The Amsterdam Reproduction and Development (AR&D) research institute invites all AR&D researchers dedicated to advancing the health of future generations to apply for the AR&D Research Grant 2025.

In the year that Amsterdam celebrates its 750 year history, we not only look back, but also look forward and imagine what we want for our world, our city, its people and their health. We have been shaped by the decisions and actions of our ancestors. In turn, our choices will influence the world future generations inherit. Research of AR&D has shown that the environment in which we grow and develop impacts our health and the potential for future generations to thrive. Today, numerous challenges threaten this environment. So, it is crucial we take action now to articulate and create a healthy, supportive environment for future generations to flourish and reach their full potential.

With this years’ AR&D Research Grant we take action on contributing to the foundations we want to lay for future generations. In doing so we not only add to the ambition of Amsterdam UMC to strive for ‘a healthy future for all‘, but also put into practice action 28 of the Pact for the Future, part of the recently signed UN Declaration on Future Generations, which states ‘seize the opportunities presented by science, technology and innovation for the benefit of people and planet’.

The AR&D Research Grant is aimed at funding research that investigates how we can contribute to the health of future generations. It should lead to answers that can be translated into practice within care, research, education, and/or valorisation activities. Examples include:

  • Research into fundamental understanding about how reproduction and development works in view of (effects on) future generations (e.g., biological effect of the environment on gametes, the embryo or fetus, and its effect later in life).
  • Research into how our treatments (genetic, medical, pre- or postnatal, psychological, etc.) affect or improve the health of future generations.
  • Research into how our research projects could include the interests of future generations (i.e. which outcomes to measure in future research to maximize relevance for future generations)
  • Research into how our research optimally aligns with policies that aim to contribute to the health of future generations (for instance through collaboration with sustainability policy of the city of Amsterdam, by contributing to the generation test of the Dutch government, or supporting the Policy Lab for the EU commissioner on Intergenerational Justice).

We provide funding for research projects that contribute to the foundations we want to lay for future generations. All types of research projects (fundamental (biological), clinical, paramedical, implementation, translational, epidemiological, or impact) are taken into consideration. Projects that are a joint effort between different departments within Amsterdam UMC or with faculties of our universities UvA and VU are particularly encouraged to be submitted.

The maximum per project that will be awarded is €50.000,=. It is possible to submit smaller research projects. For projects over €50.000,= co-funding should readily be available.

Eligibility requirements


To be eligible to apply for the AR&D grants the following criteria need to be met:

  1. All grant applications must be submitted by an AR&D affiliated researcher (including PI’s) and  supported by at least one AR&D Principal Investigator (PI), as evidenced by their PURE profiles.
  2. An applicant can submit only one proposal for the AR&D Research Grant 2025. An AR&D PI is however allowed to support more than one proposal as the responsible AR&D PI.
  3. Applicants who received an AR&D Research Grant in 2024 as main applicant are not eligible to submit a proposal for the AR&D Research Grant round 2025. They may submit again in the following year.
  4. Research proposals should be written in concise English with a clear research question or aim and should be understandable to a researcher in an adjacent science field within AR&D.
  5. All research proposals must include  a clear and achievable timeline including milestones and/or deliverables. Research projects must have a start date between November 1st and December 31st 2025, and must be executed at Amsterdam UMC/UvA/VU.
    Please note that in all presentations and communications on your project the AR&D visual is used, and it is mentioned that: this project was made possible by funding of Amsterdam Reproduction and Development research institute.

    Guidelines conflict of interest

    AR&D formulated guidelines regarding integrity and conflict of interest.

    Application


    The application form should include:

    • Information of applicant(s) and affiliation(s)
    • Project details
    • Budget details
    • If applicable proof of co-funding

    The application form can be downloaded here:

    Convert the completed application form to a PDF-file and email your application to AR&D (ARandD@amsterdamumc.nl).

    Submission deadline

    The deadline for submission is: 11 July 2025, 13:00 pm.

    Incomplete applications, applications over the maximum word limit, and applications submitted after the deadline will not be taken into consideration.

    Selection procedure


    The submitted proposals will be assessed by an independent review committee based on the following criteria:

    • Relevance of the mission of contributing to the health of future generations
    • Envisioned impact of the results
    • Quality with respect to the design and methods of the research proposal
    • Feasibility of the research project within the proposed time and costs

          Final report

          All awarded proposals are obliged to send a final report to AR&D, using the format provided by AR&D, on the outcomes of the project within 3 months after finalization of the project. This report has to include an overview of the financial accountability.

          Time line

            Contact

            For questions contact AR&D (ARandD@amsterdamumc.nl).