Climate change is causing sea levels to rise and an increase in extreme weather conditions. This leads to greater fluctuations in river water levels. To make the Dutch river system future-proof and better support policy decisions, knowledge development about this system is necessary. The NWA call Future-Proof Large Rivers in the Netherlands aims to contribute to this by funding such research. The call is expected to open for applications in June.
About the Call
NWO and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management are joining forces to stimulate research into the future-proofing of the large Dutch rivers. The NWA program Future-Proof Large Rivers in the Netherlands invites researchers and (public and private) social partners to form a consortium to conduct research that can substantiate policy choices regarding the river system. The research should look at the effects of policy choices on the (spatial) planning of the Netherlands in the future and the preservation of necessary river functions. Additionally, the program should provide insight into how river functions relate to each other within these policy choices. This way, the program answers the question of how the Netherlands can best prepare for future challenges around the river system.
The program explicitly provides space for new insights and innovative research. An interdisciplinary approach focused on the entire river system is necessary for this. Consider, for example, natural sciences, technical, planning, ecological, socio-economic, policy, or legal knowledge. Given the cross-border nature of rivers, a catchment area approach is also relevant for the research. The research must have a clear connection to policy and provide concrete tools for policy and/or implementation. Knowledge of and connection to ongoing programs such as Room for the River (formerly integrated river management) is necessary.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is the initiator of this call, supported by Rijkswaterstaat. Further details about the call will be published upon opening.
Budget and Timeline
Approximately €2.8 million is available for this call, and one project can be awarded. The call is expected to open in June 2025.
Collaborative Workshops
NWO is organizing two workshops for this research program to support interested parties in forming consortia. During the meetings, participants can exchange ideas and jointly form the basis for a consortium. It is not necessary to have a formed consortium before the workshops. However, the final main applicant must attend both workshops. The workshops are open to everyone, and social organizations are explicitly invited to participate. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and Rijkswaterstaat will be present to provide clarification and answer questions.
- Collaborative Workshop 1: Wednesday, September 10
- Collaborative Workshop 2: Thursday, September 25
National Science Agenda Program
The foundation of the creation and renewal of the National Science Agenda lies with citizens. In the NWA program, the connection between society and science is essential. Governments, researchers, social organizations, and citizens develop and use knowledge together to achieve scientific and social impact. Through science communication, knowledge is shared in society to increase involvement in and trust in science.
Disclaimer
This is solely an announcement of a proposed research program by NWO. The possibility of applying for funding is open after the publication of a call for proposals in the Government Gazette.