Within the Dutch Research Agenda – Research along Routes by Consortia (NWA-ORC), interdisciplinary and knowledge chain-wide consortia can submit innovative research proposals. The goal of NWA-ORC: to stimulate research and innovation in order to get closer to social and scientific breakthroughs!

Who can apply for NWA-ORC?

Applications can be submitted by Dutch consortia consisting of knowledge institutes, universities and applied and practical institutes. Consortia thus consist of partners from the public, semi-public and private knowledge chain. Applications can be submitted by a consortium in which the various types of research (fundamental, applied and practice-oriented) are represented. A consortium consists of the following categories of participants:

• Main applicant
• Co-applicant(s)
• Co-funder(s)
• Cooperating partner(s) (optional)

The main applicant submits the application on behalf of the consortium.

What to apply for?

In this round, you can apply for funding for research projects with a duration of four to eight years in one of the following budget ranges:

• € 500,000 up to € 2 million
• € 2 million up to € 5 million
• € 5 million up to € 10 million

The grant itself depends on the range in which the proposal is submitted. You can receive funding for various modules, including personnel and material costs, investments, knowledge utilisation, internationalisation, Money Follows Cooperation and project management. Co-funding of at least 10% of the total project budget is required for each project.

When can you submit your NWA-ORC application?

The NWA-ORC 2022 application procedure consists of three phases:

• Submission of initiatives: 1 February 2022 (closed)
• Submission of preproposal: 9 June 2022 (closed)
• Submission of full proposal: closes on 24 January 2023

Your proposal consists of a brief explanation of the research question, the NWA route to which the research connects, a first indication of the consortium, the main applicant and contact details. The proposals are published online so that parties interested in participating in the research can contact the main applicant of the initiative.

In June 2023, the assessment committees will meet to discuss the submitted 2022 applications after which interview rounds will take place. In July 2023, the awarded proposals will be announced. The 2023 call is expected to open mid July 2023.

NWA-ORC 2023

A number of themes are selected each year on which consortia can submit research proposals. The themes are an elaboration of one or more of the cluster questions. The themes for 2023 are:

• Bending the curve of biodiversity loss towards a nature-positive society;
• Flashpoints: how and why do conflicts escalate?;
• A Sea of Turbines;
• Cosmic emergence: from abstract simplicity to complex diversity;
• Climate change in the Global South (focus Afrika): impacts and increased resilience;
• Measuring the dynamic exposome for a smart approach to societal transitions;
• Towards a circular economy: systemic perspective for a sustainable future;
• Origins of life on earth-like planets and moons;
• Scalable Positive Energie Districts (PEDs) to create an inclusive energy transition.

More information

Would you like to know more about NWA-ORC or our services? Or are you curious whether your project is eligible for funding? Contact us directly via 088 495 20 00 or leave your details using the form below. Our specialists will be happy to advice and support you and your project!