Deadline: 01-Jul-2026
The KNAW Early Career Award supports outstanding early-career scientists and scholars in the Netherlands who have made innovative and valuable contributions to science and scientific practice.
The award recognizes achievements across research, education, leadership, societal impact, and patient care while encouraging the professional development of emerging researchers in multiple academic disciplines.
Programme Focus Areas
The award supports contributions in:
- Scientific research
- Education and teaching
- Societal and academic impact
- Patient care in university medical centres
- Scientific leadership
- Innovation in scientific practice
Eligible disciplines include:
- Behavioural Sciences
- Social Sciences and Law
- Humanities
- Medical, Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Natural Sciences and Technology
Award Benefits
Each laureate receives:
- €15,000 funding support
- A work of art
The funding may be used freely to support:
- Research activities
- Career development
- Professional growth
Number of Awards
The programme presents:
- Up to 12 awards annually
Distribution includes:
- Up to three awards in each Academy domain
Programme Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Encourage promising early-career researchers
- Recognize broad contributions to science
- Support innovation and academic excellence
- Align with the Recognition & Rewards programme
- Promote diverse forms of scientific achievement
The award values contributions beyond traditional research outputs.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be scientists or scholars in the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Have obtained a PhD between three and seven years ago
- Be early-career researchers
Applicants must not hold positions such as:
- Associate Professor
- Full Professor
- Equivalent senior academic roles
An extension arrangement applies to the post-PhD eligibility period where relevant.
Nomination Process
Nominations may be submitted by:
- Members of the Royal Academy (KNAW)
- Members of The Young Academy
- Full Professors at universities in the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Directors of research institutes in the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Self-nominations are not mentioned as eligible.
Assessment Focus
The award recognizes excellence in:
- Research quality and innovation
- Educational contributions
- Leadership and collaboration
- Societal or clinical impact
- Broader contributions to science
Tips for Nominators
Strong nominations should:
- Clearly demonstrate innovation and impact
- Highlight contributions beyond publications
- Showcase leadership and collaboration
- Explain broader scientific or societal relevance
- Present measurable achievements and influence
Candidates with interdisciplinary impact and strong professional contributions may receive stronger consideration.
FAQ
How much funding does the award provide?
Each laureate receives €15,000.
How many awards are available?
Up to 12 awards are presented annually.
Who is eligible?
Early-career researchers in the Kingdom of the Netherlands who completed their PhD three to seven years ago.
Can senior professors apply?
No. Applicants cannot hold Associate Professor, Full Professor, or equivalent positions.
Who can submit nominations?
KNAW members, The Young Academy members, university Full Professors, and research institute directors.
Conclusion
The KNAW Early Career Award recognizes innovative and impactful early-career researchers across a broad range of scientific disciplines in the Netherlands. Through funding and recognition, the programme supports the continued development of emerging scholars contributing to research, education, leadership, and societal impact.
For more information, visit KNAW.