NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme

The NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) Chief Scientist Grants Programme is dedicated to fostering excellence in science and technology research. We are committed to supporting groundbreaking projects that contribute to global security and scientific advancement. The programme particularly encourages applications from qualified women in STEM fields, recognizing the vital importance of diverse perspectives in addressing complex security challenges. In 2025, the programme will award 500,000 Euros in total to fund the following types of activities:

1: S&T (Science & Technology) Studies on Emerging Topics

One of the primary purposes of the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) is to disseminate timely, clear, and up-to-date scientific advice and technical information related to defence activities to NATO Allies. Every year, the OCS publishes a list of S&T themes and invites applicants to submit research proposals. If selected, applicants must produce a research report on that topic.

2: S&T Awareness Initiatives

In a world where NATO S&T efforts continue to make great headways in improving the security of its Allies, the STO aims for an increased awareness of its S&T prowess and an inclusive and diverse reinforcement of its community of experts. Every year, the OCS publishes a list of S&T themes and invites applicants to submit S&T Awareness Initiatives on those topics. In particular, two types of activities are envisaged:

• Events and projects established to raise awareness of STO’s efforts and mission
• Initiatives that widen the STO scientific knowledge base, attracting under-represented talent from the STEM ecosystem to deliver cutting-edge S&T

Topics

All the initiatives encompassed under this programme will strive to fulfil the Office of the Chief Scientist Programmatic Objectives around specific S&T themes, which support the STO Programme of Work. These initiatives are detailed below:

• Deterrence & Defence: Exploring the innovative use of emerging technologies to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities, ensuring peace and security.
• Diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Developing strategies to enhance diversity and inclusion in the defence sector STEM fields, respectfully acknowledging the value of diverse perspectives.
• Emerging and Disruptive Technologies: Assessing the impact of cutting-edge technologies on multi domain operations, emphasizing how technology is altering the character of conflict.
• Resilience from an S&T Perspective: Advancing scientific and technological methods to boost NATO’s resilience against global threats.
• S&T foresight: Conducting forward-looking research to anticipate technological shifts and their implications for global security, with an enthusiastic and proactive stance.
• Other: Applicants are welcomed to submit applications on any other topics that they judge to be important for NATO, in accordance to the NATO S&T Strategy.

Who can apply?

The NATO Chief Scientist Grants programme is open to nationals from NATO Allies working for organizations affiliated with or part of a NATO Allied government, or for organizations affiliated with research Institutes, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or private or public companies etc. residing in a NATO country.

In addition, the applicants need to be resident in the NATO country where the institution they are working for is located.

Eligible projects

Proposals must span single NATO financial years. NATO financial year lasts from January 1st to December 31st. This means that in 2025, all the deliverables encompassed under any NATO Chief Scientist Grant must be delivered before 31st December 2025.

The fund covers costs such as: conference and events fees (including contracting of agencies and external experts’ support); development of tools or prototypes, including maintenance; development of online or offline resources for use by NATO nations or coalition forces; procurement of testing materials and/or consumables; travel and subsistence expenses; conducting events, challenges and trials, including the lease of specific test ranges and/or infrastructures; studies, scientific research, experiments, tests.

Support from Innovate UK Business Connect

If you would like to discuss your application, you are welcome to contact Hazel Biggs from Innovate UK Business Connect’s Security & Defence team.