NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme

Enriched multilateral · Found: 2026-05-06 16:40

The NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme provides grants for collaborative research and development projects between NATO member and partner countries in areas including environmental security and marine pollution.

Source: https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/organization/nato-structure/science-for-peace-and-security-hub

Funding Details

Funder

NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme

Funding Goal

Collaborative research, development, and knowledge transfer projects between scientists and institutions from NATO member countries and NATO partner countries on topics relevant to security, including environmental security, pollution, cyber threats, energy security, and emerging security challenges. Projects aim to foster dialogue, build trust, and develop practical solutions at the science-technology-security interface.

Funding Amount

Variable; Collaborative Research Projects (CRP) typically range from EUR 300,000 to 1,000,000 over 3 years; Multi-Year Science Activities (MYSA) and smaller networking grants also available

Deadline

Rolling basis (Rolling)

How to Apply

Submit concept papers through the NATO SPS online portal. Proposals are first reviewed for eligibility, then sent for scientific evaluation. Full proposals are invited from shortlisted concept papers. Rolling submissions reviewed periodically.

Target Region

NATO member and partner countries; global scope for environmental security topics

Contact

NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme — contact via NATO Headquarters, Brussels

Last Checked

2026-05-07 00:12

Application Checklist

Eligibility

• Applicant institution must be from a NATO member country (Denmark qualifies)
• Project must include at least one partner institution from a NATO partner country
• Primary applicants should be scientific or research institutions; NGOs are secondary participants

Project Scope

• Project must address a NATO SPS priority area (environmental security qualifies)
• Environmental security topics (marine pollution, contaminants) are eligible focus areas

Required Documents

• Submit a concept paper first; full proposal only invited if shortlisted
• Budget, project plan, and partner letters of collaboration required for full proposal

Constraints

• Collaborative Research Projects: typically up to 3 years in duration

Summary

The NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme provides grants for collaborative research and development projects between NATO member and partner country institutions. The programme operates at the science-technology-security interface and funds applied research, workshops, and capacity-building activities. Thematic scope includes: cyber defence and cybersecurity, energy security, environmental security and protection (including marine pollution and contaminants), emerging security challenges, defence against terrorism, and human and social aspects of security. Environmental security topics such as marine pollution prevention, chemical/biological contaminants in coastal environments, and pollution monitoring are eligible priority areas. Eligible activities include Collaborative Research Projects (CRP) — multi-year, multi-partner scientific R&D projects; Multi-Year Science Activities (MYSA) — workshops, training courses, or lecture series; and Expert Visit Grants (EVG) — shorter expert exchange visits. All mechanisms require collaboration between NATO member and partner country institutions. Geographic scope: Projects must involve institutions from both NATO member countries and NATO partner countries (a broad category including many non-NATO states). Denmark is a NATO member, making Danish institutions eligible as lead applicants. Eligible applicants: Universities, research institutes, and scientific organisations from NATO member and partner countries. Non-governmental organisations with a scientific/technical focus may participate. The programme primarily targets academic and research institutions rather than operational implementation NGOs. Budget: Collaborative Research Projects can receive up to approximately EUR 300,000–1,000,000 over 1–3 years. Networking activities receive smaller grants. No co-funding requirement is specified but in-kind contributions are expected from partner institutions. Applications follow a two-stage process: concept paper submission (rolling) followed by invitation for full proposals for shortlisted projects. Applications are submitted through the NATO SPS online portal.

Historical Context

The SPS Programme has been active for decades, supporting collaborative research projects. It operates ongoing annual review cycles with rolling submission of concept papers.

Why it was added

discovered from funder #575: NATO SPS Programme

Sources

• https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/organization/nato-structure/science-for-peace-and-security-hub
• https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_85373.htm
• https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/organization/nato-structure/science-for-peace-and-security-hub/grant-mechanisms

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