This round closed on 24 March 2026. The details below are from that round.
ZonMw
Rubicon 2026-1
14:00:00 CET (2 PM sharp)
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 ZonMw Rubicon 2026-1 call funds early-career researchers to pursue ambitious, independent research projects in the Netherlands, with grants up to €3,145,000 over 12–24 months. Researchers in any field can apply, provided they are hosted at a Dutch academic or healthcare institution and have demonstrated research independence. Rubicon is ZonMw's flagship early-career programme, running annually to nurture the next generation of Dutch research leaders.
Details
| Funder | ZonMw |
| Budget | €3,145,000 |
| Duration | 12-24 months |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
Who Should Apply
- •Early-career researchers establishing independent research groups
- •Researchers hosted at Dutch universities, medical centres, or research institutes
- •Applicants with a strong track record of publications and research independence
- •Projects across all research fields and disciplines
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 24 March 2026 at 14:00 CET (2 PM sharp)
- •Single-stage application process
- •Project duration: 12–24 months
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Emphasise research independence and your vision beyond your PhD or postdoc supervisor's work — ZonMw panels screen explicitly for this.
- ✓Structure your 12–24 month timeline realistically; overambition in a compressed timeframe weakens scoring.
- ✓Include institutional support letters confirming research space and resources; ZonMw requires concrete host commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the ZonMw Rubicon grant offer?
Up to €3,145,000 per project. The actual budget depends on your proposal scope and is negotiated within the single-stage review process.
Who is eligible for ZonMw Rubicon?
Early-career researchers hosted at Dutch academic or healthcare institutions, across all research fields. You must demonstrate research independence.
What is the deadline for ZonMw Rubicon 2026-1?
24 March 2026 at 14:00 CET (2 PM sharp).
How long is a ZonMw Rubicon project?
Projects run for 12–24 months, allowing flexibility to match your research scope and milestones.
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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