NWO SSH Open Competition XS 2025

This programme enables researchers who received their PhD in the social sciences and humanities between five and ten years ago to carry out innovative projects. This programme is explicitly about curiosity-driven, cutting-edge research and the ability to quickly analyse a promising idea. With a grant of up to €50,000, researchers will have the opportunity to lay the foundations for a new line of research. They can also carry out research to develop methods or set up a collaboration or network. Applications are made anonymously, so the evaluation is based solely on the research idea.

Deadlines: Call is opening December 2024/January 2025. There will be 3 rounds in 2025:

• Round 1: 6 March 2025 14:00 hrs

• Round 2: 8 May 2025 14:00 hrs

• Round 3: 18 September 2025 14:00 hrs

Information: https://www.nwo.nl/calls/sgw-open-competitie-xs-2025-ronde-2

Gerda Henkel Foundation Research Grants

The Gerda Henkel Stiftung (Gerda Henkel Foundation) provides financial support for the historical humanities, including the history of law, through prizes, grants and fellowships. Depending on the type of project, costs are covered for personnel, travel, materials and/or other costs. Project staff on research projects may be covered via PhD or research scholarships. The maximum funding period is 24 months.

Deadline: There are biannual application windows. The first application deadline of 2025 is 26 May 2025.

Information: gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en/general-research-grants-projects?page_id=32

ERC Advanced Grant 2025

Applicants for the ERC Advanced Grants are expected to be active researchers who have a track-record of significant research achievements. Advanced Grants may be awarded up to € 2.5 million for a period of 5 years.

Deadline: 28 August 2025 (call is opening 22 May 2025)

Information: https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant/advanced-grant

NWO Rubicon 2025-2

Rubicon aims to encourage talented researchers who recently received their PhD to spend some time at research institutes outside of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to further their scientific career.

Deadline full application: 2 September 2025 14:00 hrs.

Information: https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/rubicon-2025-2

Statesman Thorbecke Fund Programme

The Statesman Thorbecke Fund Programme is for research projects that have a strong connection with the Dutch statesman Johan Rudolf Thorbecke. Preference is given to projects carried out by a postdoctoral researcher. A project may be awarded up to EUR 200,000 in funding.

Deadline: Call is opening 1 September 2025

Information: knaw.nl/en/funds-and-prizes/statesman-thorbecke-fund-programme

Leonhard-Woltjer Foundation Small Grants

The Leonhard-Woltjer Foundation (Leonhard-Woltjer Stichting) initiates and supports scientific and cultural activities aimed at developing and disseminating knowledge about the Arab cultural area, Palestinian history and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Deadline: Applications can be submitted continuously

Information: https://leonhardwoltjer-stichting.nl

IHS Humane Studies Fellowship

Funding to support PhD students and postdoctoral fellows in humanities and social sciences disciplines to complete, present and publish their research projects, with a focus on career development.

Deadline: Applications can be submitted continuously

Information: https://www.theihs.org/funding-opportunities/humane-studies-fellowship

NWO KIC Mission Digital Identities - A Foundation for Trust in the Digital World

The aim of this call is to generate knowledge and develop the most important elements of digital identities for individuals, legal entities and objects. The objective is to establish and maintain digital trust across society by developing and standardising digital identities. This will involve tackling not just challenges related to technological development and standardisation, but also societal challenges related to regulation and social acceptance.

Deadline: 8 April 2025 14:00 hrs.

Information: https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/kic-mission-digital-identities-a-foundation-for-trust-in-the-digital-world

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – COFUND

Co-funding of regional, national and international programmes (COFUND) supports new or existing doctoral programmes and postdoctoral fellowship schemes. The aim of the action is to spread the best practices of the MSCA including international, inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary research training, as well as international and cross-sectoral mobility of researchers at all stages of their career.

Deadline: 24 June 2025

Information: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/calls/msca-cofund-2025

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions  – Postdoctoral Fellowships 2024 

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships will be provided to excellent researchers undertaking international mobility either to or between EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, as well as to non-associated Third Countries. Applications will be made jointly by the researcher and a beneficiary in the academic or non-academic sector. 

