fundamental
research

about the award

Objective
The aim of the Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research is to provide excellent mid-career scientists with the opportunity to conduct pioneering fundamental scientific research.

 

Domains
The Award is presented biennially in four scientific domains: Biomedical Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences.

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Budget
The Award consists of eight prizes of

€350,000 each per edition. The Award is granted to a maximum of two laureates per domain. Laureates may allocate the funds at their discretion toward a fundamental scientific research project.

nominations

Candidates
Eligible candidates for the Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research are internationally acclaimed scientists holding a position at a Dutch university or research institute. Additionally, as of January 1 of the nomination year, they must have obtained their PhD between five and fifteen years ago. Candidates must be capable of making an innovative contribution to independent fundamental scientific research.
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See the Ammodo Extension Scheme.

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Nominators


Researchers can benominated by:

  • executive Boards of Dutch universities;
  • Faculty Deans of Dutch universities
  • Directors of Dutch research institutes
  • the Board of the National Network of Female Professors
  • at least three professors acting jointly who are affiliated with a Dutch university

Nomination
The next nomination round will open in the spring of 2026.

selection

Selection

For each scientific domain, an advisory committee is appointed to assess the nominations based on the criteria outlined in the Regulations for the Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research. Within each domain, the advisory committee will select a maximum of two candidates. The Ammodo board will make the final decision on the awarding of the prize.

advisory committee ammodo science award

key dates

Spring 2026
Call for nominations Ammodo Science Award 2027

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September 2026
Deadline for submitting nominations

documents

Regulations Ammodo Science Award
‍for fundamental research 2025

view document

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Ammodo Extension Scheme

view document

frequently asked questions

What is the Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research?

The Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research comprises eight prizes of €350,000 each. Laureates can spend this amount at their own discretion on a fundamental scientific research project carried out or supervised by the laureate.

Who is the Award intended for?

The target group of the Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research consists of internationally recognised researchers working in the Netherlands who obtained their doctorate between five and fifteen years ago.

Why researchers within five to fifteen years after receiving their PhD?

There are many prizes for young researchers and established scientists. But for the group in between, fewer prizes are available. Researchers in the middle of their career have determined their scientific course and are at the same time capable of conducting innovative research. That is why the Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research offers mid-career scientists the opportunity to follow their own ideas, and thus explore new avenues within fundamental science.

Why fundamental science?

Ammodo attaches importance to unfettered fundamental scientific research: the freesearch for new knowledge without the immediate prospect of solutions or practical applications is indispensable for pioneering, new insights.

Which scientific fields are eligible for the Ammodo Science Award?

The Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research encourages fundamental science in the widest sense: from Humanities and Social Sciences to Biomedical and Natural Sciences.

Who can nominate candidates for the Award?

Researchers can be nominated for the Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research by:

  • executive boards of all Dutch universities
  • faculty deans of all Dutch universities
  • Directors of Dutch research institutes
  • at least three professors affiliated with a Dutch university acting together
  • the board of the National Network of Female Professors
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