NWO call Crop sciences - cooperation between India and the Netherlands

The division of Earth- and Life Sciences (ALW) of NWO and the Indian Department of Biotechnology (DBT) invite applications for financial support for joint research proposals investigating heat- and drought tolerance in plants, in order to improve tolerance in crops. The deadline for proposals is September 2, 2014. Consortia of researchers from India and the Netherlands may apply. The NWO budget is € 1,400,000, the Indian budget will cover the Indian expenses. Funding from NWO to the (Dutch part of a) project is up to € 466,500. A project may run for 3 or 4 years.

The global area where crop harvests are jeopardised due to unfavorable climatic conditions is expected to further increase. This programme contributes to gaining understanding that can be used to develop crops that better withstand heat and drought, two important forms of abiotic stress. The call aims to stimulate Indian-Dutch research collaboration. Both countries are very much interested in research focussing on agriculture and food production. The joint research projects focus on important scientific questions that will transform into societally and commercially relevant applications.