NWO Spinoza Prize

The NWO Spinoza Prize is a personal award for top researchers with international reputations. NWO requests selected persons to nominate candidates for this prize. A maximum of four prizes are awarded annually. The winners each receive a minimum of 2.5 million euro to spend on research of their own choice for five years. An NWO Spinoza Prize is an honorary award for what the winners have achieved in their scientific carrier but the prize is also an incentive to promote research.

Who can apply

Nomination can only take place by invitiation. Candidates themselves cannot submit an application. NWO enables the following persons to nominate candidates on a personal basis:

• The rectors of universities (with a maximum of 1 candidate each)
• The chairmen of the Humanities and Science Divisions of the Royal Netherlands Academy (with a maximum pf 2 candidates each)
• The chairmen of the advisory councils of the Royal Netherlands Academy (with a maximum of 2 candidates each):
  

  -		Social Sciences Council
  -		Council for the Humanities
  -		Council for Medical Sciences
  -		Council for Earth and Life Sciences
  -		Council for Technical Sciences, Mathemetical Sciences and Informatics, Physics and Astronomy and Chemistry

• The president of the Netherlands Academy of Technology and Innovation (with a maximum of 2 candidates)
• The chair of the National Network of Female Professors (with a maximum of 2 candidates)
• The chairs of the NWO Division Boards and the WOTRO foundation (with a maximum of 2 candidates each)

What can be applied for

Starting with 2009, the prize amounts to a maximum of 2.5 million euro. This amount may be spent (up to a certain point) at the discretion of the recipient. In the financial plan and accounting the recipient may include costs of staff, materials, investments, travel expenses and accommodation costs, visits by foreign researchers, etc. NWO informs the nominators of the annual submission deadline.

When can be applied

NWO notifies the persons that can submit a nomination, of the deadline.

Extra Information

The nominations should include information on the candidates national and international track record, and about the candidates appeal for young researchers (number of PhD students and their position in the scientific field).

The nominations have to be written in English and should also include a recent résumé of the candidate in English and a recent survey of principal scientific publications.

Criteria

• Place of tenured position at scientific institute or non-profit organisation
• Age - capable to continue to perform at top level for a considerable time
• Performance – excellent national and international accomplishments
• Guidance of research – inspiring leadership and strong record of attracting young researchers also from abroad
• Prize benefits – the prize should offer great opportunities for the candidate’s research.

Procedure

The Governing Board decides to whom the prizes will be awarded at the advice of the Spinoza selection committee. The nomination procedure is entirely confidential; nominated candidates are not to be informed.

Budget

A minimum of 10 million euro per year, with a maximum of 4 prizes. 

Financiers

Governing Baord of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)

Contacts

• Helga Varwijk
  phone: +31 (0)70 344 08 48, fax: +31 (0)70 344 07 15, e-mail: spinoza@nwo.nl
• Cas Maessen
  phone: +31 (0)70 344 06 95, fax: +31 (0)70 344 07 15, e-mail: spinoza@nwo.nl