Veni

Up to €320,000||Up to 3 years (extendable to 4 years for part-time research)

Pre-proposal deadline; 14:00 CEST. Full proposal deadline: 26 January 2027, 14:00 CET.

Last seen in a scan/import: 30 Aug 2026.

Catalog updated: 30 Aug 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 Veni awards up to €320,000 over three years (extendable to four for part-time researchers) for early-career researchers transitioning to independence in the life sciences and health. The call targets researchers within three years of their PhD defence, based at an NWO-recognised institution in the Netherlands. This is ZonMw's entry-level grant in the NWO Talent Programme, open annually with a two-stage application process.

Details

Funder	ZonMw
Budget	Up to €320,000
Duration	Up to 3 years (extendable to 4 years for part-time research)
Consortium	No
Application	2-stage: pre-proposal (deadline 1 Sep 2026) → full proposal (deadline 26 Jan 2027)
Frequency	Annual
Career stage	Early-career opportunity
Eligible countries	NL

Eligibility & scope

For researchers within ~3 years post-PhD (reference date 1 Jan 2026; PhD obtained between 1 Jan 2023 and 1 Sep 2026, extensions possible). Research must be carried out at an NWO-recognised institution in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Applications must be written in English. Part-time appointments below 0.4 FTE are not permitted.

Who Should Apply

•Researchers within 3 years of their PhD defence (reference date 1 January 2026)
•Applicants based at an NWO-recognised institution in the Netherlands
•Life sciences and health researchers establishing independent research directions
•Candidates working at least 0.4 FTE (part-time positions below this threshold are ineligible)
•Researchers transitioning to independence, not yet established as group leaders

Key Dates

•Pre-proposal deadline: 1 September 2026, 14:00 CEST
•Full proposal deadline: 26 January 2027, 14:00 CET
•Project duration: up to 3 years (extendable to 4 for part-time researchers)

Tips for Applicants

✓The pre-proposal stage filters on feasibility and independence, demonstrate a clear break from your PhD supervisor's work, even if you remain at the same institution.
✓ZonMw emphasises health relevance; frame the public health or clinical significance explicitly, not just the scientific innovation.
✓Part-time researchers can extend to four years, but minimum 0.4 FTE appointment is enforced at host institution, confirm this in writing before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the ZonMw Veni grant?

Up to €320,000 for a project lasting three years, or four years if you hold a part-time appointment (minimum 0.4 FTE).

Who can apply for ZonMw Veni?

Researchers within three years of their PhD (with reference date 1 January 2026) based at an NWO-recognised institution in the Netherlands, working in life sciences or health.

What is the deadline for ZonMw Veni?

Pre-proposal deadline is 1 September 2026 at 14:00 CEST; shortlisted candidates then submit a full proposal by 26 January 2027.

Is the ZonMw Veni interview important?

Yes, shortlisted candidates after the pre-proposal stage are typically interviewed, and this stage carries significant weight in the final decision.

zonmwveniearly-careerlife-scienceshealth-researchnetherlandstalent-programmetransitioning-to-independence

Related on Grantsby

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