Physics 2025: writing group under the leadership of Robbert Dijkgraaf has started
The Platform University Physics has recently appointed a writing group under the leadership of professor Robbert Dijkgraaf. It has been given the task of formulating a vision for Dutch physics (with an emphasis on universities) in the medium term (five to ten years) and developing concrete scenarios for the realisation of this vision, including the identification of crucial success factors.
This writing group has been appointed due to the strongly changing environment (the emergence of the top sectors and the European programme Horizon 2020) since the publication of the action plan for physics in the Netherlands 'Physics for the future - Future for the physics' in 2007. A re-orientation of the vision on Dutch physics has therefore become vitally important. In addition, physics has assumed a leading role in various educational and research initiatives, such as those given shape in the Sector Plan Physics and Chemistry. This initiative must be maintained.
Dutch physics is amongst the best in the world. There is also a lot of business and industrial R&D in the Netherlands that is rooted in physics. A joint vision, consolidation of strengths, and choices for distinctive and innovative science are important conditions for remaining in the world top in the longer term. This could be strengths that already exist and need to be developed further yet equally highly promising new directions that do not yet exist in the Netherlands but need to be built up.
Besides Professor Robbert Dijkgraaf the writing group members are Jos Benschop (ASML, vice chair), Professor Marileen Dogterom (AMOLF), Professor Martin van Hecke (LEI), professor Sijbrand de Jong (Radboud University Nijmegen) and Professor Leo Kouwenhoven (Delft University of Technology). The secretary is FOM programme coordinator Dr. Christa Hooijer (FOM).
The committee will meet from 27 June to 3 July 2013 to formulate this vision. At the start of this period they will speak with stakeholders and the committee members will also hold personal interviews with various people. Anybody who would like to provide the committee with further information can do this by sending an e-mail to fysica2025@fom.nl. The deadline for submissions is Thursday 27 June 2013.
Parallel to this committee, two other writing groups will set to work in the areas of chemistry and mathematics. The physics writing group will maintain close contact with both of these groups.