VLAG FLASH - June 2008, Edition 16
Introduction
The Rubicon programme is directed at promising young postdoctoral researchers who are still at the start of their careers but whose academic strengths give them the potential to become established figures in the Dutch research world.
Young researchers are encouraged to dedicate themselves to a career in postdoctoral research. It does so by giving them the chance to enhance their career prospects by spending up to two years at a top research institution outside the Netherlands or one year at an excellent Dutch research institution. The Rubicon programme also offers talented researchers from abroad the opportunity to obtain grants to spend one year conducting research in the Netherlands. Proposals will be assessed on the basis of the quality of the applicant, the research proposal and the host institution. The Rubicon programme is open to all scientific disciplines.
Objective
The aim of the Rubicon programme is to encourage talented researchers at Dutch universities and research institutes run by KNAW and NWO to dedicate themselves to a career in postdoctoral research. Rubicon offers researchers who have completed their doctorates in the past year the chance to gain experience at a top research institution outside the Netherlands (maximum of two years).
The programme also offers limited opportunities for grant-assisted research in the Netherlands, but the use of grants to spend time outside the Netherlands will be preferred.
The Rubicon programme also offers talented researchers from abroad the opportunity to obtain grants to spend one year conducting research in the Netherlands.
Who can apply
Postgraduates who are currently engaged in doctoral research or who have been awarded a doctorate in the twelve months preceding the relevant deadline. Applicants who are still engaged in doctoral research may only apply if their supervisor provides a written declaration approving their thesis.
Women especially are urged to apply.
Researchers from abroad may apply
Candidates may apply for a Rubicon grant only once. An application will be deemed to have been made if the application has been accepted for consideration by NWO. Past recipients of Talent grants will not be eligible for consideration under the Rubicon programme. Applications must be submitted by individual researchers and not by pairs or teams of researchers.
Deadlines for applications
There will be three selection rounds a year for Rubicon grants. In 2008 the remaining deadlines are on 2 September and 2 December.
More information and details at the NWO website.