Rubicon Supports Brain Research and International Ambitions of 16 Researchers

NWO provides funding for 16 researchers to gain international experience through the Rubicon round. The total budget has been increased to 3.1 million euros. The approved projects cover diverse topics. Dr. Guerrin will study the effects of combined alcohol and cocaine use on the brain, while Dr. Li explores the use of paintings by early modern families in Antwerp. Notably, three projects focus on brain research, including studies on adolescent brain development and the integration of brain and cognitive development through network models.

View the Rubicon laureates and public summaries of round 2024-2

Where and How Long?

Most researchers will spend 24 months abroad, with stays ranging from 12-30 months. Destinations include the USA, UK, Australia, Norway, Germany, France, Belgium, and Sweden.

Increased Budget

1. To cover rising costs in Rubicon destinations, NWO has raised the amounts available for application. The increases follow changes in the Marie Curie grant, part of Horizon Europe. Although these changes were planned for the next funding round, the current researchers already benefit from the increased budget.
2. The basic application amount will rise from €70,000 to €84,000.
3. Research costs increase from €230 to €276 per month.
4. The list of correction coefficients is updated.
5. The available budget per round is increased from €2,478,333 to €3,145,000.

Features of the Rubicon Program

The grant allows young researchers to conduct research at a foreign institute that offers the best environment for their work. The amount of funding depends on the chosen destination and duration of the stay. Annually, NWO and ZonMw can finance about sixty young researchers (for a total of around 9 million euros, divided over 3 rounds). The allocations in this message concern the second funding round of 2024.

Facts and Figures of this Round