NWO broadens access to the SSH Open Competition
NWO has announced several important changes to the SSH Open Competition. From 2027 onwards, the Open Competition XS will also be open to researchers immediately after obtaining their PhD. In addition, the current Open Competition M and L instruments will be merged into a single funding scheme with a flexible budget ranging from €350,000 to €800,000.
A major change is that researchers will be able to submit a pre-proposal to the merged Open Competition M/L immediately after obtaining their PhD, provided they have a permanent contract or a tenure-track agreement with a research organisation.
The Calls for Proposals are expected to be published in mid-September 2026. For the merged Open Competition M/L instrument, the pre-proposal deadline is expected no earlier than November 2026.

WARNING: THE HEALTH DEADLINES 2027 HAVE CHANGED: calls topics will open and close earlier than expected.
Both the current 2026-2027 Work Programmes for Cluster health and the Participant Portal will be updated to reflect the change of dates for the following calls:
CALL HORIZON-HLTH-2027-01: Opening: 29 Oct 2026; Deadline(s): 17 Feb 2027
CALL HORIZON-HLTH-2027-02- two-stage: Opening: 29 Oct 2026, Deadline(s): 17 Feb 2027 (First Stage), 16 Sep 2027 (Second Stage)
Call HORIZON-HLTH-2027-03: Opening: 03 Jun 2027,  Deadline(s): 16 Sep 2027

1 September: NWO Perspectief information session (All disciplines)
On 1 September 2026 (15:00–16:00), NWO will host an online information session on the final round of the Perspectief programme. Perspectief supports large-scale research consortia in which researchers collaborate with companies and societal partners on technological innovation challenges.

10 September: NWO Vidi pre-proposal webinar
On Thursday 10 September 15.30-17.00 the Grant Development Team will host a webinar for applicants and support staff, covering the basics and specifics of this 2-step call including the Evidence Based CV.
The NWO Vidi (Science, SSH) programme (please check the NWO website the call will soon be opened) for researchers who have carried out several years (max 8) of postdoctoral research after their PhD and have demonstrated the ability to independently generate and effect innovative ideas. The grant is intended to finance academically innovative research. If you are eligible and thinking of writing an application for the next anticipated call or next year, then please join the webinar on 10 September.

14 September: Workshop Enhancing Equitable Collaborations through Open Science
On Monday, 14 September 2026 (09:30–18:00), a workshop on Enhancing Equitable Collaborations through Open Science will take place at PLNT in Leiden. The workshop is funded by Open Science NL and the Leiden Global Fund, and marks the start of the 2026 Open Science Week.
The workshop will explore how Open Science can support transparent, sustainable and equitable collaborations between institutions in the Global North and Global South. It draws inspiration from the recently established partnership between the University of Ghana and Leiden University, and aims to start a national dialogue on how Open Science commitments can be more strategically embedded in inter-university partnerships.
The workshop is especially relevant for Chiefs of Open Science, grant management officers, policy officers, data stewards and other research support staff, but anyone with an interest in the topic is welcome to join.

17 September: HOW TO BUILD YOUR PITCH DECK - Thematische Technologie Transfer
Mostly useful for founders or future founders in deeptech/hightech/AI
Raising your first investment round starts with a compelling story. In this interactive workshop, we will explore what investors look for in a pre-seed pitch deck and how founders can effectively communicate their vision, market opportunity, technology, and growth potential.
Drawing on real-world examples from venture capital and startup fundraising, we will break down the key elements of a successful pre-seed deck, discuss common mistakes, and provide practical tips to help you stand out in a competitive fundraising environment.
17-09-2026 – time: 12:30 - 17:00 Location: UTRECHT, Wonders of Work

30 September: RVO Horizon Europe Impact Training
RVO is hosting two Horizon Europe Impact Trainings. Both will be held in Leiden with the first on the 27^th of August and the other on the 30^th of September. These trainings are aimed at researchers who are involved in designing a Horizon pillar 2 project proposal as project coordinator or consortium partner.
Register for 30 September 2026

