NWO is working on a new fund to facilitate the transition of international top researchers to the Netherlands. With the fund, scientists can continue their research at a Dutch research institution.
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science has asked NWO to set up a program for international top scientists who prefer to work in the Netherlands. Minister Eppo Bruins writes this to the House of Representatives. Minister Bruins: “The world is changing. Tensions are increasing. We see more and more scientists looking for a different place to do their work. I want more international top scientists to come and do that here. Top scientists are indeed gold for our country and for Europe.”
NWO is eager to take up the request energetically and will work out this plan with the university umbrella organization UNL, KNAW, and other parties in the short term. Financial resources must also be found for this. The intention is to reach an amount that makes it possible to facilitate a substantial number of top researchers and their research teams to continue their research in the Netherlands. The principle is that renowned scientists across the full breadth of science can qualify for the fund, after which they can start working at a Dutch knowledge institution.
NWO contributes financially
The size of the fund has not yet been determined and is a challenge in this time of research cutbacks. Because of the importance of the continuity of top research, the retention of talent in the Netherlands, and the strategic autonomy of Europe and the Netherlands, NWO aims for a fund that can help dozens of researchers. Marcel Levi: “The greatest economic value of the Netherlands is knowledge. The brains of tomorrow are in danger of no longer being trained here or leaving science. Talent that wants to work here is urgently needed. There has been a braindrain from Europe to other countries for years; it is not wrong to reverse the roles once in a while. That is why we are pleased with the initiative from OCW and, as NWO, we are also happy to contribute financially to bringing top researchers and their teams here.”
In the coming months, more clarity should be provided about the total amount, the start date of the fund, and the exact conditions scientists must meet.