). Individual applicants only; no pairs or teams. Eligible costs: salary, travel, limited research costs. Proposal must be written in English.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers who completed their PhD at a Dutch NWO-recognised institution within 12 months of the deadline
- •Individual applicants planning a research stay at an excellent foreign institute
- •Early-career researchers seeking to establish independence and international research experience
- •Applicants with salary, travel, and limited research costs covered within the budget
Key Dates
- •Deadline 1 September 2026 at 14:00 CEST
- •Single-stage application
- •12-24 month funded research stay
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The 12-month PhD recency window is strict, verify your defence date meets the exact cutoff.
- ✓Host-institute quality is weighted heavily; select a lab with a strong international track record and named supervisor commitment.
- ✓Proposals must be submitted in English via MijnZonMw; incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for ZonMw Rubicon?
Researchers who completed their PhD at a Dutch NWO-recognised institution within 12 months of the deadline. Only individual applicants are eligible; no pairs or teams.
How long is the ZonMw Rubicon research stay?
Between 12 and 24 months at an excellent foreign research institute, or in limited cases within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
What costs does ZonMw Rubicon cover?
Salary, travel, and limited research costs during the funded postdoctoral stay abroad.
Is the ZonMw Rubicon deadline firm?
Yes, the deadline is 1 September 2026 at 14:00 CEST, and applications must be submitted via MijnZonMw.
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.
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