12 October: De Nationale Wetenschaps Communicatiedag
The NWD is an annual event organised by NWO, VSC, and partner organisations for everyone involved in science communication in the Netherlands. The aim of the NWD is to bring together researchers, communication professionals and policymakers to exchange knowledge and experiences, and to further advance the field of science communication.
Location: Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, Amsterdam

27 October: Masterclass: Arts-Based Participatory Action Research
On 27 October (13:00–16:30) Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing is organising a hands-on Masterclass on Arts-Based Participatory Action Research (PAR) for (junior) researchers interested in using creative methods in participatory research. Participants will choose one module: photovoice, theatre, woodworking or dance. The programme also includes an introductory lecture by Prof. Tineke Abma, Professor of Art and Care. Please note: the masterclass will be conducted in Dutch.The masterclass takes place in the Poortgebouw, Leiden. 

16 November: NWO SHIFT CONGRES with Leiden speakers
On Monday, 16 November 2026, NWO, in collaboration with the SSH Council, will host the first edition of NWO SHIFT at FIGI in Zeist. NWO SHIFT is a new congress where research, policy and society come together to explore the choices that shape our shared future. Starting from the Social Sciences and Humanities, but reaching across disciplines and sectors, the conference will create space for dialogue and collaboration around this year’s central theme: attention.
The programme will include contributions from several speakers, including Amandine Lerusse, Luc Sels and Rebecca Schaeffer from Leiden University.
Registration will open this summer. You can sign up here to be notified when registration opens.

25 november: NKO Conference 'Onderwijs met onderzoek'
The NKO Conference is a day dedicated to inspiration and knowledge sharing. It brings together participants who, like you, are interested in the connection between education and research. Together, you will explore how teaching and research can strengthen one another.
The conference will take place at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. This year's theme is "From Insight to Impact."

HIER: a resource for engaged and impactful research
The Hub for Impactful and Engaged Research (HIER) is a regional collaboration between Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus MC, TU Delft, Leiden University and Leiden University Medical Center. Established with funding from Open Science NL’s Citizen Science Hubs programme, HIER aims to connect and strengthen existing expertise and initiatives in civic and societal engagement across South Holland.
HIER can be a useful resource for researchers developing funding proposals involving societal impact, citizen science, participatory or community-based research, co-creation, or collaboration with external stakeholders. It provides access to practical examples, training and guidance, impact narratives, and connections with civic partners, communities and interdisciplinary collaborators in the region.

Overview of the Health Calls 2026 and 2027 from Horizon Europe
The European Commission has published the Horizon Europe work programme for the Health Cluster, including the general annexes and general introduction. The HNN3.0 (Health NCP) community has created an overview with a structured and clear table of the Cluster 1 ‘Health’ calls for 2026 and 2027, including a list of relevant and helpful information, e.g. Funding specifics and Cross cutting priorities.

ERA Opportunities Guidebook 2027 now available
The NCP_WIDERA.NET published the new ERA Opportunities Guidebook 2027. It provides an overview of calls across Horizon Europe that address themes such as gender equality, open science, citizen engagement, research careers and societal impact. The guidebook highlights funding opportunities relevant to researchers working on democracy, human rights, inclusion, migration, civic participation, AI and society, wellbeing, sustainability and social cohesion, and may be particularly useful for identifying interdisciplinary consortium opportunities.

ERC revises planned eligibility restrictions
Following strong feedback from the research community, the European Research Council (ERC) has revised some of the stricter eligibility and resubmission rules that had been proposed for future ERC calls. The originally announced changes aimed to reduce pressure on the evaluation system by limiting resubmissions and tightening eligibility conditions, but raised concerns about their impact on early-career and interdisciplinary researchers.
The ERC is also preparing broader changes for the 2026–2027 work programmes, including a stronger focus on the research idea rather than the applicant’s CV, adjustments to proposal formats, and the introduction of new funding instruments.

Looking for European partners? Explore ERRIN
Researchers interested in building European networks and developing future consortium-based funding applications may benefit from engaging with the European Regions Research and Innovation Network (ERRIN). Based in Brussels, ERRIN brings together more than 120 regional organisations from 27 countries and provides opportunities to connect with universities, public authorities, research organisations and innovation partners across Europe.
Through its thematic Working Groups and regular events, ERRIN supports knowledge exchange, partnership building and early discussions around emerging EU funding opportunities and policy priorities. Particularly relevant for FSW researchers are activities focusing on democracy, governance, social resilience, skills, health, culture and creativity, and societal transformation.

