Contested Democracy

The research programme Contested Democracy concerns the functioning and vulnerability of democracy. The title of the programme Contested Democracy indicates that democracy is never a specific entity. The programme considers democracy as a model and a practice that is continually in a process of redefining, repositioning, reevaluation, relegitimisation and adaptation. This clearly distinguishes the programme from the previous research into democracy and democratisation, in which it was assumed that democracy was a well-defined concept so that answers could then be found to the question: what conditions are needed for democracy to develop and to be viable?

Who can apply

Senior researchers (experienced researchers with a PhD who hold an appointment at a Dutch research institute).

What can be applied for

Within the programme Contested Democracy a choice can be made from two types of grant:

• Short-term Applied Research 
• Exploring Studies 

When can be applied

Closing date for submitting applications was 15 March 2010 at 12:00 hours.

Extra Information

In June 2010, the steering group Contested Democracy will decide which applications will be honoured.

Criteria

See the two types of grant.

Procedure

See the two types of grant.

Committees

Programme committee, Steering group (in Dutch)

Budget

See the three types of grant.

Financiers

NWO Divisions for the Humanities and the Social Sciences, External partners (BZK, LNV, VROM, VWS, ROB, WRR, RMO).

Contacts

• Dhr. dr. M.J.H. Linssen
  phone: +31 (0)70 344 06 25, e-mail: m.linssen@nwo.nl
• Mw. drs. L.J. ter Beek
  phone: +31 (0)70 344 09 81, e-mail: l.terbeek@nwo.nl