faq

about ammodo

What is Ammodo?

Ammodo is a foundation that stimulates the development of art, science and architecture. We believe expanding knowledge and generating new perspectives in these fields contribute to addressing contemporary challenges and driving society forward. We have developed three programmes that promote and support research and projects: Ammodo Art, Ammodo Science and Ammodo Architecture. Below, on this website and the programme websites you can find more information about these programmes.

Is Ammodo a foundation?

Ammodo is a foundation under Dutch law (Stichting).

Is Ammodo a public benefit organisation?

Ammodo is recognised by the tax authorities as a Public Benefit Organisation (ANBI). More information on the ANBI status can be found here.

Where can I find financial information about Ammodo?

Financial information about Ammodo can be found in our ANBI form.

When was Ammodo established?

Ammodo was established on 3 September 2010 and has supported numerous arts, science and architecture projects since then. An archive of these projects can be found on the websites of Ammodo Art, Ammodo Science and Ammodo Architecture. Ammodo also produces documentaries (Ammodo Docs) to make the work of the artists, scientist and architects visible.

ammodo science fellowship

What is the idea behind the Ammodo Science Fellowship?

The Ammodo Science Fellowship complements the existing Ammodo Science Awards. The Fellowship is aimed at researchers at the beginning of their careers offering them the opportunity to do their own research at a (foreign) university or research institute ideally suited for this purpose.

What are the basic conditions an applicant must satisfy in order to apply for a Fellowship?

The applicant should meet the following conditions:

  • on 1 March of the year of submission of the application, the applicant has held their first PhD for zero to five years (maximum 60 months);
  • the applicant must have ties with the Netherlands. Ties to the Netherlands entails either of the following options:
    • A bachelor’s degree, obtained at a Dutch university, and/or
    • A master’s degree, obtained at a Dutch university, and/or
    • A PhD, obtained at a university in the Netherlands.

Please see Article 2 and Article 3 of the Regulations for the full conditions.

How often can I submit an application?

Each applicant can participate in up to two editions of the Fellowship and submit a maximum of one application per edition.

I received a fellowship from another organization. Is it still possible to apply for a Fellowship?

Yes. Stacking of fellowships is allowed, provided that it is properly accounted for. It is not allowed to receive funding for a part of the research that is already financed. For instance, if your salary is already funded, you cannot double your salary with the help of an Ammodo Fellowship. However, you can apply for salary or material costs for a part of the research that is not yet funded. In your application, please describe the entire research and indicate which part is already funded and for which part want to use the Ammodo Science Fellowship.

Where should the research be conducted?

The research must be carried out at the university or research institution given as the host institution in the application. Depending on previous international experience, this may be a foreign or a Dutch university or research institution. For the full conditions see Article 2.3 of the Regulations.

What is the required duration of the research?

The research will last a minimum of 6 months (on a full-time basis) and a maximum of 24 months (on a full-time basis). The fellow must spend at least 0.8 FTE on the research. If the fellow spends 0.8 FTE on the research, the research  will last a minimum of 7.5 months and a maximum of 30 months.

See also Article 8.2 – 8.5 of the Regulations

8.2 The Fellow must start the Research no later than one year after the Grant.

8.3 The Fellow must complete the Research no later than two years (on a full-time basis) after the start of the Research.

8.4 The research period is a minimum of six months (on a full-time basis).

8.5 The Fellow should devote a minimum of 0.8 FTE to the Research.

May I submit an application in Dutch?

No. The forms are only available in English and must be completed in English.

Is there an extension scheme?

No. The Fellowship is intended to (partly) finance a first or second postdoc. By allowing researchers to apply up to five years after obtaining their first PhD, the fellowship covers  the timeframe in which applicants typically seek extensions. Therefore, the wide submission period meets most applicants’ needs without requiring an additional extension scheme.

I obtained my PhD in the Netherlands and want to apply for a Fellowship for research at a university or research institute abroad. Is this possible?

Yes. See Article 2.3 of the Regulations.