BusinessEurope: European business network and policy insights
Researchers interested in European collaboration and impact-oriented research may find BusinessEurope a useful resource. As the leading business organisation at EU level, BusinessEurope represents 42 national business federations from 36 countries, including VNO-NCW in the Netherlands.
Through its policy working groups, publications and events, BusinessEurope provides insights into European priorities related to innovation, skills, labour markets, sustainability and competitiveness. For researchers developing Horizon Europe proposals, the network can help identify relevant policy developments, stakeholder perspectives and potential partners for broader multi-actor consortia.

The first ERC Plus Grant competition opened (All disciplines)
The European Research Council (ERC) has launched the first call for its new ERC Plus Grants, a pilot funding scheme under the European Commission’s Choose Europe initiative. The programme is designed to support highly ambitious, transformative research projects with the potential to open entirely new avenues of scientific inquiry.
Researchers of any nationality can apply for grants of up to €7 million for a maximum duration of seven years. Approximately 30 grants are expected to be awarded in this first competition.
The ERC Plus Grant targets outstanding researchers with bold, high-risk/high-gain ideas that go beyond the scope of existing ERC funding schemes and have the potential to generate major scientific breakthroughs.
Deadline: 2 September 2026

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (All disciplines)
The 2026 call for the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships is open to postdoctoral researchers from all over the world, of any nationality and at any career stage, with a maximum of 8 years of research experience after their PhD.For information see the MSCA newspage. Deadline: 9 September 2026
The Radiance website – a joint initiative of the national contact points – offers several free guidelines to help applicants, including a handbook and a submission guide.

EU LIFE Programme – Opportunities for FSW researchers (All disciplines)
The calls of the EU LIFE Programme (opened 21 April) may be interesting for FSW researchers working on the societal, behavioural and governance aspects of sustainability, climate and energy transitions. In particular, the Clean Energy Transition (CET) calls focus on coordination and support-type actions aimed at removing barriers to the energy transition, with funding rates up to 95%. Unlike Horizon Europe, LIFE does not fund fundamental research, but focuses on implementation, upscaling, and real-world impact. This makes it especially relevant for research on behavioural change, policy, stakeholder engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration in societal transitions.
Deadline: 16 September 2026

MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 (All disciplines)
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: 24 November 2026

Horizon Europe pilot call: RAISE Doctoral Networks for AI in Science (Several disciplines)
The European Commission has launched the new pilot call RAISE Doctoral Networks for AI in Science (HORIZON-RAISE-2026-01-MSCA) under Horizon Europe. Building on the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks scheme, the call supports interdisciplinary PhD training programmes that apply AI to scientific research and discovery.
The pilot is also relevant for researchers in the social sciences, particularly in areas such as computational social science, AI and society, digital governance, behavioural data analysis, public policy, and interdisciplinary AI research.
Deadline: 24 November 2026
More information is available on the European Commission Funding & Tenders Portal

Rolling Call for Applications Singapore–Horizon Europe Complementary Fund (Several disciplines)
The Singapore–Horizon Europe Complementary Fund (SG-HE), administered by the National Research Foundation Singapore, provides funding for Singapore-based researchers to participate in collaborative projects under Horizon Europe. This scheme is relevant for Leiden researchers involved in Horizon Europe consortia who are looking to include or strengthen collaboration with partners in Singapore. The call will remain open on a rolling basis through 31 Dec 2027

Horizon Europe 2026–2027 Work Programmes: Open to Cooperation with Brazil (Several disciplines)
The 2026–2027 Work Programmes under Horizon Europe include a range of calls in which participation from Brazil and other Latin American countries is actively encouraged — and in some cases even required. In exceptional instances, the European Commission may also provide funding for Brazilian partners. EURAXESS has compiled an overview of the relevant calls

NWA Citizen Science 2026: Funding for citizen–researcher collaborations (All disciplines)
The NWA Citizen Science 2026 call supports collaborations between citizen collectives and researchers within the Routes of the National Research Agenda (NWA). The programme aims to address societal challenges by combining citizens’ lived experiences and insights with scientific expertise to jointly develop solutions.
Deadline: 17 September 2026.
Note that there is an earlier deadline on 3 September 2026, for submitting a request for the assessment of Dutch/foreign organisations participating in the collaboration.

