NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme 2027 Call for Proposals: Funding for Multi-Year Projects and Scientific Events
The NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme invites eligible researchers and institutions to submit proposals for collaborative Multi-Year Projects and scientific events addressing critical security challenges. Successful initiatives will receive funding and support to develop practical, civil security-relevant solutions aligned with NATO strategic priorities.
Overview
The NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme has launched its 2027-1 Call for Proposals. This initiative fosters international scientific cooperation and technological innovation between NATO member countries and selected partner countries. The programme seeks to address emerging security challenges through two primary funding avenues:
- Multi-Year Projects (MYPs): Collaborative research and development activities typically spanning 24 to 36 months, aiming for Technology Readiness Levels 3–6.
- SPS-Supported Events: Specialized expert activities including Advanced Research Workshops, Advanced Training Courses, and Advanced Study Institutes.
Key focus areas for this call include non-kinetic mitigation measures against unmanned systems, critical infrastructure protection, deterrence and defense against hybrid tactics, innovative energy resilience, biotechnology combined with artificial intelligence, and advanced space technologies.
Eligibility
Proposals must satisfy rigorous structural and institutional criteria to be considered for funding:
- Partnership Requirement: Projects must be jointly developed by scientists or experts from at least one NATO member country and at least one eligible NATO partner country.
- Leadership Roles: Each activity requires a NATO Country Project Director (NPD) residing and employed in a NATO member country, alongside a Partner Country Project Director (PPD) residing and employed in an eligible partner country.
- Eligible Institutions: Work must be carried out through governmental organizations, academic institutions, or other non-profit bodies. For-profit private companies are ineligible for SPS funding.
- Submission Limits: Individual Co-Directors are restricted to leading one proposal per call, and existing activity directors must formally close active projects before applying anew.
Benefits
Participating institutions and project leaders can leverage programmatic backing and financial resources tailored to their collaborative goals:
- Financial Support: While there is no rigid hard budget ceiling, typical funding for a 36-month Multi-Year Project is approximately €400,000, with higher budgets subject to adequate justification.
- Professional Networks: Researchers gain opportunities to establish long-term scientific partnerships and connect with relevant end-users and communities of interest.
- Strategic Impact: Successful participants receive expert advice and institutional backing to transform theoretical concepts into practical, civil security-relevant applications.
How to Apply
All proposals must be prepared and submitted via the official online portal. Submissions delivered through alternative channels like email will be automatically rejected.
- Register for an account on the official grant portal.
- Identify the 2027-1 call opportunity on the homepage and select the correct grant mechanism.
- Complete the application form and upload mandatory supporting documentation, which includes project schedules, detailed budgets, acceptance of funds, cooperation agreements, and end-user commitment letters where applicable.
- Thoroughly verify that all security relevance criteria, budgets, and team roles comply with programme regulations before final submission.
Deadline
The final deadline for submitting full proposals under the 2027-1 call is 15 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.