The KNAW Trailblazers Fund, launched by the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences, supports early-career first-generation academics in the Netherlands. The fund provides grants for professional development, network building, and career-advancing activities not supported by the applicant’s institution. Grants range from €3,000–€10,000 depending on career stage, supporting PhD candidates, postdocs, and assistant professors across all academic disciplines.
Overview
The KNAW Trailblazers Fund aims to retain and support early-career first-generation academics in academia by funding activities that advance scientific or scholarly careers.
The Fund emphasizes:
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Professional development and career advancement
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Academic network expansion
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Enhancement of research expertise
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Generation of societal or scientific impact through well-designed activities
Grant Categories and Funding Amounts
The Fund has two grant categories based on career stage:
PhD Candidates
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Eligibility: Final two years of doctoral programme
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Funding: €3,000–€5,000 per grant
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Maximum: Four grants awarded annually
Postdoctoral Researchers and Assistant Professors
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Eligibility: Postdocs within three years of position; assistant professors without a permanent position
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Funding: €5,000–€10,000 per grant
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Maximum: Three grants awarded annually
Eligible Activities
Grants can fund activities that cannot be supported by the host institution and directly benefit the applicant. Examples include:
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Conference attendance or workshops
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Working visits outside the Netherlands
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Organizing scientific or scholarly meetings
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Public engagement initiatives
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Activities to improve patient care
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Career development activities such as mentoring, coaching, or academic skills training
Restrictions:
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Cannot be used for structural funding, overheads, personal expenses, or publication costs
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Funded activities must commence within one year of the award decision
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be first-generation academics in the Netherlands
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Researchers whose parents do not hold a university degree, or
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Researchers with a refugee background rebuilding their academic career in the Netherlands
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Be affiliated with a university or research institute in the Kingdom of the Netherlands
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Belong to any academic discipline
Application Process
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Prepare Application
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Submit in Dutch or English using the Academy’s application form
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Include proposed activities, budget, and expected impact
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Submit Application
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Send via email before the stated deadline
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Assessment
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Evaluated by an independent Assessment Committee
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Criteria include:
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Academic development impact
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Societal or scientific added value
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Feasibility
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Reasonableness of proposed plan and budget
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Award rate: ~25%
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Randomisation may occur if applications are equally strong
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Notification and Funding
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Successful applicants notified within three months
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Funding transferred to the applicant’s university or research institute
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Reporting and Compliance
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Grant holders must manage the budget
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Submit final activity and financial report
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Comply with Academy award conditions
Expected Outcomes
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Career advancement for early-career first-generation academics
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Enhanced professional skills and research expertise
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Broader societal and scientific contributions through funded activities
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Strengthened academic networks and international collaborations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying for activities already funded by the host institution
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Submitting applications in incorrect language or format
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Proposing activities that do not directly benefit the applicant
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Requesting funds for overheads, personal expenses, or publications
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Failing to provide a clear and feasible plan with budget justification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible for the KNAW Trailblazers Fund?
Early-career first-generation academics affiliated with a university or research institute in the Netherlands.
2. What is considered a first-generation academic?
Researchers whose parents do not hold a university degree, or researchers with a refugee background rebuilding their career in the Netherlands.
3. How much funding can be requested?
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PhD candidates: €3,000–€5,000
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Postdocs/assistant professors: €5,000–€10,000
4. Can the grant cover personal or institutional costs?
No. Funding cannot be used for overheads, personal expenses, structural funding, or publication costs.
5. When must the funded activities begin?
All funded activities must commence within one year of the award decision.
6. How are applications evaluated?
By an independent Assessment Committee based on academic impact, societal or scientific value, feasibility, and reasonableness of the plan and budget.
7. What is the expected award rate?
Approximately 25%, with possible randomisation for equally strong applications.
Conclusion
The KNAW Trailblazers Fund provides targeted support to early-career first-generation academics in the Netherlands, enabling professional development, network expansion, and career advancement. By funding impactful activities that enhance expertise and societal contributions, the programme strengthens the future of Dutch academia and fosters inclusivity for first-generation researchers.
For more information, visit KNAW.
