'Old 'NWO Themes: opportunities for Dutch science

In order to ensure that Dutch research remains at the forefront internationally, NWO invests heavily in renewing the research agenda. In 2001, the NWO Strategy Document, Themes Plus Talent (Thema's met Talent), identified nine research Themes.

The most challenging scientific developments take place where different disciplines meet. They are developments which, because of their speed, breadth and scale go beyond what can be achieved within the limited financial framework of individual research institutions.

NWO has selected nine eminently transdisciplinary themes - themes which are also of importance for society - into which she is channelling substantial investments now and will continue to do so.

Constructing these research programmes within the framework of an NWO Theme is work in progress. Various transdisciplinary programmes have already been launched.

You can also check our Projects Database and search for such current research projects that are now under way.

The NWO Themes are:

• Cultural Heritage
• Ethical and Social Aspects of Research and Innovation
• Shifts in Governance
• Cognition and Behaviour
• Fundamentals of Life Processes
• System Earth
• Digitalisation and Information Technology
• Nano-Sciences
• Emerging Technologies