Call “Use of space infrastructure for vegetation research”

Call “Use of space infrastructure for vegetation research” is sponsored by NWO (Dutch Research Council). This call focuses on interdisciplinary scientific research using space infrastructure for vegetation research, specifically employing various types of satellite data for biodiversity and ecosystem studies.

Use of space infrastructure for vegetation research | NWO The GO programme aims to provide support to researchers working in the Netherlands in the substantial use of research infrastructure in space for high-quality scientific research. This GO Call for proposals is open to interdisciplinary scientific research focused on the use of space infrastructure for vegetation research.

The focus is on the use of various types of satellite data, such as hyperspectral data and in-situ data, for research in the fields of biodiversity and ecosystems. There are two categories of consortium applicants: Proposals are submitted by a main applicant on behalf of the consortium, which consists of three or more co-applicants in addition to the main applicant, that are affiliated with at least four different institutes.

The first phase of this Call for proposal comprises two consecutive preparatory workshops on 13 and 27 February. The preparatory workshops aim to promote optimal networking around the theme and stimulate collaboration. The workshops offer the opportunity to combine ideas and form an innovative consortium (pooling of resources).

This contributes to focus and reduces competition and application pressure. It is then up to the participants to start a collaboration. Interested researchers are encouraged to participate in the workshops, as they offer opportunities to meet potential new partners and develop ideas for the research proposal.

A facilitator and subject experts from NWO and NSO will be present at the workshops. Participation in both workshops is mandatory for the main applicant; for co-applicants, participation is strongly recommended but not a requirement for submission. A maximum of €3,200,000 may be requested for a project.

The maximum duration of the proposed project is six years. The applicants may claim costs for personnel, equipment, investments, and knowledge utilisation. The deadline for registration for the first preparatory workshop is 10 February 2026 , 14:00:00 CET.

The deadline for registration for the second preparatory workshop is 24 February 2026 , 14:00:00 CET. The deadline for submitting proposals is 7 May 2026 , before 14:00:00 CEST.

The applications submitted within this Call for proposals will be substantially assessed on the basis of the following criteria: Coherence of the research programme and alignment with the objective of the Call for proposal (25%), Scientific quality (30%), Quality of the consortium (25%), Scientific and/or societal impact (20%).

The application procedure consists of the following steps: preparatory workshops on 13 and 27 February 2026; submission of the proposal, deadline 7 May 2026; admissibility of the proposal; pre-assessment by assessment committee assessment of the proposal and advice; decision-making in June/July 2026. Responsible research data management is an essential component of good research practice.

Prepare a data management plan after the grant is awarded and before the project starts. Applications must be submitted through the Isaac application and reporting system. If you do not have an Isaac account yet, then please create one at least one workday in advance.

More information about writing a proposal and which forms you need to use can be found in Isaac. Please download and use the forms in Isaac. Below you will find examples of the required forms For this call, your application must fit within the objective of the GO programme.

You should therefore consider in good time whether your application fits within this objective. If you have any doubts about this, please contact one of the contact persons for the programme well before the deadline. They can advise you regarding the connection of your proposal with this call.

Mandatory consortium-building activities It is mandatory for the main applicant to participate in both workshops Mandatory: Application form and budgetform Optional: statement of appointment and project supervision Downloads for your application Use of space infrastructure for vegetation research | call for proposals Do you already have an account in Isaac? Have you completed the application form?

Has the statement been signed by the main applicant? You can read all the details about the application for funding in the call for proposals. If you have any questions, please contact the contact person.