Talent Scheme newsflash: simplified application process and planning 2023

The introduction of a two-stage assessment procedure will streamline the application process for the entire Talent Scheme. In addition, the submission dates for the pre-proposals for the 2023 Talent Scheme are largely known: 14 March for the Vici and 5 September for the Veni. The deadline for the Vidi pre-proposal will fall in the last quarter of 2023.

Starting next year, compulsory pre-proposals will be introduced for the Veni, Vidi and Vici grants. The mandatory pre-proposal means that researchers are not immediately required to write a detailed and time-consuming research application. The pre-proposal includes a CV with an academic profile, a selection of key outputs (broader than just publications) and a short research idea. The latter is used to gauge whether the applicant’s CV fits the research. In the academic profile, researchers can outline what kind of scientist they are. What is the academic’s research focus, agenda and vision? What has he or she done to achieve that vision? NWO selects applicants from the pre-proposals who may then submit a detailed proposal.

Introducing mandatory pre-proposals in all rounds saves time

A pre-proposal saves both applicants and reviewers a lot of time. Indeed, this working method helps to limit application pressure and reduce the workload for researchers and reviewers.  
There appears to be further scope to shorten the assessment procedure even more. The Executive Board is currently reviewing proposals for this. NWO expects to communicate the Board’s decision in early December.

Assessment of the detailed proposal

The CV will not be evaluated as a separate criterion when assessing the detailed proposal. At this stage, the assessment revolves around the scientific quality and impact of the proposed research. Nevertheless, the research proposal is not viewed completely independently of the CV. The researcher’s expertise, experience and previous work are taken into account when assessing the feasibility and innovative nature of the proposal.

Revising scope of target groups postponed

NWO is still reflecting on the profile of the target groups in light of the new objective set earlier this year for the Talent Programme. First, the effects of the new Starter and Incentive Grants on the target groups of the Talent Programme will be examined. Once this is clear, NWO will proceed with establishing the scope of these target groups. This will be done in consultation with researchers, administrators of knowledge institutions where they work, and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, which commissioned the Talent Programme.

Source: NWO