Strengthening local and thematic DCCs: setting up new local and regional centres

Establishment of new or significantly enhanced local and thematic DCCs delivering high-quality digital competence services; increased institutional capacity to support researchers and staff in digital methods and tools; robust, sustainable operational models ensuring DCC viability beyond the funded period; strengthened regional and thematic collaboration networks; and measurable improvements in digital skill uptake and use of digital research infrastructures within participating institutions.

Eligibility: only the Open University in Heerlen, the four philosophical (religious) universities and the universities in the Caribbean region of the Kingdom of the Netherlands that have not previously received NWO or Open Science NL funding for DCC activities. Applicants must be individuals acting on behalf of their institution’s board; proposals must be co-signed by the applicant and the Executive Board. Persons on zero-hour contracts are ineligible. Each eligible institution or institutional group may submit one proposal for a single DCC. Funding caps: maximum €500,000 per proposal for the Open University and for the joint proposal of the philosophical universities; maximum €1,000,000 for the joint proposal of the Caribbean universities. Project duration up to 4 years. Eligible costs: personnel and material. Submission deadline: 28 January 2025, 14:00 CET, via the ISAAC system using the prescribed application and budget forms.