The freedom of science is under pressure in several places around the world. Scientists are scattered across the globe searching for the best place to conduct their research. Minister Bruins and the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) previously announced that they would facilitate several dozen of these top scientists to continue their research in the Netherlands. Starting this summer, knowledge institutions, such as universities and a number of research institutes, can nominate top scientists with their own research lines to NWO. Aimed at strengthening both Dutch and European competitiveness, the Tulip Fund is intended for top scientists currently working outside the European Union. Nationality does not matter; even Dutch scientists working outside the EU are eligible.

For the researcher, it is clear that their qualities are internationally recognized. Each researcher can receive a maximum of €1,000,000 in funding from the knowledge institution, which must be spent in the coming years. This can involve fundamental, applied, or practice-oriented research. Top science, as practiced by these researchers, provides solutions to major societal problems in areas such as healthcare, energy transition, agriculture, water management, or housing.

Minister Bruins is optimistic that the Tulip Fund is now actually starting. Bruins: “We have many good scientists in our country and therefore know that one top scientist with their own research line can help an entire field make a giant leap forward. 50 such top scientists can help move your entire country forward. Science provides solutions to major societal problems in areas such as healthcare. And contributes to our independence from other countries, now and in the future. This makes it important for me to be able to do this, even in times when we are broadly cutting back on research and science. This is an opportunity we must not miss.”

Marcel Levi, chairman of NWO emphasizes why the Tulip Fund is truly necessary. He says: “The Netherlands greatest economic asset is knowledge. Research is a human endeavor, and the Netherlands can be fortunate to have a continuous stream of very talented and highly educated young people with creative ideas and great research ambitions. However, there has been a brain drain from Europe to other countries for years, while talent wanting to work here is desperately needed. Especially in light of future predictions about the labor market and productivity. Therefore, high-level researchers who want to come here are more than welcome. This way, we maintain and strengthen the top position of Dutch science.” 

The Fund is named after the tulip. The tulip originally comes from abroad but has now become a national icon of our country. The fund will open for applications this summer. Research institutions have six months to nominate researchers. NWO will then make the selection, after which the scientists can actually get started.