NWO Introduces Thematic Teams to Strengthen Research Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

NWO Introduces Thematic Teams to Strengthen Research Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

(IN BRIEF) The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research has introduced multidisciplinary thematic teams to strengthen collaboration, knowledge sharing, and responsiveness to societal challenges. Working across five broad themes, the teams support existing funding programmes by improving coherence, visibility, and connections between science, policy, and society. The initiative does not introduce new funding lines but enhances NWO’s role as a national coordinator within the Dutch research ecosystem.

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 8-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ —The Dutch Research Council (NWO) is strengthening how research knowledge is connected, shared, and applied by establishing a new structure of multidisciplinary thematic teams. These teams are designed to improve coherence across research programming, respond more effectively to societal challenges, and enhance collaboration between science, policy, and society.

As the national research funder, NWO oversees a highly diverse research landscape comprising thousands of projects and proposals. This vantage point provides insight into where research activity is concentrated, where knowledge gaps remain, and how programmes can be better aligned. By organising expertise into thematic teams, NWO aims to use this overview more strategically to foster collaboration, identify emerging priorities, and support evidence-informed policymaking.

According to Jan de Boer, the initiative builds on NWO’s central role within the Dutch knowledge ecosystem. He said the thematic teams bring together expertise from across the organisation, make insights more accessible, and strengthen cooperation between research communities and societal stakeholders.

Five overarching themes

The thematic teams operate within five broad areas that align with the majority of NWO’s funding activities:

Climate and Sustainability
Health, Care and Welfare
Energy and Circularity
Digitalisation and Technological Innovation
Resilient Societies

Within these areas, a growing number of sub-themes have been identified to reflect specific research domains and emerging issues. All NWO domains are involved, alongside the Taskforce for Applied Research SIA and the National Taskforce for Educational Research. Where relevant, NWO also works in coordination with partner organisations such as ZonMw.

Supporting research, not redefining funding

NWO emphasises that the thematic teams do not represent new funding lines and do not replace existing calls or instruments. Researchers will continue to apply through the same funding mechanisms as before. Instead, the themes serve as a supportive framework, helping to organise and connect ongoing programmes without limiting the diversity of research supported by NWO.

Not all research can or should be categorised within a single theme, and NWO will continue to fund a broad spectrum of scientific inquiry. The thematic approach is intended to enhance visibility and coordination rather than restrict research directions.

Improving accessibility and collaboration

While established researchers may already be familiar with navigating NWO’s funding landscape, the thematic structure is designed to make opportunities more accessible for companies, civil society organisations, and other external partners. By presenting research activities through thematic lenses, NWO aims to improve discoverability and reinforce its role as a bridge between science and society.

Further information on the thematic approach and an overview of the themes is available through NWO’s research-in-themes resources. Parties seeking additional details can contact Janneke van Kersen at NWO.

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SOURCE: NWO