NWO and ZonMw are expected to launch in April the NWA call Reducing Drug Harm: Towards Effective Social Interventions. Harm caused by drug use, production, and trade has broad societal consequences. This NWA call investigates approaches that work to reduce drug harm. The role of citizens, scientists, social parties, and policymakers is explored in the form of one inter- and transdisciplinary consortium.
Harm caused by drug trade, production, and use to health, economy, and society is significant. This is partly due to high drug imports into the Netherlands and a rapidly changing market. Certain drugs are also considered quite normal within subcultures.
It is observed that drug use has increased in recent years and the number of waste dumps and seizures is rising. This affects both citizens and government due to damage such as absenteeism, crime, corruption, and environmental offenses. Therefore, it is important for effective policy development that citizens and government collaborate to understand how drug harm can be reduced.
Goal of the call
This Call for proposals aims to develop new knowledge about the (behavioral) mechanisms within which drug harm arises and how this harm can be sustainably reduced.
Experiential knowledge, practical knowledge, and scientific knowledge are connected to gain insight into social norms and perceptions surrounding drug trade, production, and use. This maps causes of (in)effective behavioral changes (due to policy or norm shifts), assigns responsibilities, and develops possible policy instruments including evaluation. Active involvement of citizens is important here.
Initiators
Dutch drug policy focuses both on public health and tackling drug crime. The initiators of this call are the Ministries of Justice and Security (JenV) and Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). They work closely together because only with coherent policy can problems be effectively addressed.
Meetings and deadlines
NWO and ZonMw organize an online information meeting and three others for this call. More information about these meetings will follow. Keep an eye on the website.
The call is divided into two phases. Applicants can submit a preliminary application in phase 1.
Afterwards, four preliminary applications are selected in phase 2, which are brought together through three synergy workshops to form one inter- and transdisciplinary consortium.
National Science Agenda Programme
The foundation of the establishment and renewal of the National Science Agenda lies with citizens. In the NWA programme, the connection between society and science is essential. Governments, researchers, social organizations, and citizens develop and utilize knowledge together to achieve scientific and societal impact. Through science communication, knowledge is shared in society to increase involvement and trust in science.
Disclaimer
This is solely an announcement of a proposed research programme by NWO. The possibility to apply for funding opens after publication of a Call for proposals in the Staatscourant.