SSH Open Competition XS 2025 - round 3

• Generation of new scientific insights and contributions to existing SSH knowledge.

• Groundbreaking, innovative results with potential for significant scientific impact.

• Proof-of-concept or pilot data demonstrating feasibility of novel research directions.

• Well-documented research outputs, including peer-review-ready publications and datasets.

• A formal research data management plan ensuring responsible data stewardship and potential for reuse.

• Applicant holds a PhD obtained between 19 September 2015 and 18 September 2020 (5–10 years prior to submission reference date).

• Applicant has a paid appointment covering both the application process and project duration.

• Single applicant only; no co-applicants permitted.

• Maximum one SSH-XS application per applicant in calendar year 2025.

• If invoking the extension scheme, applicant may not apply for any other NWO Open Competition instrument in 2025.

• Applicant must not be involved in an ongoing SSH-XS project whose end date has not yet passed.

• Project duration between 6 and 12 months.

• Budget request up to €50,000, with a realistic, itemized justification covering all personnel costs.

• Proposals must be written for a broad scientific audience and comply with anonymity requirements (no names, affiliations, self-authored publication references, or partner names).

• Choose one SSH main discipline to determine assessment panel.

• Submit via ISAAC at least one working day before the deadline; late submissions are ineligible.

• Responsible research data management plan to be prepared prior to project start.