The proposed research (Research) can take place at:

  • a foreign Host Institute in case the applicant holds a PhD from a university or research institute in the Netherlands.
  • a Dutch Host Institute in case the applicant obtained a PhD abroad, and:
    • obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree or a PhD from a Dutch university

I obtained my PhD abroad and want to apply for a Fellowship for research at university or research institute in the Netherlands. Is this possible?

Yes, provided the applicant has obtained a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree at a university in the Netherlands.

See also Article 2.3 of the Regulations.

The proposed research (Research) can take place at:

  • a foreign Host Institute in case the applicant holds a PhD from a university or research institute in the Netherlands.
  • a Dutch Host Institute in case the applicant obtained a PhD abroad, and:
    • obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree or a PhD from a Dutch university
I obtained my PhD at a university in the Netherlands and want to apply for a Fellowship for research at a university or research institute abroad. Is this possible?

Yes, provided the applicant has obtained a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree at a university in the Netherlands or conducted postgraduate research for ate least two years fulltime at a university or research institute in the Netherlands.

See also Article 2.3 of the Regulations.

The proposed research (Research) can take place at:

  • a foreign Host Institute in case the applicant holds a PhD from a university or research institute in the Netherlands.
  • a Dutch Host Institute in case the applicant obtained a PhD abroad, and:
    • obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree or a PhD from a Dutch university

I obtained my PhD abroad and have ties to the Netherlands. Can I apply for a Fellowship for research at a university or research institute abroad?

No. The proposed research can only take place at a foreign host institution if the applicant has a PhD from a university or research institution in the Netherlands.

See Article 2.3 of the Regulations.

The proposed research (Research) can take place at:

  • a foreign Host Institute in case the applicant holds a PhD from a university or research institute in the Netherlands.
  • a Dutch Host Institute in case the applicant obtained a PhD abroad, and:
    • obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree or a PhD from a Dutch university

What are the assessment criteria?

Applications will be assessed by the Advisory Committees in accordance with the following assessment criteria:

  • Quality of the Research; a) the Research should be high quality scientific research, considering, among other things, the significance of the Research for the relevant scientific field, and b) the Research should be feasible within the budget requested under the Fellowship.
  • Quality of the applicant; the applicant should be a talented researcher who is considered capable of a) carrying out the Research, and b) thereby making an innovative contribution to their field.
  • Quality of the Host Institute; the Host Institute, including the Department and Supervisor, provide a high-quality and suitable research environment for a) conducting the Research, and for b) supporting the applicant in doing so. This includes the scientific infrastructure facilities required for the Research and the necessary scientific expertise, network, and supervision. The quality of the Host Institute is thus explicitly weighed in relation to the Research and does not stand alone.

When carrying out their assessment, the Advisory Committee will consider all three criteria in conjunction.

What is the required duration of the research?

The Fellow must complete the Research no later than two years (on a full-time basis) after the start of the Research. The research period is a minimum of six months (on a full-time basis). The Fellow should devote a minimum of 0.8 FTE to the Research.

Who should conduct the research?

The Fellowship may only be used to fund research conducted by the Fellow or under the supervision of the Fellow.

What is meant by “under the supervision of”?

Essentially, the research is carried out by the Fellow, but the Fellow may hire support staff if this can be justified, for example for (specialised) data analysis.

What is the required starting date for the research?

The Fellow must start the Research no later than one year after the Grant. That is, between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.

What should the Fellowship be spent on?

The Fellowship:

  • will be used by the Fellow to fund the Research (to be conducted by the Fellow or under the Fellow’s supervision),
  • may be spent on the salary of one or more researchers and on other costs associated with the Research (including materials), a maximum of 3% may be spent on travel and accommodation costs if the Research takes place outside Europe, and a maximum of 1.5% if the Research takes place within Europe. (In exceptional cases, 5% and 2.5% respectively may be spent on travel and accommodation costs, see the application form), and
  • will not be used to fund overheads or other costs of the Host Institute not directly arising from the Research.
To whom will the funds obtained by the Fellowship be paid?