SSH Open Competition XS 2026 - round 3 (All disciplines)
The NWO Domain Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) has three different funding programmes in the Open Competition. These grants are for ideas that hold great promise (XS) and for large-scale grants (M, L). The SSH-XS grants are available for projects with a maximum budget of 50,000 euro to enable proposals for curiosity-driven, innovative research in the research fields covered by the NWO Domain SSH. Applicants assess each other’s proposal through anonymous peer review. The Call for proposals of 2026 has 3 rounds. This information concerns the third round. This is the last round of 2026.
Deadline: 15 September 2026

Impact Explorer 2026 (All disciplines)
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 close collaboration with an Impact Partner.
Deadline: 5 October 2026

Perspectief round 2026-2027 (All disciplines)
NWO Domain AES invites researchers and users (companies, societal organisations) to jointly submit new, challenging research projects within the application-oriented and technical sciences that generate economic and societal impact in thematic areas relevant to the Netherlands.
Deadline Statement of intent: 6 October 2026
Deadline Pre-proposal: 24 November 2026
Deadline Full application: 25 May 2027

KIC - Early detection of (emerging) outbreaks of infectious diseases (CADS)
Alpha, gamma and beta researchers are invited to collaborate with industry and public and societal organisations in order to develop AI-based early detection. This should contribute to the early detection of emerging outbreaks of infectious diseases in the Netherlands and the prevention of disruptive epidemics.
Deadline: 15 October 2026

CIIIC Learning Communities for IX Talent and Skills (ECS, Psychology)
Interested in making contributions to learning and working around immersive experiences (IX) as a researcher together with education and practice? A new call for proposals aimed at the realisation of CIIIC Learning Communities will open in May. This call connects innovation, learning and working. 
Deadline: 3 November 2026
Note that there is an earlier deadline on 6 October 2026, for submitting a request for the assessment of Dutch/foreign organisations participating in the collaboration.

Reducing drug-related harm through effective social interventions (NWA) (ECS, Psychology, CADS)
This call invites researchers and societal organisations to form a consortium that researches societal innovations aimed at reducing drug(-related) harm. The consortium will investigate the mechanisms through which drug(-related) harm arises. It will also develop and improve policy interventions to reduce drug-related harm.
Deadline Pre-proposal: 7 July 2026
Deadline full application: 30 March 2027

NWA Citizen Science 2026: Funding for citizen–researcher collaborations (All disciplines)
he NWA Citizen Science 2026 call supports collaborations between citizen collectives and researchers within the Routes of the National Research Agenda (NWA). The programme aims to address societal challenges by combining citizens’ lived experiences and insights with scientific expertise to jointly develop solutions.
Deadline: 17 September 2026
Note that there is an earlier deadline on 3 September 2026, for submitting a request for the assessment of Dutch/foreign organisations participating in the collaboration.

In preparation: Mosaic 3.0 (All disciplines)
The Mosaic 3.0 PhD scholarship programme encourages graduates with a non-Western migration background—a group underrepresented in the Dutch scientific community—to pursue a career in science.
Closing date for pre-proposals: 3 November 2026
Closing date full application: 4 May 2027 

Opening 15 November 2026:
Humboldt Research Fellowship (All disciplines)
The Humboldt Research Fellowship for researchers of all nationalities and research areas: We support you with your research in Germany. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation aims to achieve a good balance between genders and a high level of diversity among its fellows in all areas and therefore expressly invite female scientists and members of underrepresented groups to apply. 
Deadline: tbd

Rubicon 2026-2 (All disciplines)
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: 1 September 2026

Security & Resilience of Digital Ecosystems (socio-technical focus) (Several disciplines)
This call funds research on how to strengthen the security and resilience of digital ecosystems in the Netherlands, combining technological solutions with insights into governance, behaviour and organisation. A security by design / security by default approach is encouraged. Relevant for researchers interested in governance & public administration, political science, organisational studies, psychology, communication science, and data & society — in collaboration with technical partners.
Deadline: 15 September 2026

