In the future energy system, nuclear energy plays an important role as a stable, affordable, and reliable complement to wind and solar energy and as a low-CO2 energy source. With an eye on the future, the Netherlands wants to invest in knowledge and innovation development in the field of nuclear energy.

Through the call ‘Technology for innovative nuclear reactors and fuels’, NWO invites public-private consortia to conduct research into the development of so-called Generation-IV reactors, advanced modular reactors or AMRs, microreactors, and new fuel concepts. Important themes include reactor safety, research on materials under the extreme conditions occurring during reactor operation, and monitoring systems. Collaboration with companies is essential, with companies providing the required co-financing (5 percent) both in cash and in kind (for example, through the deployment of personnel, knowledge, or facilities).

Budget and deadlines

Approximately 6.1 million euros is available within this call. It is expected that one research proposal will be granted.

  • The deadline for registration for the preparatory workshops is January 29, 2026, at 14:00 CET.
  • The deadline for submitting an application is June 30, 2026, at 14:00 CEST.

Participation in the casco workshops

To give interested parties the opportunity to jointly write a research proposal, NWO uses multi-day, intensive casco workshops for this call. These take place on March 2 and 3 and on March 30 and 31, 2026. During these workshops, participants can form new (unexpected) collaborations and jointly develop research ideas into an application.

Registrations for the workshops are submitted per organization. When registering for the workshops, the organization indicates how it can and wants to contribute to the intended research and innovation program, which researchers or other staff play a role in this for their organization, what expertise and facilities are brought in, and what outcomes are aimed for. Participation in the multi-day workshops is mandatory for the final main applicant. The registration form can be found on the call page under ‘preparation’, or via the electronic submission system ISAAC.

National nuclear research program

For the realization of the Dutch nuclear ambitions, a strong and future-proof knowledge base and infrastructure are indispensable. To stimulate this knowledge development, NWO has set up the National Nuclear Research Program. The call ‘Technology for innovative nuclear reactors and fuels’ is the first call within this research program. The next call will focus on the themes ‘Radiation protection’ and ‘Radioactive waste and final disposal’. The research program is funded by the Ministry of Climate and Energy Transition and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.