Call for focus sessions NWO Life 2027

Deadline for submissions: Tuesday 3 November  2026, 14:00 hrs CET  

What is a focus session

A focus session is a session organised around a specific theme/’hot topic’. The topic is interdisciplinary and/or applied and has by preference cross-overs between at least two research fields in Life Sciences. An insight in how interdisciplinary collaboration has (perhaps unexpectedly) impacted the research or how societal challenges should be or have been addressed are also highly welcome. A focus session has a length of 1h20 m (80 minutes).

There is no standard format for a focus session. For example, you could combine talks with alternative formats such as panel discussions, pitches or a duo presentation together with a company. A session can also be interactive. It can for example be structured around an urgent problem or specific challenge, allowing organisers and participants to work collaboratively on identifying solutions and exploring possible approaches. In your submission you are asked how you will highlight how the prospective speakers and/or format allows for an interactive and coherent session. 

Practical information

• Deadline  Tuesday 3 November 2026, 14:00 hrs CET  
• Use the form below to submit your proposal 
• Acceptance or rejection e-mail: November/December 
• Timeline to organise: Sessions must be finalised mid-March (speakers/chairs registered, final details submitted)  

Recommendation 

Although one individual can submit a focus session, we recommend joint initiatives of several organisers, to strengthen the broad interest and to include a diversity of speakers and contributors (junior/senior, national/international, university/industry/other, affiliation, stage of career, gender balance, etc.). We encourage also young researchers to submit/co-organise a focus session. 

Budget 

For each focus session, a budget of maximum €500,- is available to reimburse travel and/or registration costs of speakers (excluding organisers). Costs will be reimbursed after NWO Life 2027 (through a dedicated reimbursement form). 

Submission guidelines

• Who can submit: Scientific Staff, including early career researchers (PhD, PostDoc). 
• The initiators of selected focus sessions are asked to chair their focus session and are responsible for the organisation of their own focus session . 
• A minimum of three speakers (talks, pitches, visions) to stimulate interdisciplinarity during the focus session.  
• You can invite a maximum of one international speaker with an affiliation outside the Netherlands. This restriction has been imposed to provide room for national experts or scientists to present.