NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme 2026 (Research Funding for NATO Countries) – Apply by 15 March 2026
The NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme 2026 provides competitive research funding for scientists and organisations in NATO countries working on strategic science and technology projects related to global security and defence.
This prestigious programme supports high-impact research that informs NATO leadership, strengthens defence innovation, and shapes future security policy across allied nations.
Quick Facts
- Host Organisation: NATO Science & Technology Organisation
- Programme: NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme
- Funding Type: Research Grant (Project Funding)
- Eligible Countries: NATO member countries
- Study Level / Type: Researchers / Scientists / Institutions
- Application Period: 2 February – 15 March 2026
- Selection Results: By 24 April 2026
About the NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme
The NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme is a strategic research funding initiative designed to support science and technology (S&T) projects that strengthen global security, defence capabilities, and societal resilience across NATO nations.
The programme funds innovative research that provides scientific evidence, foresight, and strategic insight to NATO leadership and policymakers. It aims to attract top scientific talent and expand collaboration among governments, research institutes, industry, and academia across allied countries.
Projects are expected to address long-term strategic challenges such as emerging technologies, future risks, defence innovation, crisis response, and resilience of allied societies. Rather than focusing on narrow technical applications, proposals should explore broader implications of scientific and technological trends for NATO and its allies.
Through the NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme, selected initiatives contribute to shaping defence strategy, technological preparedness, and international security cooperation.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme, applicants must:
- Be a national of a NATO member country
- Be a resident in a NATO country
- Work within an eligible organisation located in a NATO country, such as:
- Government or government-affiliated institutions
- Research institutes or universities
- NGOs or international organisations
- Public or private companies
- Submit a proposal aligned with NATO science and technology themes
- Demonstrate scientific relevance and strategic impact
Applicants must also provide personal and institutional details and consent to NATO data-sharing requirements during submission.
Benefits
The NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme provides research funding to support:
- Strategic science and technology research projects
- Policy-relevant studies for NATO leadership
- Collaborative research initiatives
- Scientific events, workshops, or activities
- High-impact S&T foresight and analysis
Funding supports approved project costs based on the submitted research proposal budget.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme 2026:
- Confirm you are a national and resident of a NATO country.
- Review the 2026 programme themes and eligibility criteria.
- Develop a strategic research proposal aligned with NATO S&T priorities.
- Prepare required information, including:
- Nationality and residence
- Organisation type and name
- NATO country of institution
- Address proposal questions (impact, relevance, risks, cost).
- Submit your proposal through the official NATO application portal.
- Provide mandatory data-sharing consent.
- Submit before 15 March 2026 (23:59 CET).
Shortlisted proposals undergo expert review, and final results are announced by 24 April 2026.
How to Apply
If you are a researcher or institution in a NATO country working on strategic science and technology challenges, the NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme 2026 offers a unique opportunity to secure funding and contribute to global security innovation.
Submit your proposal before the March deadline to present your research ideas to NATO leadership and become part of the alliance’s scientific community.
For more details: Chief Scientist Grants 2026
