Development of thematic programmes

The thematic programmes combine NWO's ambitions for Consolidating strengths and Science for society. The themes are intended to create focus and mass. They cover multidisciplinary research programmes in subjects that are scientifically and/or socially current issues.

NWO has chosen 13 subjects to bear the thematic programme in the strategy period 2007-2010:

• Basic Energy Research formerly known as New Methods for Production, Storage, Transport and Use of Energy
• Brain and Cognition
• Conflict and Security
• Cultural Dynamics
• Dynamics of Complex Systems
• Dynamics of Life Courses
• Knowledge Base for ICT Applications
• New Instruments for Health Care
• Research & Innovation in Smart Creative Contexts - RISCC (Formerly: Creative Industry)
• Responsible Innovation
• Sustainable Earth
• Systems Biology
• Use of Nanosciences and Nanotechnology

With the thematic programmes, NWO is further building on the line set out in the previous strategy Themes with Talent. However this time, NWO has chosen not to decide on all of the subjects for 2007-2010 in advance. For example, NWO wants to retain the freedom to respond flexibly to current developments within science and society.

Within the new themes there is space for new programmes and projects. However, a number of programmes and projects started in the previous strategy period are still in progress. No more new programmes will be started under these ‘old’ themes, but programmes still running will continue to fall under these.