The National Research Foundation of Ukraine, NRFU, and the Dutch Research Council, NWO, launched the second round of their joint initiative to support researchers based in Ukraine. The call gives Ukrainian scholars a chance to join ongoing NWO funded projects, strengthen cooperation with Dutch colleagues and continue academic work despite the consequences of the full scale war.
About the Programme
The initiative offers additional funding to NWO project leaders so they can invite one Ukrainian researcher into their existing project for a period of 6 to 24 months. The invited scholar joins the team as a research partner and contributes directly to the scientific objectives of the project. In this way the programme supports both the Dutch host institution and the Ukrainian researcher, while it also deepens long term academic links between the two countries.
Moreover, the scheme helps Ukrainian researchers keep their research profiles active, gain access to international networks and work with advanced infrastructure and expertise. It focuses on real scientific collaboration rather than short term mobility.
Who Can Apply
Only NWO project leaders may submit applications. They coordinate the project, design the role for the Ukrainian researcher and prepare the proposal in the NWO online system. Ukrainian researchers do not apply independently but instead collaborate with a Dutch project leader who acts as the formal applicant.
Eligibility Criteria for Ukrainian Researchers
Ukrainian researchers must meet all of the following conditions:
- hold a PhD degree or an equivalent qualification;
- work at a Ukrainian state research institution or higher education institution as their main place of employment;
- reside in Ukraine and carry out their research activities from Ukraine during the project period.
These criteria ensure that the programme supports researchers who remain embedded in the Ukrainian academic system and still participate in international collaboration.
Funding Framework
The call finances the participation of one Ukrainian researcher in an ongoing NWO project. The funding package includes:
- 1 250 euros per month, including material costs;
- up to 375 euros for materials for full time involvement.
The total budget of the round equals 480 000 euros. NWO allocates the funds to the Dutch host institution, which then integrates the Ukrainian researcher into the project team according to the agreed work plan.
What the NRFU Programme Supports
Through this mechanism, Dutch and Ukrainian partners can:
- develop joint research on topics of scientific and societal relevance;
- expand existing networks and create new institutional partnerships;
- offer Ukrainian researchers stable conditions for research work in a difficult security context;
- prepare the ground for future collaborative projects within European and national funding schemes.
Therefore the call works not only as short term support but also as an investment in sustainable academic cooperation.
How to Apply
NWO and NRFU project leaders prepare and submit the application via the NWO online system. They describe the scientific added value of involving a Ukrainian researcher, outline the planned tasks and explain how the collaboration benefits both partners. In addition, they provide basic information about the Ukrainian institution and confirm that the candidate meets all eligibility criteria.
Full call text, templates and submission instructions are available at:
https://cutt.ly/Vtrz8xD4
Key Dates
Opening date: 20 January 2026
Deadline: 23 June 2026, 14:00 CET / 15:00 Kyiv time, or earlier if the budget is fully allocated.
For more international research grants and mobility opportunities for Ukrainian scholars, visit the funding section on GetGrant.