First and second-generation Dutch researchers will soon be able to participate in the renewed PhD scholarship program Mosaic 2.0. These researchers are numerically underrepresented in science. Continuation of this NWO program in a new form is the best way to encourage the influx of this group into science, according to internal research.
NWO views a healthy research culture as a prerequisite for world-class science. A healthy research culture ensures that talent gets space and collaboration is encouraged. However, there is still inequality in science, and Dutch researchers with a migration background are underrepresented in science as a whole.
First and Second-Generation Dutch Researchers
The PhD scholarship program Mosaic 2.0 is aimed at first and second-generation Dutch researchers with a non-Western migration background. The goal is to stimulate the influx of this group into science by funding PhD positions. As with all NWOs funding instruments, the quality of research proposals is always decisive when awarding scholarships. This PhD scholarship program is well received, according to evaluations. There is also broad support for this funding instrument both within and outside the target group.
Last year, NWO announced the opening of the final round for Mosaic 2.0 and the intention to give this target group a structural place in regular funding instruments. This also matched the ambition to reduce the number of small funding instruments. However, after careful research, it appears this is not possible for this target group. This group of researchers needs an extra stimulus at this stage of their careers. NWO does not have an instrument for personal PhD scholarships. Therefore, it has been decided to continue this program, but in an adapted form.
News report, March 22, 2025 | Now open: call for the third round of Mosaic 2.0
Talking with the Field and Target Groups
To optimize the program, NWO will soon engage in discussions with representatives of the scientific field and the Mosaic target group, such as the Young Academy and the Expertise Center for Diversity Policy (ECHO). This will also consider how to increase the success rate. It will also be examined whether the renewed version of Mosaic 2.0 can accommodate refugee academics residing in the Netherlands with temporary or permanent residence permits. They can currently still participate in the Hestia program. Later this year, the final round of Hestia will open in its current form.
Mosaic Scholarship was Decisive for My Career Switch
PhD candidate Lorelie Tummers:
‘For me, the Mosaic scholarship was decisive in making a career switch and entering academia. I had a good job with the government, but gave up all certainty to start at the bottom of the ladder again – at the age of thirty. And that is a conscious choice. It took a lot of time to submit my proposal, and I am very happy that it succeeded. Read more about Tummers PhD research on growing up as an adopted child in a Dutch family