Organisation

With a wide range of grant programmes, we stimulate and fund development and practical application in the areas of prevention, care and health. In addition, we encourage the use of the knowledge developed and identify where knowledge is still needed. As an organisation, we support the entire knowledge chain, from fundamental research, practice-oriented and action research to implementation projects.

ZonMw is primarily concerned with societal themes. These themes are realised within various programmes. Each programme has its own team with a manager. The entire organisation is supported by the department Policy, Advice and Strategy, and the department Operations. All of the teams of these departments are led by director Véronique Timmerhuis, together with the ZonMw board and the management team.

The governance regulation encompasses the operating procedures of the board, the appointment, composition and operating procedures of programme committees and the tasks and responsibilities of the director.

Government ministries, the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and other organisations commission ZonMw to find solutions for certain bottlenecks or stimulate specific working areas in healthcare and health research. Research projects can also arise from societal problems or bottlenecks identified by ZonMw.

ZonMw subsequently formulates a programme for research and/or solutions for the issue or bottleneck and makes funding available for such a programme. Researchers (from fundamental to applied), care providers and institutes focused on care and health can apply for this funding to conduct research or for a project to develop, test and realise innovations.

Each programme has its own objectives, quality criteria and deadlines. An expert committee, advised by independent referees, selects the proposals.

The page 'How to apply for a grant?' explains who is eligible to apply for funding.