Dutch Research Council (NWO)
NWO Vici
Up to €1.5M over 5 years for senior researchers in the Netherlands building their own research line.
About the NWO Vici
NWO Vici is the senior tier of the Dutch Talent Programme (Veni → Vidi → Vici). It funds outstanding senior researchers who have successfully demonstrated that they can develop their own innovative line of research and who are able to guide young researchers. Funding is up to €1.5 million over 5 years. Eligibility requires a PhD obtained no more than 15 years before the call deadline, with extensions for career interruptions. The Vici places extremely heavy emphasis on visionary thinking, group leadership, and track record of training researchers who have gone on to independent careers. The interview stage is notoriously rigorous; many Vici applicants have already held a Veni and/or Vidi. Success rates are typically 10–15% — the most selective of the three NWO Talent schemes.
Key facts
- Career stage
- 0–15 years post-PhD
- Maximum budget
- €1.5M
- Duration
- 5 years
- Interview
- Yes, highly selective
- Success rate
- ~10–15%
Who is eligible?
- •PhD obtained within the last 15 years at the call deadline
- •Extensions available for career interruptions
- •Affiliated with a Dutch knowledge institution
- •Demonstrated track record of research leadership and training independent researchers
Frequently asked questions
+Do I need to have held a Veni or Vidi before applying for Vici?
No. Veni and Vidi are not prerequisites. Many Vici winners have never held a Veni, coming in via ERC grants or other research support. What matters is your track record, not the funding source.
+How selective is the Vici compared to the Vidi?
Vici success rates are typically around 10–15%, vs. roughly 15% for Vidi. The bar for "visionary research line + proven group leadership" is significantly higher than the Vidi, so the perceived difficulty is greater.
+What is the Vici interview like?
A rigorous 30-45 minute interview with a multidisciplinary panel. You present your research vision, then face detailed questioning on methodology, impact, and your plans for building/leading a group. Preparation with Dutch colleagues who have done it is essential.
+Can I hold a Vici and an ERC grant simultaneously?
Yes, subject to non-overlap of research content. Many senior Dutch researchers hold both; coordination with your host institution and the funders on budget double-counting is required.
Looking for proposal-writing advice?
Read the Dutch Research Council (NWO) writing guide →Related programmes
Dutch Research Council (NWO)
NWO Veni
Up to €320,000 over 4 years for researchers in the Netherlands within 3 years of PhD completion.
Dutch Research Council (NWO)
NWO Vidi
Up to €850,000 over 5 years for mid-career researchers in the Netherlands establishing an independent group.
European Research Council
ERC Consolidator Grant
Up to €2M for mid-career researchers 7–12 years post-PhD consolidating their independent research team.
European Research Council
ERC Advanced Grant
Up to €2.5M for established research leaders with a 10-year track record of significant achievements.
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