Description of Organisation
The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) is mandated by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science to participate in MarinERA.
NWO was established by an Act of Parliament in 1950 to promote basic research at Dutch universities and research institutes and to raise the quality of that research. Innovation by open competitive funding is a key element in this endeavour. To help it achieve these aims NWO annually receives funding of around €450 million from the government. The NWO comprises seven research councils, among them the Council for Earth and Life Sciences.
Marine Science fits very well within the long-term policy of NWO which provides basic funding for the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, a separate budget line for open competitive applications and allocated thematic budgets which, like that for climate research or continental margins, can also include support for marine research activities. In total NWO controls an estimated budget of €20 million per annum related to marine sciences.
Traditionally Dutch scientists are interested in a wide range of blue ocean research with activities across the world’s oceans. These activities rely heavily on sharing and exchange of facilities with partner countries, mostly European. But also closer at home, like in the North Sea and North Atlantic, many benefits and cost-efficiency can be achieved by regional cooperation and coordination.
Marine RTD Funding Programme
NWO has formulated a strategic plan for the period 2007-2010 which is building on 3 action lines: opportunities for researchers, consolidating strengths, science for society.
In close consultation with all relevant departments, research institutes, universities and social organisations in the marine sciences, a project is being designed to effectuate and implement a national research and development plan in the area of coastal and marine research. Socially relevant issues concerning safety, the creation of economic value, the quality of life, environment and nature, and of water and health will be addressed and further explored in the context of the overarching theme Sustainable Earth.
The NWO division of Earth and Life sciences is funding the National Research Cruise Programme which covers the additional costs of seagoing research expeditions. The Division Board has the intention to let the National Research Cruise Programme become a part of the national programme for marine and coastal zone research. For the initial period climate and ecosystem change will be the main topics to be developed
Besides the national programma NWO also supports marine related programmes like the Netherlands contribution to IODP, participation in EuroMargins, EuroMARC and EuroDEEP and cooperation in the RAPID climate change programme with NERC and NRC.