Deadline: 10 September 2025 (call is opening 8 May 2025)

Information: marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships

NWA Digital Technology and Work

This call urges knowledge institutions, organisations and community stakeholders to jointly develop scientific and practice-oriented research proposals that focus on the theme of ‘Digital Technology and Work: Understanding the impact and deploying applications in a human-centric manner’.

Deadline: 16 September 2025 14:00 hrs.

Information: https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/nwa-digital-technology-and-work

Collaborative workshops: Digital Technology and Work (NWA)

NWO is organising two collaborative workshops for the NWA Call ‘Digital Technology and Work’. The aim of the collaborative workshops is to join forces and to encourage and facilitate cooperation between idea submitters and other scientific and civil society stakeholders. Civil society organisations are invited to participate in the workshops.

When: 22 April and 8 May 2025, 12:00–17:30 hrs. (Utrecht)

Information: https://www.nwo.nl/en/meetings/collaborative-workshops-digital-technology-and-work-nwa

ERC Proof of Concept Grants 

ERC Proof of Concept Grants are for PIs of ongoing or recently completed ERC-funded research projects, and help explore the commercial and social innovation potential of this research. The biannual award provides a lump sum of € 150,000 for a period of 18 months. 

Deadline: 18 September 2025

Information: https://erc.europa.eu/apply-grant/proof-concept

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Staff Exchanges

The Staff Exchanges action funds short-term international and inter-sectoral exchanges of staff members involved in research and innovation activities of participating organisations. The aim is to develop sustainable collaborative projects between different organisations from the academic and non-academic sectors (in particular SMEs), based in Europe and beyond.

Deadline: 8 October 2025

Information: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/calls/msca-staff-exchanges-2025

MSCA Staff Exchanges hybrid information session

The European Research Executive Agency (REA) will provide in-depth information about the key features of the Staff Exchanges Action and how to apply to our call for proposals.

When: 5 June 2025 10:00 hrs.

Information: https://research-innovation-community.ec.europa.eu/events/MHQYt2rvVU63UOpwU0bav/overview

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions  – Doctoral Networks 2025

MSCA Doctoral Networks will implement doctoral programmes, by partnerships of universities, research institutions and research infrastructures, businesses including SMEs, and other socio-economic actors from different countries across Europe and beyond.

Deadline: 25 November 2025

Information: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/calls/msca-doctoral-networks-2025

Dutch Research Agenda - Research along Routes by Consortia 2025 (NWA-ORC 2025)

The aim of the NWA ORC 2025 call for proposals is to encourage research that is set up and carried out by interdisciplinary consortia that include representatives from the full breadth of the knowledge chain as well as relevant societal (public and/or private) partners, including citizens. The research will address so called wicked problems, focused on themes that are proposed by NWA-route networks and based on one or more of the 140 cluster questions.

The NWA-ORC 2025 round has three phases:

1. Registration for collaborative workshops (required for main applicants)
2. Participation in collaborative workshops. Between 14 April and 14 May 2025, NWO will organise collaborative workshops with the aim of bringing together interested parties (researchers and public and/or private social parties) around a specific theme, combining research ideas (joining forces) and forming broad innovative consortia. You can register for the workshops via the NWO website.
3. Submitting a proposal. The deadline for submission of proposals via ISAAC is 3 February 2026, at 14:00:00 CET.

Deadline: 3 February 2026 14:00 hrs.

Information: https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/dutch-research-agenda-research-along-routes-by-consortia-2025-nwa-orc-2025

NWA-ORC Information Session

Grant Support UvA-HvA (IXA) organises an information session related to the NWA-ORC call for 2025. This workshop offers an introduction to the scheme and topics, as well as some preparation for those planning to attend the collaborative workshops.

When: 10 April 2025, 12:30-14:00 hrs.

