Horizon

Horizon is funded by the Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NGI) and is executed by ZonMw. 

In astronomy, the Horizon is the farthest point that you can see when looking forward. The Zenith is the highest point in the sky when looking upwards. For NGI, both Horizon and Zenith represent visionary research beyond present borders.

Objectives of the Horizon programme:

The Horizon programme is set up as a breeding ground for talented researchers active in genomics and/or bioinformatics. It aims to:

• focus on the development of individual talented researchers
• support innovative research
• stimulate valorisation of research results

Horizon seeks to offer early career genomics and bioinformatics researchers attractive career prospects within academia and research institutions by stimulating and supporting them to set up or expand their own research area and research group.

Horizon aims to promote and coordinate outstanding and visionary fundamental research by offering researchers the freedom to realize their ideas and concepts beyond existing disciplines. The research supported by the Horizon programme is future-oriented. Researchers are given the opportunity to respond rapidly to new hypotheses or technologies. In addition, the Horizon programme seeks to achieve valorisation of the results obtained in the research projects. Project leaders are therefore expected to adopt an active attitude towards valorisation. 

Who can apply

Preproposals can be submitted by researchers who hold a doctorate (from 2 years to maximum 15 years after the PhD graduation date) who:

• have a permanent or temporary employment contract at a Dutch institution for scientific education and research or at an institute recognised by NWO;
• hold Dutch nationality, but reside abroad. They can submit a proposal for a research project that will be carried out in the Netherlands;
• do not hold Dutch nationality, but have a temporary or permanent appointment in the Netherlands.

Researchers from abroad may apply

What can be applied for

Applications to be submitted in the second phase 2010-2012

In the second phase of the Horizon programme, researchers with proven talent (on the basis of a successful Breakthrough project or by other means) can apply for a grant to fund a larger research project: the Zenith project. To be eligible for a Zenith project, the applicant needs to submit a proof-of-concept. Zenith projects are targeted at elaborating a proof-of-concept into a mature line of research and supporting talented researchers in setting up and expanding their own research group.

More information on Horizon can be found on www.zonmw.nl/horizon

When can be applied

• Closing date for submitting preliminary proposals was 3 October 2011, 15:00 hrs

Criteria

All information can be found in the call. More documents on www.zonmw.nl.

Procedure

All information can be found in the call. More documents on www.zonmw.nl.

Budget

The budget for this second round in Zenith is M€ 4.5. For each Zenith project a maximum amount of € 400,000 can be applied for. If the project contains bioinformatics research then the amount applied for can be increased to a maximum of € 500,000. Ultimately about nine projects can be honoured in this round, depending on the quality of the proposals.

Financiers

Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NGI), ZonMw

Contacts

• Mr R.V. (Rob) Diemel (programme coordination)
  phone: +31 (0)70 349 52 52, fax: +31 (0)70 349 53 87, e-mail: diemel@zonmw.nl
• Ms Anne Boeter
  phone: +31 (0)70 349 53 57, e-mail: boeter@zonmw.nl
• Ms Natasja Creveld (programme assistant)
  phone: +31 (0)70 349 52 01, e-mail: creveld@zonmw.nl

no documentation available