CFPs: NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme

Deadline: 15-Nov-2026

The NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme is inviting joint proposals from scientists and experts in NATO member countries and eligible partner countries to address shared security challenges through collaborative research and scientific events. The programme supports international cooperation between scientists and experts whose work contributes to NATO’s strategic objectives and strengthens collective security. The call supports Multi-Year Projects as well as Events, including Advanced Research Workshops, Advanced Training Courses, and Advanced Study Institutes.

About the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme

The Science for Peace and Security Programme, known as the SPS Programme, provides a framework for scientific and expert cooperation between NATO member countries and eligible partner countries. The programme focuses on developing knowledge, research, and practical solutions that can address shared security challenges. Supported activities are expected to demonstrate a clear connection to security and NATO’s strategic objectives. What Does the Programme Support? The call welcomes proposals under two broad categories: - Multi-Year Projects - Events

Events can include:

- Advanced Research Workshops. - Advanced Training Courses. - Advanced Study Institutes. The programme encourages proposals that bring together experts from NATO member and eligible partner countries to work collaboratively on security-related research and knowledge exchange. What Are the SPS Key Priorities? Proposals should align with one or more of the SPS Key Priorities. The call has particular interest in areas including: - Non-kinetic mitigation measures against unmanned systems. - Protection and resilience of critical infrastructure. - Maritime and undersea critical infrastructure. - Deterrence and defence against hybrid tactics. - Innovative energy generation and distribution. - Biotechnology and its convergence with artificial intelligence. - Space technologies related to awareness, position, navigation, and timing. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed activity addresses a relevant security challenge and contributes to NATO’s strategic objectives. Non-Kinetic Measures Against Unmanned Systems One area of interest is the development of non-kinetic approaches for mitigating threats or risks associated with unmanned systems. Proposals in this area should demonstrate a clear connection to shared security challenges and the objectives of the SPS Programme. Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience The programme is also interested in research addressing the protection and resilience of critical infrastructure. This includes maritime and undersea infrastructure, reflecting the importance of resilient infrastructure to collective security. Hybrid Tactics Another priority area focuses on deterrence and defence against hybrid tactics. Research and cooperation in this area can contribute to understanding and developing responses to security challenges involving hybrid approaches. Innovative Energy Technologies The programme welcomes work related to innovative approaches to energy generation and distribution. Proposals should demonstrate how the proposed research or cooperation can contribute to addressing relevant security challenges. Biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence Biotechnology is another area of interest, including the convergence of biotechnology with artificial intelligence. Applicants working at the intersection of these fields should demonstrate the relevance of their proposed work to shared security challenges and NATO’s strategic objectives. Space Technologies The SPS Programme also highlights space technologies related to: - Awareness. - Position. - Navigation. - Timing. Proposals should establish how the proposed scientific cooperation relates to security and the programme’s strategic priorities. Who Can Apply? SPS proposals must be jointly developed by scientists or experts from eligible countries. Each proposal must include participants from: - At least one NATO member country. - At least one eligible NATO partner country. All participants must be nationals of the eligible NATO member or partner countries involved in the proposal. Required Project Directors Each activity must have two Project Directors: - One Project Director from a NATO member country. - One Project Director from an eligible partner country. Both Project Directors must be employed by an eligible institution, such as: - Governmental institutions. - Academic institutions. - Other non-profit institutions. The two-country leadership structure is intended to ensure genuine cooperation between NATO member and partner-country experts. Are Private Companies Eligible? For-profit private companies are not eligible for SPS funding. Project Directors and participating institutions must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements, including the requirement concerning governmental, academic, or other non-profit institutions. Applicants should therefore ensure that the proposed project structure satisfies the institutional eligibility requirements. What Should Proposals Demonstrate? Proposals should clearly explain the scientific or expert cooperation being proposed and its relevance to security.

A strong proposal should demonstrate:

- Alignment with one or more SPS Key Priorities. - A clear connection to shared security challenges. - Contribution to NATO’s strategic objectives. - Genuine cooperation between NATO member and partner-country participants. - Realistic implementation plans. - A realistic and appropriate budget. - The capacity of the participating institutions and experts to deliver the proposed activity. Realistic Work Plans and Budgets Applicants must provide realistic plans and budgets for their proposed activities. The proposal should clearly explain how the planned activities will be implemented and how the requested resources will support the project’s objectives. The