New Netherlands Polar Programme

The Netherlands Polar Programme wants to encourage high-quality scientific research in and into the polar regions. This research programme contributes to solving both scientific and societal problems. Core programme grants will be deployed in this first NPP funding round in 2012 with the aim of creating focus and mass in Dutch polar research.  

Only proposals for research to Greenland and Spitsbergen (part. Ny Ålesund) are eligible in this grant round. Proposals need to fall into the scope of the four Masterplan “Pool position-NL” themes:

1. Ice, climate sea level
2. Polar Oceans
3. Polar ecosystems
4. Humanities and changes in polar regions

Who can apply

Researchers who:

• are employed by a Dutch university or other research institute recognized by NWO;
• hold a doctorate or occupy a professorial position;
• must have an employment contract for at least the duration of the application process and the research project for which a grant is being applied for.

What can be applied for

• a core programme (several strongly related project proposals applied for in a single package);
• a PhD or postdoc position on the basis of full-time positions;
• equipment that supports the research up to an amount of Є 110,000 for which there shall be a matching requirement. The relationship with the proposed research project and the need of the equipment should be clearly argued;
• consumables that support the research up to an amount of €10.000 per year;
• travel costs necessitated in connection with the research and for carrying out fieldwork. The total costs for consumables, travel costs and fieldwork may amount to a maximum of Є 50,000 for a PhD position and Є 40,000 for a postdoc position.

No funding can be requested for tenured staff, student assistants, analysts/technicians, 'overheads', general laboratory equipment, maintenance and insurance costs, congress visits and publication costs.

When can be applied

• Closing date for submitting applications is 28 June 2012

Extra Information

Only funding for a core programme can be applied for in this round.

Researchers can only apply one proposal.

Criteria

Criterion 1. Originality/Innovative character

Criterion 2. Scientific quality of the proposal

Criterion 3. Scientific quality of the group

Procedure

The proposals will be submitted to international referees. The referees' reports will be sent to the applicant for a written rebuttal. An evaluation committee of independent scientific experts will prioritise these proposals and issue an advice to the ALW Divisional Board.

Committees

An (international) selection committee will be appointed by the NWO-ALW Divisional Board for the assessment of the applications. The composition of this committee will depend on the subjects in the applications.

Budget

For this funding round a budget of M€ 2.3 is available.

Financiers

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and NWO's Division for Earth and Life Sciences

Contacts

• Ms drs. L.H.W. Noor
  phone: +31 (0)70 344 08 20, fax: +31 (0)70 381 90 33, e-mail: l.noor@nwo.nl

Documentation for applying electronically