NWO launches Tulip Fund to attract world-class scientists from outside the EU and strengthen Dutch research leadership

NWO launches Tulip Fund to attract world-class scientists from outside the EU and strengthen Dutch research leadership

(IN BRIEF) The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has opened nominations for the Tulip Fund, a €50 million initiative aimed at attracting leading scientists from outside the EU to Dutch universities and research institutions. The fund focuses on appointing globally recognized researchers, particularly those affected by threats to academic freedom, to build strong, sustainable research groups in the Netherlands. By supporting both fundamental and applied research, the Tulip Fund is designed to strengthen the Netherlands’ international research position, enhance academic freedom, and promote international collaboration. Nominations can be submitted on a rolling basis until 31 March 2026, with a possible second round extending to 17 November 2026 if funds remain available.

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 20-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has officially launched the nomination process for the Tulip Fund, a new funding instrument designed to help Dutch universities and research organisations bring world-class scientists from outside the European Union to the Netherlands. Knowledge institutions can now submit nominations, with the first deadline set for 31 March 2026, provided that the €50 million budget has not been fully allocated by that time.

The initiative is aimed at appointing top researchers or highly talented individuals from abroad, particularly those facing increasing threats to academic freedom in their home countries. By enabling them to continue their work in the Netherlands, the Tulip Fund strengthens both the Dutch and European research landscapes. The program welcomes scientists with established global reputations and a proven track record in their field, regardless of the research domain, offering them an opportunity to build sustainable and impactful research groups within Dutch institutions.

Through this funding, NWO seeks not only to elevate the Netherlands’ position as a hub for scientific excellence but also to reinforce the societal relevance of research. Projects supported by the Tulip Fund may span from fundamental discovery-driven studies to applied research with direct societal impact. By attracting leading thinkers, the initiative contributes to international collaboration, academic independence, and freedom of inquiry, while amplifying Europe’s role as a stronghold for open and critical science.

The available €50 million budget includes €25 million directly from NWO. Nominations will be accepted on a rolling basis until the 31 March 2026 deadline. If funds remain after this date, a second round will open with a closing date of 17 November 2026.

With the Tulip Fund, NWO emphasizes its commitment to creating robust, globally connected research groups in the Netherlands and ensuring that leading scientists can continue to pursue their work free from external pressures, while contributing to scientific progress and societal development worldwide.

Media Contacts:

Dr. Nadine Mascini
+31 (0)70 3494713
+31 6 57509300
tulp@nwo.nl

Dr Tessa de Boer
Programme/ policy officer
+31 (0)70 3494451
+31 6 12869444
tulp@nwo.nl

SOURCE: NWO