KIC Demand-driven Research by Consortia -S 2026 (All disciplines)
Cybersecurity, climate, circular economy, housing shortage, ageing population or health: our society faces enormous challenges that require knowledge and groundbreaking innovations. This demands collaboration between researchers, businesses, and public social partners to develop innovative solutions and implement them successfully. This Call for proposals stimulates this collaboration and funds new and existing public-private consortia.
Deadline: 22 September 2026

Research along Routes by Consortia 2026 (NWA-ORC) (All disciplines)
In the annual ORC funding round, consortia can submit thematic proposals that provide a joint expression of the breadth and innovative character of the NWA. The funding round is aimed at facilitating research that leads to scientific and/or societal breakthroughs. Note: Participation in collaborative workshops (February and March) is mandatory for main applicants.
Deadline: 6 October 2026

KIC Societal Earning Capacity: Connection, Synthesis and Knowledge Utilisation (Political Science, CADS, Psychology)
This top-up call calls for consortia from the previous KIC Mission calls to request extra budget intended for connection, synthesis and knowledge utilisation from the knowledge that is gained during their research. This call hopes to contribute to bringing together, integrating and making knowledge available in other contexts and has as its purpose to accelerate mission-driven innovation and to create Societal Earning Capacity.
Deadline: 21 January 2027

Take-off phase 1 – Feasibility studies WO 2026 (All disciplines)
Enterprising scientists who want to investigate whether it is feasible to commercially apply an innovative research result can apply for funding via Take-off phase 1 - Feasibility studies WO. This program is aimed at stimulating and supporting economic activity and entrepreneurship on the basis of science.
Applications can be submitted continuously until 10 December 2026

Computing Time on National Computing Facilities (All disciplines)
Through the Call for Proposals Computing Time on National Computer Facilities 2026, researchers and research groups can gain access to computing time and the associated data services and expertise on the national advanced computer systems Supercomputer Snellius, Data Processing (Grid/Spider), HPC Cloud (via SURF Research Cloud) and support from SURF.

Open Access Books (All disciplines)
Project leaders or co-applicants of awarded NWO research projects can apply for funding of the costs of Open Access publishing of academic books that result from NWO funding.
Deadline: continuous

Prize Competition: Impact Evaluation of Promising Interventions for Basic Skills (ECS)
(Prijsvraag Effectmeting kansrijke interventies Basisvaardigheden)
The revised second round of the 'Prijsvraag Effectmeting kansrijke interventies Basisvaardigheden' prize competition is expected to open at the end of August. The programme aims to investigate the effectiveness of promising interventions in literacy, numeracy, citizenship education and digital literacy in primary and secondary education.
Closing date for full applications: 6 October 2026, 14:00 (subject to confirmation), via TenderNed (please check with the Research Desk).

Tender: National Assessment of Digital Literacy in Primary Education (2028-2029) (ECS)
(Aanbesteding Peil.Digitale Geletterdheid po 2028-2029)
A procurement call is expected to be published in September/October 2026, inviting bidders to submit proposals for the national assessment of digital literacy in primary education (mainstream primary education, special primary education and special education).
The study will assess the digital literacy skills of pupils in the final year of primary education (groep 8) and examine the educational provision in this area.
Applications to be submitted via TenderNed (please check with the Research Desk).

Tender: National Assessment of Mathematics Education in Secondary and Special Secondary Education (2028-2029) (ECS)
(Aanbesteding Peil.Rekenen-Wiskunde v(s)o 2028-2029)
A procurement call is expected to be published in September/October 2026, inviting bidders to submit proposals for the national assessment of mathematics education in secondary and special secondary education.
The study will assess the mathematical skills of students in the second year of secondary education and examine the educational provision in this area.
Applications to be submitted via TenderNed (please check with the Research Desk).

Current calls

Tender: National Assessment of Citizenship Education in Vocational Education and Training (2028-2029) (ECS)
(Aanbesteding Peil.burgerschap mbo 2028-2029)
Interested in conducting research on the quality of citizenship education at the system level? Together with NWO and the Dutch Inspectorate of Education, the NKO is commissioning a national assessment of the citizenship competences of MBO-students. As part of the project, the successful bidder will develop assessment instruments and carry out a pilot study as well as qualitative research at a minimum of 24 locations.
Deadline: 14 September, via TenderNed (please check with the Research Desk).

