NWO CW TOP/ECHO 2015 open for applications

The divison of Chemical Sciences (CW) of NWO invites proposals from researchers for its new ECHO and TOP grants. Deadline of submissions is April 9, 2015. The call CW promotes research in the following three main research areas: Chemistry of Life, Chemistry of Materials and Chemical Conversion. The total budget available for the TOP and ECHO grants is € 7 million.

ECHO grants offer excellent researchers in chemistry the chance to conduct high-quality, curiosity-driven research in molecular chemistry, chemistry or chemical technology. ECHO is the Dutch acronym for Excellent Chemical Research. ECHO grants enable researchers to develop creative, risky ideas and to sow the seeds for future research themes. The funding can be used for personnel, consumables and equipment. The aim is to bring about scientific innovation. Funding is up to € 260,000.

TOP grants are for excellent, established research groups with a clear chemical, biochemical or chemical-technological reputation. An excellent track record and excellent scientific results obtained by the group in the past form important criteria in the assessment of the TOP applications. TOP grants give these top-research groups the opportunity and freedom to strengthen and/or extend excellent, challenging and innovative lines of research. The grant can be used to fund several scientific positions and consumables up to six years. This will enable the research group to realise several interrelated projects. With these grants CW wants to provide continuity for excellent and innovative research. TOP grants are up to € 780,000. A call for TOPPUNT proposals will be published later this year.