Heading towards a stronger NWO
The board of FOM supports the conclusion that the NWO organisation is in need of some change in order to respond more effectively to societal developments. The FOM board does not support the suggested solutions to form a uniform organisation without divisions that are recognizable by the disciplines. FOM is committed to contribute to a stronger NWO organisation, building on the close connections that already exist while retaining the strengths and core values of our organisation. The close collaboration on multidisciplinary and societal themes, combined with our specific knowledge and contacts in our field of research, results in surprising new excellent research.
Today the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science published its vision on the Dutch science system, the 'Wetenschapsvisie 2025: keuzes voor de toekomst' together with an advisory report concerning the NWO organisation. The latter states recommendations for alterations in NWO's governance and organisational structure. The aim of these alterations is to arrive at a more effective, more uniform and multidisciplinary oriented NWO organisation.
FOM's Executive Board remarks that it is crucial to use the strengths of NWO in order to initiate the change. Specific know-how, contacts with the experts in the field and an effective operating team are necessary for working with an ever increasing group of partners. Precisely then are fertile collaborations formed that are necessary to tackle the grand challenges as well as to contribute to the growth potential of our economy.
The FOM board does not support the suggested solutions to form a uniform organisation without divisions that are recognizable by the disciplines. An organisation where the decision-making takes place away from the actual workplace will result in contrary effects from what is aimed for. This is at odds with what we think is necessary for Dutch research, society and stakeholders. The support and acceptance of the people active in the field, who are in daily contact with companies and societal stakeholders, are crucial in the formation of the new NWO. The board is willing to effectively contribute to the formation of the follow-up of this science vision: a new model for the NWO organisation in which its unique strengths and operative power are preserved. These are crucial elements for the restyling of the NWO organisation.
Please see the NWO website for more information.