Building the Business Case for Prevention: Appropriate Evidence for Preventive Measures (Psychology)
(Bouwen aan de businesscase van preventie: passend bewijs voor preventieve maatregelen)
Public or private legal entities established in the Netherlands are eligible to apply for funding, either as part of a new or an existing consortium. Existing consortia may be expanded to include any additional expertise required. The involvement of a research organisation is mandatory, as is health economics expertise, which must be meaningfully and demonstrably integrated into the project.
Deadline: 22 september 2026

Centres of Expertise for Specific Target Groups2027-2031 (Psychology)
(Kenniscentra Specifieke Doelgroepen 2027-2031)
This funding scheme is aimed at existing centres of expertise serving five specific target groups within long-term care. Funding is available for activities that sustainably strengthen knowledge exchange, innovation and collaboration, with the aim of improving both the quality of life of, and the quality of care provided to, people within these five target groups.
Deadline: 1 oktober 2026

Implementation Grant for Neurodegenerative Disorders Research (Psychology)
(Implementatie Impuls voor onderzoek naar Neurodegeneratieve aandoeningen)
Over recent years, ZonMw has funded a wide range of research and practice-based projects on neurodegenerative disorders through various programmes. Many of these projects have generated valuable insights and achieved promising results. This funding call aims to support the uptake, implementation and further dissemination of these results in practice.
Deadline: 6 oktober 2026

Systematic Literature Reviews of Animal Studies: 2026 Workshop Grant 2026 (Psychology)
(Organiseren workshop systematisch literatuuronderzoek dierstudies 2026)
This funding call offers organisations the opportunity to host the one-day workshop “systematisch literatuuronderzoek dierstudies”, delivered by ZonMw-accredited experts, for approximately 20 participants.
The aim is to improve the discoverability, accessibility and reusability of the results of animal studies and animal-free innovations, thereby promoting their effective use in research and practice.
Deadline: 15 december 2026

Opening 15 November 2016: Instituut Gak-KNAW Award (Psychology, ECS, CADS)
Talented early-career researchers may apply for a three-year appointment as a post-doc researcher at an Academy institute to conduct research on the labour market and social security in the Netherlands. Potential subjects include trends and developments in sickness absenteeism and incapacity for work, labour market shortages, the mismatch between education and the labour market, and the implementation of social security programmes. The research must be of relevance to society and display a demonstrable interest in societal impact.

Dr. J.L. Dobberke Foundation (Psychology)
Researchers studying animal behaviour, including behavioural biology and psychology, may apply for a grant between EUR 2.000 and EUR 6,000 to cover expenses associated with research, study trips to foreign research groups or the organization of scientific meetings or knowledge dissemination. Please use the application portal to submit an application.
Deadline: 14 October 2026

University of Helsinki: Project RESDOC (Political Science, CADS)
The University of Helsinki Doctoral School (UHDS) invites applications for 30 salaried doctoral researcher positions in various disciplines. The positions are four‑year fixed‑term, full‑time employment contracts, starting between 1 January and 31 March 2027. The positions are part of an international, interdisciplinary RESDOC doctoral training project, co‑funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND scheme and the University of Helsinki.
Deadline: 31 August 2026

Postdoctoral Fellowships | The British Academy (All disciplines)
The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships is a three year award made to an annual cohort of outstanding early-career researchers in the humanities or social sciences.
Deadline 30 Sep 2026

Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) 3-Month Fellowship for International Early Postdocs (All disciplines)
Are you an international early postdoc looking to secure a postdoc position at our university? Our Writing Grant Fellowship offers you the perfect opportunity to achieve this goal at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB). The Writing Grant allows you to experience RUB as your potential future workplace while collaborating on-site to develop a joint funding proposal. The fellowship includes a stipend of €4,500 for a three-month visit. The principal objective: securing funding for a longer postdoc stay.
We offer two calls per year, in June and November, for applications. 

