The NWA Call ‘Slavery Past: (underexplored forms of) impacts and perspectives’ is now open for applications. Colonial slavery has left deep marks on world history. To this day, this past has consequences in contemporary societies. This Call aims to boost scientific and applied research into underexplored impacts of the Dutch colonial slavery past.
The traces of the Dutch slavery past and colonial history are still present in our contemporary society. Developing knowledge about the role and influence of the Dutch colonial slavery past in our current society is a necessary condition to gain more insight into its long-term and often far-reaching effects.
Purpose of the Call
This concerns the impacts of the Dutch colonial slavery past in our current society – both in the Netherlands and in the (formerly) colonized areas worldwide. This insight into the impacts forms the basis for improving scientific practices, social dialogue, policy development, and countering ongoing negative effects of the slavery past. The funding cap for this Call for proposals is set at 2.75 million euros. Within this Call for proposals, a maximum of one application is expected to be awarded.
Meetings and Deadlines
For this Call, NWO organizes an online information meeting and a Sandpit workshop. The Sandpit is an intensive guided process focusing on co-creation, with much attention given to inclusion and equality of all participants, including those less familiar with Dutch research funding procedures.
The Sandpit will take place in the Netherlands from August 25-29, 2025. This program includes an initial selection round based on individually submitted Expressions of Interest from interested parties for participation in the Sandpit workshop. A maximum of 30 participants can be selected for the Sandpit. The language of instruction for this workshop is English.
More information about the Sandpit workshop
The online information meeting will take place on March 25, 2025, between 13:00 – 14:00 CET.
The deadline for submitting the Expression of Interest for the Sandpit: April 8, 2025, before 14:00 CEST.
The deadline for submitting the application: November 27, 2025, before 14:00 CET.
National Science Agenda Program
The foundation for the creation and renewal of the National Science Agenda lies with citizens. In the NWA program, the connection between society and science is essential. Governments, researchers, social organizations, and citizens jointly develop and utilize knowledge to achieve scientific and social impact. Through science communication, knowledge is shared in society to increase involvement and trust in science.