Introduction

Scientific research is becoming ever more reliant on external financing.  Furthermore, grant providers place an increasing emphasis on knowledge exploitation and technology transfer.  It is therefore essential to think in detail about technology transfer prior to applying for research subsidies:

• How is the research beneficial to society?
• How can the results of the research be commercialised?
• How do I effectively explain the valorisation in my application?
• Who could I work with?
• What should I be aware of when working with other parties?

Grants form an important source of financing for the commercialisation of knowledge.  There are targeted grants and financing schemes for:

• applied research
• collaboration with private enterprise
• protection of intellectual property
• feasibility studies and market research
• financing of start-ups
• innovations by SMEs

The VU and VUmc grants desk have the latest knowledge, expertise and capacity to successfully acquire a grant for your research. The grants desk offers ‘tailored’ knowledge and advice regarding the many national and international grant schemes and funds.  The grants desk helps you increase your chances of success. 

On the grants and funds page of the VU website, you can find a comprehensive overview of the most important Dutch, European and international agencies that award grants for research. You will also find the “grant guide,” a database in which you can search for current grant possibilities.  You can also sign up for the grant newsletter which, according to your personally created profile, gives you monthly news updates about relevant grant sources.