Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The Tulip Fund provides international top researchers and emerging top talents the opportunity to pursue their own research in the Netherlands, with funding of up to €1,000,000 per researcher. Projects may be fundamental, applied, or practice-oriented, with broad freedom in spending, and must benefit science and society in the Netherlands. Nominations are submitted by eligible Dutch research organisations and assessed by an independent expert committee.
The Tulip Fund is a prestigious initiative supporting outstanding researchers and emerging talents to advance science and innovation in the Netherlands. Funding is available to enable researchers to pursue their own independent research lines with flexibility in project scope and resources.
Program Objectives
• Strengthen scientific and societal impact in the Netherlands and Europe
• Support research that is fundamental, applied, or practice-oriented
• Empower top researchers and talents to consolidate or establish research groups
• Provide financial freedom for personnel, equipment, travel, and knowledge dissemination
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants are research organisations in the Netherlands, including:
• Public and private universities
• Open University
• University medical centres
• NWO institutes (via NWOi)
• KNAW institutes (via KNAW)
Each organisation may nominate up to two candidates for:
• Top Researchers: Established researchers consolidating their own group
• Top Talents: Researchers ready to establish or expand a research group
Candidate Requirements
• Nominated researchers must demonstrate research excellence and the ability to lead an independent research program
• Research activities must align with strategic knowledge agendas in the Netherlands or the EU
• Applications and supporting documents must be submitted in English
Grant Details
• Funding per researcher: Up to €1,000,000 (up to €500,000 via Universities of Applied Sciences nominations)
• Funding period: Up to five years
• Eligible expenses: Personnel, equipment, travel, accommodation, investments, and knowledge utilization
• Flexibility: Broad freedom to allocate funding according to research priorities
How to Apply / Nomination Process
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Eligibility confirmation: Ensure the research organisation is eligible to nominate candidates
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Nomination preparation: Complete technical submission in ISAAC by a board member or designated representative
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Formal confirmation: Obtain board approval via required letter of submission
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Submission: Submit nomination continuously until 31 March 2026, 14:00 CEST
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Admissibility check: The Tulip Fund Secretariat ensures the nomination meets eligibility criteria
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Assessment: External independent committee evaluates the candidate based on excellence, research plan, and strategic alignment
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Rebuttal (if necessary): Candidates may respond to negative recommendations
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Final decision: Funding decisions are announced following committee assessment
Assessment Criteria
Nominations are evaluated based on:
• Researcher excellence and leadership potential
• Quality, originality, and feasibility of the proposed research
• Alignment with strategic knowledge agendas in the Netherlands/EU
• Capacity to consolidate or establish a research group
• Potential scientific and societal impact
Key Tips for Successful Nominations
• Highlight the researcher’s independence and leadership
• Demonstrate strategic relevance to Dutch/EU research priorities
• Ensure complete and accurate documentation in English
• Coordinate closely with the nominating organisation for timely submission
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can nominate candidates?
Only eligible research organisations in the Netherlands can submit nominations.
What is the difference between a top researcher and a top talent?
Top researchers are established leaders consolidating their group, while top talents are ready to establish or expand a new research group.
What is the maximum funding available?
€1,000,000 per researcher, or €500,000 for nominations via Universities of Applied Sciences.
Can funds be used for travel and accommodation?
Yes, funding can cover personnel, equipment, travel, accommodation, investments, and knowledge utilization.
What is the deadline for nominations?
Continuous submissions are accepted until 31 March 2026, 14:00 CEST.
Is citizenship required?
No, researchers do not need Dutch citizenship, but the research organisation must be based in the Netherlands.
How long can the grant be used?
Funding must be fully utilized within five years from the start of the project.
Conclusion
The Tulip Fund 2026 provides a unique opportunity for international top researchers and emerging talents to advance their independent research in the Netherlands. With significant funding, broad flexibility, and a focus on impactful science, the program empowers candidates to strengthen Dutch and European scientific excellence while establishing or consolidating their own research groups.
For more information, visit NWO.