Mobility and Development Programme (All disciplines)
Through this programme, open science professionals can apply for funding for a study visit to a research institution abroad. This enables open science professionals to gain valuable knowledge and experience of best practices in the field of open science.
Professionals in the field of open science, such as data stewards, research software engineers, community managers and experts in the fields of open access publishing, open research hardware and citizen science, may submit an application provided they hold a permanent post, or a fixed-term post lasting at least until the end of the project.
Deadline: 3 December 2026

Fritz Thyssen Foundation: Support of Projects (All disciplines)
Support of projects by the Fritz Thyssen Foundation focuses on scholars in the humanities, social sciences and biomedicine fields. The planned project should be limited in terms of the subject and time.
Deadline: 1 September 2026

NWO new Awards for Impact, Open Science and Team Science (All disciplines)
NWO has introduced four new awards to recognise individuals and teams who contribute to a healthy research culture, societal impact, collaboration and open science. The awards aim to highlight inspiring initiatives that strengthen the impact of research and promote positive developments within the research ecosystem. The new awards are:

• Agora Award for Collaboration – for innovative and impactful forms of collaboration;
• Arete Award for a Healthy Research Culture – for individuals or initiatives that contribute to a positive and supportive research environment;
• Atlas Award for Societal Impact – for initiatives that successfully connect research and society through knowledge utilisation and/or science communication;
• UKB Leo Waaijers Open Science Award – for initiatives that make a sustainable contribution to open science.

Anyone can submit a nomination fro the first three awards Agora, Arete, and Atlas), including researchers, research teams, support staff and societal partners.
The nomination deadline is 10 September 2026. The nomination deadline for the UKB Leo Waaijers Open Science Award already passed (23 June 2026). For all information on the nomination procedure and eligibility see the NWO website.

KFZ Call 2026 (Psychology, ECS)
The KFZ Programme launches one call round annually. During this call round, KFZ makes funding available for projects relevant to forensic care, such as scientific research or the development of guidelines and interventions. The current themes are: The Use of Lived Experience Expertise in Forensic Care, Dealing with Stigma in Forensic Care, Working with Forensic Clients with Mild Intellectual Disabilities (MID) in Supported Housing / Sheltered Accommodation and Social Care and an Open Call (topic to be determined independently)
Deadline: 13 September 2026

Call for Nominations: ODISSEI Open Science Award 2026 (All disciplines)
ODISSEI has launched the second edition of the ODISSEI Open Science Award, recognising outstanding contributions to Open Science in computational social science research in the Netherlands.
The award celebrates individuals or teams who promote transparency, reproducibility, reusability, and open scientific collaboration through the sharing of data, code, tools, or other research outputs. Nominations will be evaluated on four equally weighted criteria: Transparency, FAIR Principles, Innovation, and Impact.
Researchers and research teams with a demonstrable link to the Dutch research ecosystem are eligible. Both self-nominations and nominations by others are welcome.
Deadline: 30 September 2026

LUF Project Grants 2027: Pre-applications open (All disciplines)
The Leiden University Fund (LUF) will open the pre-application round for its Project Grants 2027 on 1 September 2026. Researchers can apply for funding of up to €35,000 for a stand-alone research project or innovative education project.
The scheme is aimed at researchers affiliated with Leiden University or LUMC who are within five years of obtaining their PhD (an extension clause applies under certain circumstances). PhD candidates who expect to defend their thesis before 1 July 2027 are also eligible to apply.
Applications are submitted through a two-stage procedure consisting of a pre-application and, by invitation only, a full application.
Pre-application deadline: 7 October 2026

Open Science Meetings (All disciplines)
Both researchers and research support staff may submit an application for financial support for organising an open science meeting.
Deadline: 10 December 2026

Andrew Carnegie Foundation (ECS, CADS and Political Science)
Andrew Carnegie envisioned Carnegie Corporation as a foundation that would “promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding”.

BIMTECH Research Fellowship for Young Global Scholars (All disciplines)
The BIMTECH Research Fellowship scheme is to provide opportunities to researchers from foreign B Schools/Universities to undertake advanced studies in India leading to research outcomes.
Ongoing; 3 selection moments per year: in March, July and November.

