This call bridges the development and application of animal-free innovations (NAMs). Collaboration between labs enables sharing expertise in advanced 3D models like organ-on-chip systems, accelerating human-relevant research, increasing confidence in NAMs, and reducing animal testing.
Who can apply
Specific conditions apply to this funding scheme. Grants can be applied for by legal entities established in the Netherlands. The main applicant must be the group leader of the receiving lab that will implement the NAM, while the co-applicant must be the expert from the transferring lab. Both must be affiliated with a Dutch research organization, such as a university or university medical center (UMC).
Collaboration within a single institution is permitted, provided the applicants are not part of the same department or faculty. Each individual may participate in a maximum of one project as a main applicant and one as a co-applicant. If this limit is exceeded, only the first application submitted will be considered.
For important additional details, see Section 3.1 of the Call for proposals.
What for
This grant supports the transition to animal-free innovations by bridging development and practical application. Its aim is to expand expertise in and use of so‑called NAMs (New Approach Methodologies) by facilitating intensive knowledge transfer between research groups.
The focus is specifically on implementing advanced techniques such as organ-on-chip systems and organoids. By using human cells in physiologically relevant 3D environments, the quality of research is improved and the need for animal testing is reduced. This also opens new opportunities for personalized medicine and diversity studies at the cellular level. The collaborative setup between a receiving and a transferring lab ensures the rapid and efficient integration of these innovative methods.
What to request
You may apply for a maximum of €30,000, with a project duration of up to 12 months.
What is funded?
The grant is intended for the implementation of NAMs and covers:
- Personnel costs: Salaries of both research groups.
- Materials: Cells (including via VitalTissue), media, and reagents.
- Equipment: Essential specialized NAM-related equipment.
- Travel and subsistence costs: For conducting experiments on-site.
- Facilities: Costs for the use of facilities such as imaging infrastructure.
Important: Both the main applicant and the co-applicant must each account for at least 20% of the total budget. Only costs incurred within the project period are eligible.
What is not funded?
- New models that neither lab has prior experience with.
- Models using animal cells (including non-laboratory species such as zebrafish).
- In silico models or studies involving human participants.
- Publication costs, overhead, and depreciation of existing equipment.
- Outsourcing or contracting external parties.
Other cost categories may only be funded with prior written approval from ZonMw. VAT is only eligible if it cannot be reclaimed.
When
Applications are assessed in order of submission. The total available budget may be exhausted before the deadline. If so, the call will close early, which will be indicated on this page.
Lees de subsidieoproep goed door. Subsidieaanvragen kunnen uitsluitend door de hoofdaanvrager ingediend worden via het online indiensysteem van ZonMw (Mijn ZonMw). Deze subsidieoproep is doorlopend. De sluitingsdatum is 30 maart 2027, 14:00 uur. Subsidieaanvragen kunnen worden ingediend zolang het voor de oproep beschikbare budget niet is uitgeput.
Checklist voor het aanvragen van uw subsidie:
- Heeft u al een account in Mijn ZonMw?
- Schrijf de aanvraag in het Engels/Nederlands
- Kijk zorgvuldig naar de voorwaarden voor indiening.
- Wij raden u aan om, voordat u uw aanvraag digitaal indient, een Word-versie van uw aanvraag te printen (via Mijn ZonMw) en na te lopen op onregelmatigheden. Vooral als u uw aanvraag eerst in Word heeft opgesteld en vervolgens naar Mijn ZonMw heeft gekopieerd, kan het voorkomen dat sommige tekens (zoals aanhalingstekens) niet goed worden omgezet. U kunt dit in Mijn ZonMw zelf corrigeren.
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- Opening date: 16 June 2026
- Budget per application: € 30.000,-
- Part of programme: