Gravitation

The aim of the Gravitation Programme is to identify and boost consortia with an excellent scientific research programme that has the potential to make a substantial scientific contribution at the highest international level. It is expected that the researchers involved currently operate at the highest national level and are already active at the highest international level.

The research consortia concerned already belong to the absolute world top in their research field or have the potential to do so.

Who can apply

The Executive Boards of the following universities can submit applications to NWO:

Erasmus University Rotterdam, Open University in the Netherlands, Protestant Theological University, Radboud University Nijmegen, University of Groningen, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Theological University Apeldoorn, Theological University Kampen, Leiden University, Maastricht University, University of Twente, Utrecht University, University of Amsterdam, Tilburg University, University of Humanistic Studies, VU University Amsterdam, Wageningen University and Research Centre.

What can be applied for

Funding can be requested for additional costs directly related to the research programme or the organisation of the consortium, including new personnel and material facilities, investments in equipment and other facilities and, the exploitation costs of these and the management costs of the consortium for a maximum period of 10 years.

When can be applied

• Closing date for submitting applications was 19 April 2012, 23:59 hrs

Extra Information

PLEASE NOTE: a limited number of submissions applies. Each university may submit a maximum of 4 applications as the official representative of a consortium.

Criteria

• Quality of the researchers involved (weighting 30%);
• Quality of the scientific research programme (weighting 30%);
• Institutional and organisational embedding of the scientific research (weighting 30%);
• Knowledge utilisation (weighting 10%).

Procedure

The Governing Board of NWO will appoint an international committee for the selection process. This will be made up of high level researchers with a broad knowledge of scientific developments and experience with larger scientific consortia/institutes. The procedure includes peer review and interviews. For details about the procedure we refer to the call for proposals.

Committees

The committee will be made up of high level researchers with a broad knowledge of scientific developments and experience with larger scientific consortia/institutes.

Budget

OCW has made a structural budget of M€ 50 per year available. For the 2012 round a budget totalling M€ 167,5 over a period of 10 years is available for new commitments.

Financiers

The programma is fianced by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

Contacts

• Ms M.J. (Maaike) Romijn
  phone: +31 (0)70 344 08 77, e-mail: zwaartekracht@nwo.nl