This thematic programme of NWA focuses on the further development and validation of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), which aim to determine the hazard and/or risk of exposure to chemical substances. The ultimate goal is to bring these NAMs as close as possible to regulatory acceptance.
Who can apply
Proposals are to be submitted by the main applicant on behalf of the consortium. The main applicant has participated in both collaborative workshops.
There are four categories of participants within a consortium:
- Main applicant;
- Co-applicant(s);
- Cooperation partner(s);
- Co-funder(s) (optional).
A consortium should consist of at least a main applicant, a co-applicant and cooperation partner. More information about the four categories of participants as well as specific requirements regarding who can apply, can be found in paragraph 3.1 of the Call for proposals.
What for
Further development and validation of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) is required to bridge the gap between the research phase and the implementation of safety assessments for chemical substances. Before they can be used as standard methods for safety testing and in a regulatory context, NAMs must be validated. The aim of the “NWA Do-ReACT” Call for Proposals is to contribute to the validation of existing non-animal testing methods that focus on determining the hazards and/or risks of exposure to chemical substances for humans, animals, and the environment. This will promote acceptance of these methods and the results obtained from them. The ultimate goal is to bring these NAMs as close as possible to achieving international regulatory acceptance. This Call for Proposals also explicitly aims to gain insights into the validation process.
What to request
Only consortia focused on the further development and validation of existing methods for the safety assessment of chemical substances can apply for funding within this Call for Proposals. These methods have been developed previously in research projects, which have already provided insight into their feasibility and potential impact. The Call for Proposals is aimed at funding a single project. A maximum grant of € 3,440,000 can be requested for the project. Various different methods can be further developed in the project. In this way, the project can be a learning community where knowledge is developed from different cases and where overarching research focused on generic insights and recommendations is also possible.
When
This Call for Proposals consists of two phases:
- Registration for and participation in the collaborative workshops (mandatory for main applicants);
- Submitting a proposal.
On 14 January and 4 February 2026, ZonMw will organise collaborative workshops with the aim of bringing together interested parties (researchers and public and/or private social parties) around a specific theme, combining research ideas (joining forces) and forming broad innovative consortia. The deadline to register for the collaborative workshops is 7 January 2026.
The deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday 12 May 2026, before 14:00:00 CEST.
All documents required for your application can be found at the bottom of this page.
You can submit your grant application via Mijn ZonMw from 5 February until the deadline of 12 May 2026, 14:00 (CEST). Applications not submitted via the digital portal will not be processed.
It is important to start your application in Mijn ZonMw in good time:
- If you do not have a Mijn ZonMw account, you must create one in good time to avoid login problems.
- New organisations may need to be registered in Mijn ZonMw.
- You must also enter data in the online environment.
Collaborative Workshops
The NWA Do-ReACT call for proposals is working towards a single project, within which a number of different methods can be further developed. In this way, the project can be a learning community where knowledge is developed from different cases and overarching research is also possible, focused on generic insights and recommendations. The consortium consists, for example, of experts from the arts, sciences and social sciences, experts in Dutch and/or European legislation, civil society organisations and experts from industry. Each party within the consortium plays an active role in the project from the outset.
Consortium formation is encouraged through a series of two collaborative workshops. These two consecutive workshops form a whole in which the exchange of ideas is central, collaboration in consortia with other participants is explored, and the first agreements for the joint elaboration of the application are made. After the workshops, the consortia that have been formed will further elaborate the applications. Participation in both collaborative workshops is mandatory for lead applicants.
Workshop 1: Wednesday 14 January 2026, 12:00 - 17:00
Workshop 2: Wednesday 4 February 2026, 12:00 - 17:00
The dates mentioned are part of a provisional schedule and are subject to change depending on availability and circumstances.
Downloads for your application
- Bestand
- Bestand
Checklist for submitting your grant application:
- Do you already have an account in My ZonMw?
- Have you participated in both collaborative workshops?
- Sign the Declaration of Agreement to submit a detailed grant application and attach it.
- Use the application form.
- Use the Excel budget.
- Add the relevant attachments (see “downloads for your application” under the “prepare” tab).
- Write the application in English.
- Submit your application before 12 May 2026, 2 p.m.
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Features
- Opening date: 5 February 2026
- Budget subsidy round: 3.44 million euro
- Budget per application: € 3.440.000
- Part of programme: