NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme 2026 and NATO Science & Technology Organization (STO), Paris (March 15, 2026)

The NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme 2026 offers a prestigious funding opportunity for researchers and scientists from NATO Allied nations to contribute to the Alliance’s strategic security. This framework, developed by the NATO Science & Technology Organization (STO) Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS), aims to provide a robust scientific evidence-base for military and political leadership. Furthermore, the program is designed to attract top-tier global talent into NATO’s scientific ecosystem, fostering innovation that supports strategic defense objectives. Consequently, these grants play a vital role in augmenting the Alliance’s knowledge base and facilitating the integration of national researchers into the STO Program of Work.

Program Highlights Summary

Feature	Details
Program Title	NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme 2026
Organizing Institution	NATO Science & Technology Organization (STO) OCS
Application Deadline	March 15, 2026
Total Funding Pool	€500,000
Individual Grant Cap	Up to €100,000
Mode of Delivery	Strategic S&T Research Studies and Awareness Initiatives

Program Overview

The primary goal of the NATO Chief Scientist Grants Programme 2026 is to support Science & Technology (S&T) work at a high strategic level. Specifically, projects should examine the broad implications of technological trends rather than focusing on narrow technical applications. Additionally, the program serves to promote STO activities that leverage Alliance capabilities in support of NATO objectives. Researchers are encouraged to analyze how emerging technologies impact deterrence, defense, and the resilience of Allied societies.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet strict criteria related to nationality and affiliation:

• Nationality: Applicants must be nationals of a NATO Allied country.
• Residency: Applicants are required to be residents in a NATO country.
• Institutional Affiliation:
  • Organizations affiliated with or part of a NATO Allied government.
  • Research Institutes, NGOs, or private/public companies located in a NATO country.

Curriculum & Topics Covered

For the 2026 cycle, the program focuses on macro-trends identified in the S&T Trends 2025 Report. Key themes include:

• Biotechnology Revolution: Examining the impact of genetic manipulation, synthetic biology, and bioengineering on military and civilian resilience.
• Deterrence & Strategic Competition: Strengthening NATO’s posture against multidomain threats.
• Public Trust: Understanding the role of S&T in maintaining societal cohesion and extracting verified information.
• Foresight for Capability Development: Conducting forward-looking research to anticipate technological shifts and resource inter-dependencies.

Learning Outcomes & Impact

Grantees are expected to deliver high-level strategic insights that directly inform Alliance policy. Expected results include:

• Provision of Science & Technology advice to NATO senior leadership.
• Advancement of scientific maturity (Knowledge Readiness Level) within critical security areas.
• Creation of scientific evidence-bases to overcome military capability gaps.
• Development of tools, prototypes, or online resources for use by NATO nations.

Registration Details (Table Format)

Item	Requirement
Application Portal	Click Here
Submission Deadline	March 15, 2026, 23:59 CET
Project Duration	Approximately 6 months
Deliverables Due	By November 15, 2026
Selection Announcement	Expected by April 24, 2026

Contact Information

• Official Program Site: NATO Science & Technology Organization (STO)
• Direct Inquiries: mbx.sto@hq.nato.int
• Primary Contact: Jude Ogar

Key Highlights

Individual grants are awarded based on the project scope, with a maximum of €100,000 per project. Furthermore, the program explicitly encourages applications from qualified women in STEM fields to ensure a diverse perspective in security innovation. Moreover, successful projects must demonstrate not only scientific excellence but also real-world military impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the maximum amount I can receive from a NATO Chief Scientist Grant?

Individual grants of up to €100,000 are awarded, depending on the scope and requirements of the project.

Can researchers from non-NATO countries apply?

No, applicants must be nationals of NATO Allied countries and resident in a NATO country to be eligible.

What are the main research themes for 2026?

Themes include Biotechnology, Deterrence, Public Trust, and Foresight for capability development.

When must project results be delivered?

Projects for the 2026 cycle must deliver their results before November 15, 2026.

Is funding available for private companies?

Yes, organizations affiliated with private or public companies in a NATO country are eligible to apply.