It is essential for researchers to be able to obtain independent research funding to advance in their careers.

Leiden University offers PhD candidates and postdocs a training course in Writing an excellent research grant proposal for PhDs and postdocs. This course will provide you with both the tools and the opportunity to practise writing or improving your own research proposal for an individual grant.

The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) offers several types of postdoctoral funding:

• Rubicon (to gain experience at a top research institution outside the Netherlands)
• VENI (to independently carry out an innovative postdoctoral project)
• Free Competition  (to carry out a postdoctoral project as part of a more extensive research programme executed under senior supervision)

Writing an NWO proposal is a time-consuming and demanding occupation that can only be completed successfully with the input and feedback of colleagues and peers. You are therefore strongly recommended to make use of the expertise offered both within the Faculty (notify the Head of Department and the Director of Research) and by the Research Committee of the Faculty of Archaeology, which evaluates proposals prior to their application.