TDCC-LSH Project Call 2026
This page contains LSH-specific information related to the NWO TDCC challenge call 2026. For general information about the call, refer to the link below:
The Dutch Research Council (NWO) will open the third TDCC project call the 1st of May 2026 to further support the digitalization of life science and health across the TDCC network (visit NWO webpage). Projects focus on the ambitions and challenges defined in the TDCC-LSH Roadmap connecting and disseminating knowledge and agreeing on its joint application, rather than generating new scientific knowledge.
Call details
- Opening date: May 1, 2026
- Closing date: November 12, 2026
- Budget: €800K per TDCC
- Project funding: €50,000 – €400,000
- Max. duration: 24 months
- Co-financing: 25% required (more information will become available on the NWO website)
⚠️ A submission letter from the TDCC is required before submitting the final proposal to NWO. Read carefully the details below.
TDCC-LSH process
Before submitting to NWO, all applicants must complete the TDCC-LSH application process and obtain a letter of submission. The steps below will guide you from your initial Expression of Interest all the way to your final NWO submission.
The calendar above provides an overview of all key dates for the TDCC-LSH Project Call 2026.
Step 0. Join an “Info & Pitch-Your-Idea" session (optional but recommended)
📅 March 24, April 1 & April 9, 2026
In March and April 2026, TDCC-LSH is hosting three open sessions to introduce the 2026 project call, answer your questions, and give you the chance to pitch your ideas to the LSH community. Whether you have a fully formed concept or are just exploring, these sessions are open to all members of the LSH research community. Come as you are, with an idea or just curiosity.
👉 Learn more here and join one of our sessions!
Step 1. Submit your Expression of Interest (mandatory for all applicants)
📅Deadline: May 15, 2026
This is your starting point. Submit a short Expression of Interest (EoI) to tell us about your idea — no full proposal needed yet. You will be asked to provide:
- A brief description of your project idea
- Your collaborating partners
- Which TDCC-LSH roadmap challenges your project addresses
- A breakdown into work packages and an estimated budget
⚠️ The EoI is mandatory for all applicants. Without approval from the TDCC-LSH Programme Board, you cannot proceed to the full proposal stage, and you cannot submit your proposal to NWO.
📅 NWO will host a Q&A session on June 3, 2026. This is a great opportunity to clarify any questions about the full proposal process.
→ Review period by TDCC-LSH Programme Board members
The Programme Board will assess each EoI submission against key criteria (domain relevance, roadmap alignment, collaboration potential) and evaluate the scope and approach, suggest potential partners, and provide feedback. You will be informed whether your idea is rejected, held for a future call, or approved to move forward.
🎉 Approved? You and your team are ready to write your full proposal — following the NWO template and guidelines on the NWO call page.
📅 Applicants notified by: June 17, 2026
Step 2. Write your Full Proposal
📅 June – September 2026 | Deadline: September 23, 2026
With your EoI approved, it's time to develop your full proposal using NWO's application format. Your team leads this process: organise your meetings, align your ideas, and make sure your proposal reflects genuine community needs and connects different initiatives. Submit your completed proposal to the TDCC-LSH team before the deadline on September 23, 2026.
⚠️ For more information on the NWO application form and ISAAC, visit the NWO webpage.
→ Review period by TDCC-LSH Programme Board members
The Programme Board will review all final proposals and notify applicants of the outcome: rejected or approved. Approved applicants move on to Steps 3 and 4.
📅 Applicants notified by: October 21, 2026
Step 3. Receive your TDCC-LSH letter of submission
📅 By October 30, 2026
Once your proposal is approved, you will receive your TDCC-LSH letter of submission by email. This is an essential document you will need to complete your NWO submission via ISAAC.
⚠️ This letter is mandatory! NWO will not approve any project submitted without it.
Step 4. Submit your proposal to NWO via ISAAC
📅 Deadline: November 12, 2026, at 14:00 CET
The finish line! Submit your full proposal together with your TDCC-LSH letter of submission through ISAAC before the deadline. No extensions are possible.
→ Review period by NWO
📅 December 2026 – February 2027/March 2027
NWO will carry out an internal eligibility check before handing proposals to an international evaluation committee. The full review takes approximately three/four months. If funded, your project must start within six months of receiving NWO's decision, so plan your start date accordingly.