Any budget requested and approved by Ammodo for travel and accommodation expenses will be paid directly to the Fellow.

The remainder of the Fellowship will be paid (in instalments) by Ammodo to the Host Institute or if the Fellow is seconded from a university or research institute, to this knowledge institute.

When will applicants be notified regarding the granting of the Fellowship?

Ammodo will notify applicants who have been granted a Fellowship before December 31, 2024.

The date for my PhD defence is after 1 March 2024, but my thesis was approved before 1 March 2024. Am I eligible to submit an application for the Fellowship?

The date that is important to us is the date on your PhD diploma. If this date is 1 March 2024 or earlier, you are eligible to apply. If this date is after 1 March 2024, you are not eligible to apply in this round.

When will the Ammodo Science Fellowship be presented to the Fellows?

The Ammodo Science Fellowship is presented every two years, in four scientific domains (Biomedical Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences).

The Ammodo Science Fellowship 2024 will be presented in februari of 2025.

If my question is not addressed in the FAQ, where should I direct it?

All questions (in either Dutch or English) can be sent via email to science@ammodo.org.

ammodo science award

for fundamental research
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
What is the deadline for the submission of nominations?

The next nomination round for the Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research opens in the spring of 2026.

What does the decision-making procedure look like?

An advisory committee of eminent professors will assess the nominations for each scientific domain. Each of the advisory committees will put forward two promising candidates within the relevant domain. The board of Ammodo decides on the definitive granting of the Award.

How many researchers will receive the Award?

A maximum of two researchers from each scientific field will receive an Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research. A total of eight prizes are awarded.

When will the laureates be announced?

The laureates of the sixth edition of the Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research will be announced in the spring of 2025.

How often does the presentation of the Award take place?

The Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research is presented biennially for research in four scientific disciplines: Biomedical Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences.

When will the next award ceremony take place?

The award ceremony for the sixth round of the Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research shall take place in 2025.

Where can I find the regulations?

Click here for the regulations of the Ammodo Science Award for fundamental research.

Who can I contact if I have further questions?

If you have any questions, please contact us via science@ammodo.org.

Why is the nomination and selection process no longer taken care of by the KNAW?

Since 2014, the KNAW has been responsible for the nomination and selection process for theAmmodo Science Award for fundamental research. From 2022, Ammodo will continue the organization around the Award independently. This decision was prompted by the expansion of Ammodo’s science policy with the Ammodo Science Award for groundbreaking research. Henceforth, advisory committees will be appointed for both Awards. Virtually no changes will be made to the nomination and selection process itself.

ammodo science award

for groundbreaking research
What is the Ammodo Science Award for groundbreaking research?

The Ammodo Science Award for groundbreaking research is intended to stimulate jointly conducted research that is internationally recognised, high quality and potentially groundbreaking. Each edition, the Award includes a cash prize of €1,600,000 for each of the science domains Natural Sciences and Biomedical Sciences and a cash prize of €800,000 for each of the science domains Humanities and Social Sciences.

What kind of research qualifies for the Award?

Research that is recognised internationally as being of high quality and (potentially) groundbreaking, and which is carried out at one of the fourteen universities affiliated to UNL and/or at research institutes of the NWO or the KNAW. The winning research will have generated new questions that are potentially groundbreaking and for which no other funding is available.

Why is this Award presented to a group?

This Award is intended to provide recognition to all researchers involved in the project. Members of research teams often remain in the shadows because existing prizes tend to focus on individuals, whereas groundbreaking research is usually achieved through collaboration and the result is the product of team work.

Which scientific domains are eligible for the Award?

The Award is presented every two years in four scientific domains: Biomedical Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences.

Who can nominate research for the Award?

Each of the rectors of the fourteen Universities affiliated to the Association of Universities in the Netherlands (UNL) can submit one nomination for each of the relevant disciplines.

When does the nomination round start?

The next nomination period for the Ammodo Science Award for groundbreaking research starts in the spring of 2025.

What does the decision-making procedure look like?

