21 July 2026

Do you have a colleague who helps foster a healthy research culture? Or can you think of a research project that involves a unique form of collaboration or has had a demonstrable impact on society? Nominate them for one of the NWO Awards: a new series of research awards honouring researchers, teams and initiatives that contribute to important developments in academia. 

You have until 14:00 hours on Thursday 10 September to submit a nomination for one (or more) of the three prizes below. Each prize is worth €50,000.

•    Arete Award for a healthy research culture: for initiatives or researchers who make a substantial contribution to a healthy research culture and exemplify its values (in, for example, knowledge security, recognition and rewards, diversity, inclusion and equality, academic integrity or sustainability).
•    Agora Award for collaboration: for teams behind initiatives that have brought people together in unexpected, innovative and distinctive ways and achieved demonstrable results. 
•    Atlas Award for societal impact: for researchers or teams whose research has made a significant contribution to society through knowledge utilisation and/or science communication.

Who can nominate candidates?

Anyone is welcome to submit a nomination. Researchers and research teams can nominate themselves and each other. Support staff, societal partners and people working outside academia can also nominate an initiative or individual.

Do you have a potential winner in mind? Visit the NWO website for the nomination procedure and form.