Information: https://grant-support.uva.nl/content/events/2025/04/nwa-orc-information-session-2025.html

NWO Impact Explorer

Impact Explorer is a small top-up, for ongoing research-projects in the open competition or talent line, to explore an unforeseen opportunity for impact. In collaboration with an Impact Partner. Each proposal can ask for a minimum of 20,000 and a maximum of 30,000 euro. The grant ceiling of this call is 1 million euro.

Deadlines: Proposals can be submitted continuously, or until the grant ceiling is reached. At different times, proposals will be retrieved for evaluation:

• 11 March 2025 14:00 hrs.
• 22 April 2025 14:00 hrs.
• 24 June 2025 14:00 hrs.
• 14 August 2025 14:00 hrs.
• 7 October 2025 14:00 hrs.
• 12 November 2025 14:00 hrs.
• 20 December 2025 14:00 hrs.
• 3 February 2026 14:00 hrs.

Information: https://www.nwo.nl/en/calls/impact-explorer-2025

IXA Learning Path Valorisation & Impact

Join IXA's learning track on valorisation and impact, designed to help you transform your ideas into real-world impact.

When: March - June 2025

Information: https://www.ixa.nl/events/learning-path-valorisation-and-impact

The Art of Dialogue for researchers

Network Science in Dialogue, IXA, Amsterdam Public Health, and Open Science Community are offering two training sessions in May for researchers who want to engage in meaningful dialogue. In these training sessions, you will explore how, as a researcher, you can organize a dialogue that goes beyond merely transmitting knowledge. Please note: attending just one of them is also possible!

When: 13 May 2025, 14:00-17:00 hrs.

Information and registration: https://www.ixa.nl/events/the-art-of-dialogue-for-researchers

Online NWO workshops on impact

These workshops will help you to define the focus of your proposal and increase the chance that your research will have societal impact. You can decide for yourself when, where, with whom and how often you use them.

When: open continuously

Information: https://impact.nwo.nl/en

NWO Open Access Books

The aim of this funding instrument is to stimulate the Open Access publication of academic books that result from NWO funding by providing funds for the payment of Book Processing Charges. Open access means your book can be read, shared and cited digitally without readers having to buy it. Open access thus increases the chances of your work being widely read and having an impact. Open access publishing does not prevent a possible simultaneous publication of the printed book.

When: open continuously

Information: nwo.nl/en/calls/open-access-books

Horizon Results Booster – steering research towards a strong societal impact

Supported by the European Commission, Horizon Results Booster services are delivered to FP7, H2020, and HE projects at no cost. The free-of-charge services are provided by experts and cover several paths in Dissemination and Exploitation activities, notably Portfolio Dissemination and Exploitation, Business Plan Development, and Go to Market service. Receive expert free of charge support services to boost the exploitation potential of your research results, disseminate effectively, and go to market.

When: open continuously

Information: horizonresultsbooster.eu

Presentation with Q&A (hybrid): FdR application process for external project funding

Are you thinking about applying for external funding for a research project? Do you want to know what support is available? Would you like to know how to prepare a budget? Project coordinator Robin Buning and project controllers Andrew Kerven and Erik van Loon will give a presentation on the steps you need to take within the faculty. There will also be ample opportunity for Q&A.

We will be present in room A3.01 on three different days. It will also be possible to attend the meeting online:

• Tuesday 6 May
  13:00-14:00 hrs.
  A3.01/online: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MWZmNmYyZDUtMmFiYS00Zjg4LThjZjgtOWRkMzYzZWYyOTAx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a0f1cacd-618c-4403-b945-76fb3d6874e5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2269180334-c813-4e16-ae2a-2d20ed1486a5%22%7d
• Thursday 8 May
  10:30-11:30 hrs.
  A3.01/online: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODcyYmRiMGUtMDk0MC00OGVmLThhM2MtYjE1NTE1NmIxZTY2%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a0f1cacd-618c-4403-b945-76fb3d6874e5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2269180334-c813-4e16-ae2a-2d20ed1486a5%22%7d
• Monday 19 May
  11:00-12:00 hrs.
  A3.01/online: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NDdlNWRhYjQtOGE2MC00ZWZjLTk1M2YtYWM0MDZmOTAzZWFi%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a0f1cacd-618c-4403-b945-76fb3d6874e5%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2269180334-c813-4e16-ae2a-2d20ed1486a5%22%7d)

To get an idea of who is coming, we would appreciate it if you could register at r.o.buning@uva.nl, but you are also welcome to come or join us online without registering.

