NATO Science for Peace and Security: grants for joint projects and scientific events of researchers from Ukraine and NATO countries, around €400,000 per project, apply by 15 November

The NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme has launched call 2027-1, offering funding for collaborative research projects and scientific events. The initiative supports cooperation between researchers from NATO member countries and partner nations, including Ukraine, to address shared security-related scientific challenges.

While there is no rigid budget ceiling, multi-year projects running for 36 months typically receive approximately €400,000. Potential applicants must prepare joint proposals and submit them by the stated deadline of 15 November 2026.

What is funded

The grant call supports multi-year research projects and scientific events. Eligible events include advanced training courses, specialized workshops, and summer schools focused on scientific exchange and capacity-building.

Projects are typically funded for a duration of 36 months. Financial support covers operational research and event costs, though the call specifies that any co-funding should reasonably remain within a third of the requested grant amount.

Who can apply

Applications are open to researchers affiliated with higher education institutions, research institutes, universities, non-governmental organizations, and government or central authorities. Commercial companies are excluded from leading proposals.

Each proposal must be jointly developed and led by two co-directors. One co-director must be based in a NATO member country, while the other must be based in an eligible partner country, which includes Ukraine. Both co-directors must work at governmental, academic, or other non-profit institutions.

Conditions and requirements

The core condition of the grant is cross-border institutional partnership. Both co-directors share responsibility for managing the project and executing the agreed research or event activities within their respective non-profit organizations.

Practical tip. Ensure early coordination between the NATO and Ukrainian partner institutions to balance project roles and administrative responsibilities, keeping in mind that any institutional co-funding should not exceed one-third of the total grant sum.

How to apply

Proposals must be prepared cooperatively by the two co-directors representing their respective partner institutions. The submission requires clear alignment between the NATO-based entity and the partner country team.

Applications for call 2027-1 must be completed and submitted in accordance with the SPS Programme guidelines by the deadline of 15 November 2026. Further specific application forms and documentation are provided directly through the programme’s official channels.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: nato.int.