Emergence at all scales
What are the building blocks of space, time and matter? Can we understand the mind-boggling variation in properties emerging when Lego is played with billions of fundamental particles, atoms, molecules and little chunks of materials? These questions are amongst the deepest, and the scientists asking them do research into emergence. We want to understand emergence at all scales: from the terribly tiny to the cosmologically colossal. Our goal is the discovery of the general laws of emergence, written in the language of mathematics. We are joined on this journey spanning sixty-orders of magnitude by citizen-scientists, artists, school-kids, and cool cocktail-mixologists. University of Amsterdam is coordinator on behalf of the consortium.
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CurveBend: From biodiversity loss to a nature-positive society through mobilisation of collective action at the landscape scale
Biodiversity is under significant pressure worldwide, and restoration efforts often fall short. This project proposes a new approach to restoring biodiversity in areas where livestock farming dominates land use. The research stimulated and studies new collective initiatives where all relevant regional parties — including residents, farmers, conservationists, recreational entrepreneurs, the agrifood chain, municipalities, and water authorities — work together both within and across sectors. By comparing different areas in the Netherlands, South America, and East Africa, the project aims to develop effective, region-specific solutions and foster the exchange of innovative ideas. University of Groningen is coordinator on behalf of the consortium.
PRELIFE - Pathways, Reactions, and Environments leading to LIFE: An interdisciplinary approach
The origin of life is one of science's greatest unsolved puzzles. Several theories exist, but there is no consensus. PRELIFE is built on an interdisciplinary approach in which astronomy, biology. chemistry, computer science, earth and planetary sciences, education science, mathematics, and physics work together on the question 'How and under what conditions did life arise on Earth, and how common are these conditions in the universe?' These questions are also alive in society, which is why teachers, schoolchildren and the public will be involved in the search for answers, through educational projects and collaborations with artists and museums. Utrecht University is coordinator on behalf of the consortium.
ACT! Accelerating the Circular Transition. A New Paradigm for Society
The world is facing many challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to excessive pollution and potential resource scarcity. This is systemically rooted in the linear, extractive nature of resource use in present-day society. A transition to a circular society is urgently needed to tackle these challenges. ‘Accelerating the Circular Transition’ (ACT!) develops a systemic approach to accelerate the fair transition to a circular society. It will co-create a toolbox, including shared visions of a circular society (with societal wellbeing at the centre), simulation models, and an integrated approach to manage this complex transition. Utrecht University is coordinator on behalf of the consortium.
De-escalating Aggressive Encounters between Frontline Workers and Citizens (DE-ESCALATING)
Aggression between citizens and workers in law enforcement, healthcare, public transport, and service provision occurs too often. The DE-ESCALATING project studies how situations, involved individuals, and their interactions contribute to this. The researchers analyze videos of real situations, along with stress measurements and the motivations of both citizens and professionals. Based on these analyses, they develop strategies to prevent or reduce aggression and violence. The effectiveness of these de-escalation strategies is then tested. In this project, practice and research collaborate to make professionals better in de-escalating aggressive encounters in their workplace. NSCR is coordinator on behalf of the consortium.
The Dutch Research Agenda (NWA) programme
Each project receives around 6.7 million euros to get started immediately. In these projects, researchers work together with knowledge partners and civil society organisations. This ensures a combination of many different areas of expertise.
Citizens are at the heart of creating and renewing the Dutch Research Agenda. The link between society and science is a key element of the NWA programme. Governments, researchers, civil society organisations and citizens work together to develop and use knowledge to achieve scientific and societal impact. And through science communication, knowledge is shared in society to increase engagement and trust in science.
Read more on the NWO website.