The rectors of the fourteen universities affiliated with UNL may nominate one research group in each of the scientific domains. An advisory committee of renowned professors assesses the nominations for each scientific domain. Each of the advisory committees will put forward a promising candidate within the relevant domain. The board of Ammodo decides on the definitive granting of the Award.

What are the criteria for allocation?

The criteria for allocation of the Award are:

  1. The scientific impact of the existing research.
    1. The research has already led to leading results that can be seen, for example, in publications (journals and/or books or chapters of books), or contributions to scientific conferences or other quality indicators recognised in the field in question.
    2. The research is leading internationally within its field.
    3. The research is is groundbreaking and distinguishes itself from other comparable research in terms of quality, originality, results and/or publications and future expectations (continuation of the research).
  2. The potential scientific impact of the proposed research.
    1. The existing research has generated new research questions, and these are potentially groundbreaking.

To be considered for evaluation any research proposal which is submitted must satisfy the following conditions:

  • No or insufficient funding is available for the newly generated research questions at the time of submitting the nomination.
  • At least one Knowledge Institute must be involved in the research.
  • The research can be multi-disciplinary or inter-disciplinary and at least partly carried out by one or more Dutch knowledge institutes.
  • The research may be cross-Domain, but is nominated by the nominator for one Domain chosen by him/her
By whom should the research be carried out?

The research should be primarily carried out by several researchers who are institutionally and organisationally embedded in one of the fourteen universities affiliated to UNL and/or at research institutes of the NWO or the KNAW.

To whom will the funds obtained through the Award be paid?

The funds granted as the prize for the Award are paid out to one institution only, even if more than one institution is involved in the research. The institution, which receives the money on behalf of the research team, must provide Ammodo with a transparent (annual) account of the use of the funds demonstrating that they have been used efficiently, effectively and properly, i.e. for the designated purpose.

What should the Award be spent on?

There must be a need for funding for the research. The Award can be spent on materials, personnel, exchanges with foreign countries, travel and accommodation costs, as long as it concerns costs that are directly related to the research for which the Award has been granted. The Award may not be used to finance overheads or other costs of the research institute not directly related to the research funded by the Award.

How often is the Award presented?

The Ammodo Science Award for groundbreaking research is presented every two years for research in four scientific disciplines: Biomedical Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences.

When will the next award ceremony take place?

The next presentation of the Ammodo Science Award for groundbreaking research will take place in the spring of 2026.

Where can I find the regulations?

Click here for the Award regulations.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions, please contact us via science@ammodo.org.

funding

How does Ammodo obtain its funding?

Ammodo receives its financial resources through donations from the Inphykem Foundation. Inphykem acquired its assets through the sale of a pension insurance company.

What is the relationship between Ammodo and Inphykem?

Through donations Inphykem makes our support of art, science and architecture possible.

What is the difference between Optas and Inphykem?

Stichting Inphykem is the new name for Stichting Optas. Optas is still used as a trade name by Aegon/ASR for the insurance company and is unrelated to Stichting Inphykem.

How much money does Ammodo get from Inphykem annually?

The donation from Inphykem is determined annually. This amount varies from year to year.

What is the purpose of Inphykem?

Inphykem's goal is to manage its assets and to make donations. Through these donations Inphykem makes Ammodo’s support of art, science and architecture possible.

At the time of the sale of Optas to Aegon in 2007 there was a dispute. Has that been resolved?

After the sale of Optas N.V. to Aegon N.V. in 2007, the insured parties believed they were also entitled to the proceeds of the sale in addition to the insurance claims. Despite the fact that there was no legal basis for this, as a final solution to this dispute Inphykem made a one-off financial contribution of 500 million euros for an additional increase in the pension entitlements of the Optas insured. This solution was widely supported by the insured parties and social partners. They publicly expressed their respect and appreciation for the careful and balanced manner in which the arrangement has taken into account the interest of those directly involved. With this amicable settlement, the dispute between Inphykem and the insured has been closed.

Does that money belong to Inphykem or is it actually still pension money from the port companies?

Inphykem is the rightful owner of the assets from which Ammodo obtains its financial resources.