The British Academy: Global Professorships (All disciplines)
This programme aims to demonstrate and further enhance the UK’s commitment to international research partnerships and collaboration as well as strengthen the UK’s research capacity and capability in the humanities and the social sciences.

Emmy Noether Programme DFG Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (All disciplines)
Outstanding junior researchers can rapidly qualify for leading positions in science and research or for a university teaching career by heading an independent junior research group and assuming relevant teaching duties. Proposals can be submitted to the DFG at any time. 

European University Institute (All disciplines)
The European University Institute (EUI), located in Florence, Italy, is Europe’s postgraduate and postdoctoral research university dedicated to the social sciences and humanities. It offers several fellowships (e.g. postdoctoral studies and visiting fellows): Educational programmes

Gerda Henkel Stiftung PhD Scholarships and programmes (All disciplines)
In line with one of the founder’s wishes, a special focus of the Gerda Henkel Foundation is support for up-and-coming scholars. Special attention is made when approving grants to enable qualified young researchers of both sexes to conduct scientific work for a limited period of time and in order to improve their academic training. Applications for PhD scholarships are considered throughout the year.

Harry Frank Guggenheim foundation (Political Science, CADS, Psychology)
The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation supports work in the social and natural sciences and aligned disciplines to increase understanding of the causes, manifestations, and control of violence in the contemporary world. Priority is given to work that addresses urgent, present-day problems of violence—what produces it, how it operates, and what prevents or reduces it.

Heisenberg Programme (All disciplines)
If you already meet all the requirements for appointment to a permanent professorship, you can apply to the Heisenberg Programme. While you prepare for a future senior academic role, the DFG provides funding to enable you to carry on with high-quality research at the institution of your choice and continue building your academic reputation.

Hersenstichting (Psychology)
Qualified researchers affiliated with neuroscience institutes and research centres may submit an application to the Hersenstichting for funding to support their research.

IASH (University of Edinburgh) (All disciplines)
Several Fellowship programmes for external researchers.

Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (All disciplines)
The Max Planck Society is one of Europe's leading basic research organizations. In its research laboratories, workshops, libraries, and administration, scientists and researchers perform demanding tasks with a high degree of autonomy and creativity. Various calls and deadlines.

National Institute for Health Research (Psychology)
UK’s largest funder of health and care research, working in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients and the public.
Check their website for various funding possibilities.

ODISSEI (All disciplines)
ODISSEI (Open Data Infrastructure for Social Science and Economic Innovations) is the national research infrastructure for the social sciences in the Netherlands. ODISSEI brings together researchers with the necessary data, expertise and resources to conduct ground-breaking research and embrace the computational turn in social enquiry. See most recent newsletter here

ProfessorPositions.com (All disciplines)
ProfessorPositions has been at the core of higher education, connecting talented faculty and researchers with the best job opportunities all over the world.                                                      

Una Europa Funding Opportunities for Research, Teaching, and Administration (All disciplines)
Freie Universität Berlin offers flexible starter funding to initiate collaborative projects with Una Europa partners. For whom: university lecturers (professors, private lecturers, junior research group leaders). Activities supported: conferences or workshops hosted at FU Berlin, delegation visits to Una Europa partners, short research stays. Applications can be submitted throughout the year.

Wenner Gren Post-PhD Research Grant (CADS)
This grant program funds individual research projects undertaken by doctorates in anthropology or a closely related field. Our goal is to support vibrant and significant work that furthers our understanding of what it means to be human. There is no preference for any methodology, research location, topic, or subfield.
Application deadlines are May 1 (for project start dates between January 1 and June 30 of the following year) and November 1 (for project start dates between July 1 and December 31 of the following year).

Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin Fellowships (All disciplines)
In each “class”, the Wissenschaftskolleg strives to put together a group of Fellows that is greater than the sum of its individual members. To this end, the Wissenschaftskolleg invites outstanding researchers from all disciplines and from all over the world for a research year in Berlin.
Calls for early career researchers in the social sciences run from June to 1 September

Dokter Wittenberg Foundation (Psychology)
The Dokter Wittenberg Foundation provides grants for projects that support the reintegration into society and the labour market of people with psychiatric conditions.