Social Scientific Research into Nature and the Environment (GaMON)

Social Scientific Research into Nature and the Environment (GaMON) is a programme in the Social Sciences Division about sustainable development. It developed from a long-term scheme under the auspices of the Advisory council for research on spatial planning, nature and the environment (RMNO), in which various scientists and policy makers together discussed the development in the Netherlands of so-called social scientific environmental research. These discussions were informed by the idea that the natural scientific research into the environment (which looks at effects) must be supplemented by environmental research from a social and behavioural sciences perspective (focusing on causes). The GaMON programme is aimed at describing, explaining and controlling social problems regarding landscape, living conditions, nature and the environment—insofar as these problems are connected to human activity and behaviour.

Who can apply

Professors or permanently employed (senior) university lecturers, connected to a Dutch university. Applicants are expected to take responsibility for the scientific, organisational and financial aspects of the research. Applications from university researchers may be made in cooperation with researchers of comparable rank at other research institutes, such as the Wageningen University and Research Centre, the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

What can be applied for

Project subsidies of limited extent comprising combinations of trainee research assistants and postdoctoral researchers (at least one postdoctoral and one assistant or at most one postdoctoral and two assistants) depending on the extent and complexity of the research proposal. Subsidies cover both personnel and material research costs. The duration of the subsidy and/or the appointment of researchers depends on the category in which the researcher is classed.

When can be applied

GaMON will run for six years (2003-2009) and is initially divided into two subsidy rounds. The first round is already closed for applications. Whether there will be a second round will depend on the future availability of sufficient financial means.

Extra Information

The programme focuses on three social and behavioural issues which are connected to five substantial policy themes. The three issues are:

1. problem awareness and social causes;
2. social effects of welfare and behaviour;
3. manageability of problematic situations.

The five policy themes are:

1. landscape and nature;
2. housing and living conditions (air pollution, noise and external safety);
3. integral water management;
4. household consumption;
5. mobility and traffic of persons.

Criteria

Apart from formal criteria the selection will be made according to: scientific objective and quality, social relevance and organisational aspects (such as quality of the research group).

Procedure

The first step in the application is to send a Letter of Interest containing an outline of the research plan. These, and the fully worked-up proposals, will be assessed in an open competition. The programme committee is responsible for assessing the quality and relevance of the research proposals.

Committees

Programme Committee and Steering Group.

Budget

The preliminary budget (first subsidy round) of this subsidy form is 3.5 million euro.

Financiers

Sponsors of the first subsidy round are NWO and the Ministries of Education, Housing and Agriculture.

Contacts

• Dhr. drs. H.W. Waaijers
  phone: +31 (0)70 344 09 13, e-mail: h.waaijers@nwo.nl