The NWA Call Knowledge Security: Scientific Research in a Geopolitical Context is open for applications. An open and internationally oriented knowledge system is beneficial for higher education, science, and society, but it also makes the knowledge field vulnerable. Unwanted knowledge transfer, covert influence, and unethical use of scientific knowledge pose a threat to safety and academic core values. This program encourages research into knowledge security and the balance between security, academic freedom, and openness in the knowledge sector.
Purpose of the Call
The NWA Call Knowledge Security: Scientific Research in a Geopolitical Context promotes research into developments around knowledge security and inherent dilemmas in the knowledge field, in the context of shifting geopolitical relations. The program aims to contribute to a better understanding of knowledge security and to provide insights into the international context and threats, the organization and vulnerability of the knowledge field, and the balance between opportunities and risks within knowledge security policy.
These insights, along with concrete action perspectives, should help relevant stakeholders within the knowledge sector and the government in developing balanced policies and dealing with dilemmas between knowledge security and other public values. The goal of this NWA program is to increase the resilience of the Dutch knowledge sector for the benefit of national security, in such a way that academic core values are protected and promoted and society can continue to reap the benefits of international cooperation in science.
View the Call for proposals
Meetings
On April 30, 2025, NWO will organize an online information meeting. Interested parties will have the opportunity to ask questions about the program. For more information about this meeting, click on the button below.
Go to the information meeting
Between November 2025 and January 2026, NWO will organize (mandatory) synergy workshops. The goal of the synergy workshops is to form a new inter- or transdisciplinary consortium that develops a single research project from various knowledge and expertise areas, achieving maximum results and impact. To this end, various (existing or new) collaborations and available knowledge on sub-aspects of a complex issue are brought together. The development of the consortium and the application is done under the guidance of external facilitators. Participation in the synergy workshops is subject to selection based on pre-registrations.
Budget and Deadlines
The subsidy ceiling for this Call for proposals is a total of €6,600,000. Within this Call for proposals, a maximum of one application will be awarded.
The deadline for submitting pre-registrations is Tuesday, June 24, 2025, before 14:00:00 CEST.
The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, February 26, 2026, before 14:00:00 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 develop and utilize knowledge together to achieve scientific and social impact. Through science communication, knowledge is shared in society to increase engagement and trust in science.