NWO prepares thematic calls addressing current societal challenges

NWO is developing five new calls for proposals to stimulate impact-driven research within consortia of knowledge institutions, companies, and societal organizations. These upcoming calls fall under the Mission line of the NWO-KIC programme and target a variety of pressing societal issues.

The five themes are:

• Digital twinning
• Early detection of infectious diseases
• Societal impact of cooling demand in the built environment
• Adaptivity in transitions
• Robust and resilient space infrastructure for a safe Netherlands

Each call will offer €7 million in funding. Co-financing by private and societal partners is mandatory, with flexibility in the balance between cash and in-kind contributions. The goal is to encourage collaboration that delivers both scientific and societal impact.

The calls are expected to be published in the last quarter of 2025. Preliminary theme descriptions are already available on the NWO website.