About the opportunity
The NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme promotes dialogue and practical cooperation between NATO member states and partner countries through scientific research, technological innovation, and knowledge exchange. The programme provides funding and expert support for civil security-relevant activities that align with NATO’s strategic objectives and SPS Key Priorities. Eligible activities include Multi-Year Projects (typically 24-36 months) and Events such as Advanced Research Workshops, Advanced Training Courses, and Advanced Study Institutes. Proposals must be developed jointly by scientists or experts from at least one NATO member nation and one eligible NATO partner country, and must be implemented by non-profit, academic, or governmental institutions.
Funding and benefits
- Funding for Multi-Year Projects (typically around €400,000 for 36-month projects).
- Funding for Events including Advanced Research Workshops, Advanced Training Courses, and Advanced Study Institutes.
- Expert advice and support for civil security-relevant activities.
- Opportunities to build international partnerships between NATO member states and partner countries.
- Access to NATO's network of scientists and security experts.
Who can apply?
- Proposals must be developed jointly by scientists or experts from at least one NATO member nation and one eligible NATO partner country.
- All participants must be nationals of a NATO member nation or an eligible NATO partner country.
- The NATO country Project Director (NPD) must be a resident and employed in a NATO member country.
- The Partner country Project Director (PPD) must be a resident and employed in an eligible NATO partner country.
- Applicants must be employed by governmental, academic, or other non-profit institutions; for-profit private companies are ineligible.
- Co-Directors are limited to one proposal per call and must not have other ongoing SPS activities.
Required documents
- Completed application form via the SPS grant platform.
- For Events: SPS Events Budget, SPS Events Acceptance of Funds, and SPS Events Cooperation Agreement.
- For Multi-Year Projects: Project Schedule (Gantt chart), end-user commitment letters, institutional overviews, SPS MYP Detailed Budget, SPS MYP Acceptance of Funds, SPS MYP Agreement for Joint Research, and IPR Agreement or waiver.
When to apply
- Full proposals must be submitted by 15 November 2026 (23:59 CET).
How to apply
- Register an account on the official SPS grant platform (https://natosps.grantplatform.com/).
- Identify available opportunities on the platform homepage.
- Select the desired grant mechanism and click 'Start application'.
- Draft and submit the proposal with all required supporting documentation via the platform.
Additional information
- Proposals must address at least one of the SPS Key Priorities.
- The evaluation process can take up to nine months following the deadline.
- Co-financing is permitted, with a standard reasonable amount up to 1/3 of the total grant.
- Project results for Multi-Year Projects should aim for Technology Readiness Levels 3-6.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Researchers and experts in security-relevant fields such as biotechnology, critical infrastructure protection, or space technologies.
- Academic or governmental teams seeking to establish or deepen collaborative research ties between NATO nations and partner countries.
- Project leaders with a clear, security-focused research agenda that aligns with NATO's strategic priorities.
What should you think carefully about?
- The application process is highly structured and requires specific institutional agreements and budget templates that must be prepared in advance.
- The evaluation timeline is lengthy, taking up to nine months, which requires careful planning for project start dates.
- Applicants must ensure they have no other ongoing SPS activities, as this is a strict eligibility requirement for project directors.
- The requirement for joint leadership between a NATO member country and an eligible partner country is mandatory and non-negotiable.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This programme is an excellent vehicle for researchers and security experts to secure significant funding for multi-year collaborative projects or specialized events. It is particularly well-suited for those looking to translate scientific innovation into practical security solutions while building a robust international network across the NATO alliance and its partner nations.
Our take
This is a premier opportunity for non-profit and academic researchers to engage in high-impact, security-relevant international cooperation. It is highly recommended for those who can meet the strict joint-leadership requirements and have a project that directly addresses NATO's strategic security priorities.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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