NWO is focusing more on collaboration, connection, and knowledge sharing in the coming years. Therefore, NWO theme teams have been established: multidisciplinary teams working within five broad themes. Their goal? More coherence in research programming, better response to current issues, and active knowledge sharing with science, policy, and society.
Why theme teams?
The Netherlands has a rich research landscape with thousands of projects and applications. From our position as the national research funder, NWO has a unique overview. For example:
- Where much research takes place and where little happens.
- Societal issues and knowledge gaps.
- ‘White spots’ in research programming.
- Our network; for example applicants, referees, and committee members. We know the communities and their actors and where they are located.
- With these insights, we can contribute to stronger research programs, smarter collaboration, and policy that fits the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Jan de Boer, member of the NWO board: NWO has a unique position in the knowledge ecosystem. With the theme teams, we actively bring our knowledge together, make it accessible, and strengthen collaboration between science, policy, and society.
Five main themes
The theme teams work within five broad themes, creating a large overlap with most of NWO’s funding activities:
- Climate and Sustainability
- Health, Care and Welfare
- Energy and Circularity
- Digitization and Technological Innovation
- Resilient Societies
Under these themes, there are now twelve sub-themes, and the number is growing. All domains of NWO participate, as well as Regieorgaan SIA and Nationaal Regieorgaan Onderwijsonderzoek. Where relevant, we refer to partners such as ZonMw.
An overview of the main and sub-themes can be found on the page Research in themes
Themes, not funding lines
The five themes are not new funding lines. We still get that question sometimes. So for researchers, nothing really changes in all funding possibilities: the theme teams are supportive, not restrictive. They operate alongside existing instruments and open calls that remain available. Because not all research in the Netherlands easily fits under such a theme, and it does not mean that NWO will only provide funding within these themes. But they do help to better organize and connect certain ongoing programs and projects.
Better findable for all parties
For researchers familiar with NWO, finding calls and information is often no problem, but for companies, social organizations, and other external parties, this is often more difficult. Working in themes makes it easier to find relevant information and opportunities. This way, NWO better fulfills its role as a connector between science and society.
Want to know more?
If you have questions about working with themes and theme teams, you can contact Janneke van Kersen, j.vankersen@nwo.nl