IXA Learning Path Valorisation and Impact

IXA offers a new learning path on valorisation and impact to inspire you and make you aware of the power of creating value and impact through your research, and how you can actually achieve that impact.

When: 

• Module 1 – Thursday 22 May 2025 9:30-12:30 hrs. @ VU Campus
• Module 2 – Thursday 5 June 2025 9:30-12:30 hrs. @ VU Campus – first workshop
• Module 2 – Tuesday 24 June 2025 9:30-12:30 hrs. @ VU Campus – second workshop

Information and registration: https://www.ixa.nl/events/learning-path-valorisation-and-impact/

Talent Scheme information meeting (Rubicon, Veni, Vidi, Vici)

NWO is organising an information meeting about the process behind the Rubicon, Veni, Vidi and Vici grants.

When: 23 May 2025 9:00-17:20 hrs.

Where: NWO Utrecht or online

Information and registration: https://www.nwo.nl/en/meetings/talent-scheme-information-meeting-rubicon-veni-vidi-vici

Narrative CV Q&A sessions

Grant Support UvA-HvA (IXA) organises two Q&A sessions about the narrative CV for applicants to the NWO Veni and Vidi calls.  Attendance to one of the sessions is required to ensure support from the grant advice team on the full proposal. 

When:

• 21 May 15:00 hrs. (provisional date, online or at FdR, to be determined)
• 12 June 15:00 hrs. (provisional date, online or at FdR, to be determined)

Registration: soon to follow

ERC Starting and Consolidator Grants – Reading Day

Grant Support UvA-HvA (IXA) organises a reading session for applicants to the ERC Starting and Consolidator Grant schemes, providing access to examples of past successful applications.

When: 27 May 2025 10:30-12:30 hrs. (only 20 places available: register in time!)

Information: https://grant-support.uva.nl/content/events/2025/05/erc-reading-day-27-05-2025

ERC Starting and Consolidator Grants Workshop

Grant Support UvA-HvA (IXA) organises a workshop that will equip you with hands-on tools to write a successful proposal.

When: 27 May 2025 13:00-17:00 hrs.

Information: https://grant-support.uva.nl/content/events/2025/05/erc-stg-cog-workshop-27-05-2025

Skillshare Law programme

Skillshare Law is the booster programme designed specifically for law school researchers. Researchers train skills needed in determining a personal career path in science (research design, grant writing, networking and pitching training). In addition, Skillshare serves not only as a learning platform, but also as a platform for sharing experiences and discussing career challenges with peers and successful senior researchers from the faculty and beyond. In the academic year 2024-2025, 2 programs will be offered: 6 modules for postdocs and junior UDs/UHDs, and 3 (mandatory) modules for PhDs.

When:

• Postdocs and junior UDs/UHDs: September 2024-June 2025
• PhDs: March-May 2025

Postdocs and junior UDs/UHDs

The pitching session, consisting of practical training in small groups, will take place in March, with one of two options to choose :

• Pitching 1: Tuesday 11 March, 13:00-16:00 hrs.
• Pitching 2: Monday 17 March, 13:00-16:00 hrs.

PhDs

Module 1: CV and Career strategy – Friday 14 March, 13:00-17:00 hrs.

Module 2: Pitching and Networking (in two smaller groups) – Friday 21 March, 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00 hrs.

Module 3 (optional): Grant Writing – Friday 28 March, 13:00-15:00 hrs.

More information and registration: download the programme here.

'How to form an effective and enduring consortium'

Article on the NWO website: nwo.nl/en/cases/how-to-form-an-effective-and-enduring-consortium.