The aim of this call is to fund clinical research into promising medicines for patients with ME/CFS in the Netherlands. This round focuses on drug repurposing or rediscovery. It concerns projects focused on clinical research into the effectiveness of an existing medicine (off-patent, available in the Netherlands) as a new application.
Who can apply
A project idea can only be submitted by legal entities under public or private law established in the Netherlands. These may include, for example, Dutch research organisations, a Dutch healthcare institution or healthcare provider, a public organisation or an interest or advocacy organisation. ZonMw encourages cooperation between and participation of different parties. If collaboration takes place within the project, the cooperating parties may also claim (part of) the grant.
What for
The aim of this call for proposals is to fund clinical research into promising medicines for patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in the Netherlands. This round focuses on drug repurposing or rediscovery. Specifically, it concerns projects focused on clinical research into the effectiveness of an existing medicine (off-patent, available in the Netherlands) as a new application for patients with ME/CFS. In this round, two types of project ideas can be submitted, defined by ZonMw as: “Proof of concept (PoC) studies” or “Clinical validation studies”. The knowledge synthesis “Inventory of promising pharmacological interventions for ME/CFS” can serve as a guide.
What to request
The total budget available in this round is € 3,500,000. For this call, there are no restrictions on the total amount of funding requested per project. The target amount for an application is between € 600,000 and € 1,000,000 per project. It is the explicit intention to fund multiple applications within the budget available in this call. It is essential that the budget is realistic and well substantiated. For organisations that are not research institutions, a mandatory own contribution or co-financing of at least 50% of the total project costs applies. The maximum duration of a project is 4 years.
When
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Deadline for submission of project ideas | 17 March 2026, 14.00 CEST |
| Receipt by advisory committee | Mid June 2026 |
| Receipt of additional advice from CBG/ZIN | Mid June 2026 |
| Deadline for submitting detailed grant application | 8 September 2026, 14:00 CEST |
| Receipt of referee comments | 14 October 2026 |
| Deadline for submitting a response | 4 November 2026 |
| Decision | February 2027 |
| Latest project start date | August 2027 |
All information you need for your application can be found here. You can submit your project idea via the My ZonMw digital counter until 17 March 2026, 2:00 PM.
Knowledge synthesis (see downloads for your application)
Part of this involves the preparation of a knowledge synthesis to gain insight into the current state of pharmacological interventions for ME/CFS. In this knowledge synthesis, promising medicines for further clinical research were identified. Various aspects of the concept of “promising” are explored in the knowledge synthesis and may serve as inspiration for applicants.
Relevant information
Downloads for your application
Checklist for applying for your project idea:
- Submit your project idea via My ZonMw.
- The criteria that your project idea must meet are described in the call, read them carefully.
- The project idea must be composed in English.
- Optional annex:
One optional annex (with a maximum of 2 pages) with figures and tables. This annex is part of the assessment.
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Features
- Opening date: 30 December 2025
-
Budget subsidy round:
- 3.5 million euro
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Maximum budget per application:
- See grant call text
- Part of programme:
Information session
On Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 11:00 to 12:00 (CEST) ZonMw will organize an online information session for potential applicants. During the session, more information will be provided about the content of the grant call and the application procedure. You can register for this information session using the form below.