NWO Taskforce Open Science NL Praised for Driving National Transition Toward Accessible and Reliable Research

NWO Taskforce Open Science NL Praised for Driving National Transition Toward Accessible and Reliable Research

(IN BRIEF) The first independent evaluation of Open Science NL concludes that the programme has quickly become an internationally leading initiative and has helped place the Netherlands among the global frontrunners in Open Science. Operating as a taskforce of NWO since 2023, Open Science NL was assessed for the period 2023–2025 and found to be relevant, coherent, efficient and effective. The international evaluation committee praised the programme’s rapid development from a policy initiative into a national programme that actively supports the transition to open, accessible and reliable science. It also highlighted Open Science NL’s investments in human and technical infrastructure, community building, recognition and rewards, and collaboration among researchers, knowledge institutions, libraries, funders and societal partners. NWO said the evaluation confirms the strategic importance of Open Science for research quality, transparency, accessibility and societal value. At the same time, the committee stressed that continued funding, infrastructure, governance and cooperation will be needed to secure progress beyond 2031, particularly amid geopolitical tensions, digital autonomy concerns and knowledge security challenges.

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 11-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Open Science NL has rapidly developed into a leading international programme for Open Science, according to the first independent evaluation of the initiative covering the period from 2023 to 2025.

The programme, which has operated as a taskforce of NWO since 2023, was assessed by an international evaluation committee that concluded Open Science NL is relevant, coherent, efficient and effective. The committee also expressed confidence in the programme’s continued development and highlighted the speed with which it has grown into a national driver of Open Science.

The evaluation committee was particularly positive about what Open Science NL has achieved in less than three years. It described the programme as a unique initiative that could serve as a model for other European countries. What began as a policy initiative has evolved into a national programme actively supporting the transition toward more open, accessible and reliable science. The committee said this positions the Netherlands as an international leader in the field.

NWO has submitted its administrative response to the evaluation findings to the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science.

The evaluation highlights Open Science NL’s broad and coherent approach as one of its major strengths. The committee praised the programme’s investments in human and technical infrastructure, community building, and new approaches to recognition and rewards within the research system. These elements, the committee said, are helping to create tangible change.

The committee also recognised the strong links between researchers, knowledge institutions, libraries, research funders and societal partners. It recommended that Open Science NL continue on its current path and build further on the knowledge, networks and momentum created during its first years.

NWO said the evaluation confirms the strategic importance of Open Science for the future of research. Open Science supports quality, transparency, accessibility and societal value by enabling researchers to share knowledge more effectively, collaborate more widely and make scientific insights available to society, policymakers and the innovation sector.

Marcel Levi, President of NWO, said science becomes stronger when knowledge is more accessible, verifiable and reusable. He said Open Science is not an end in itself, but a way to improve research and increase its value to society. Levi added that the evaluation shows the Netherlands is a global leader in this area and that the result should serve as both a point of pride and an incentive to continue.

At the same time, the evaluation makes clear that the transition to Open Science is not yet complete. The committee said further embedding will require sustained attention to funding, infrastructure, recognition and rewards, and cooperation across the research system.

The committee also emphasised the need for continued investment and clear responsibilities to secure the progress made so far, including beyond 2031. It called for ongoing attention to the development of Open Science, particularly as geopolitical tensions, digital autonomy and knowledge security become more significant issues for research systems.

In a rapidly changing global environment, the committee said open, reliable and accessible science remains essential. NWO and its covenant partners said they will continue working to embed Open Science sustainably in the Dutch research system.

The evaluation concludes that further progress will depend on continued commitment from research institutions, research funders and government. The recommendations will be used in the implementation of the current work programme and in the further development of Open Science in the Netherlands.

Open Science NL is the national programme supporting the transition to Open Science in the Netherlands. It funds and connects initiatives that promote open, accessible and reliable science, with investments in research infrastructure, skills and training, open research processes, citizen science and strong research communities.

The programme runs through 2031 and supports the ambition of making Open Science the norm within the Dutch research system.

Media Contact:

Claudia Goossen
Spokesperson
+31 6 26347604
+31 (0)70 3494804
pers@nwo.nl

SOURCE: Dutch Research Council (NWO)