The four Dutch universities of technology (TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, Twente University, Wageningen University & Research), joining forces as the 4TU.Federation, are set to provide a €19-million boost to key areas of science in the Netherlands in the period 2018-2021. Dutch society is on the brink of huge challenges in the field of sustainability. The four universities of technology are committed to finding answers to these issues.
Under the general theme, 'High-tech for a sustainable future', 4TU intends to contribute to resolving society's challenges in the long term. Talented young scientists will create technological solutions and provide a boost to the Dutch economy. 4TU is also challenging the business world and government to contribute to its initiative.
Important themes
More than 300 scientists from the four universities of technology have responded to the 4TU Federation's call to submit research proposals in at least one of the seven themes (for further information on each theme: see Appendix):
- High-tech to feed the world
In the next forty years, worldwide demand for food will be equivalent to the total amount of food produced in the last 8,000 years. This will call for the application of high-tech systems and materials and new ICT solutions in the agriculture and food sectors. - Robotics
Robotics offers new solutions for challenges in society, ranging from ageing to health, security, energy and the environment. Robots are an emerging market with a strong growth potential not only for factories, but also for professional and domestic use. - Sensing Science and Technology
In order to develop advanced robots, smart, cheap and reliable sensors are needed across a range of areas, including the smart industry, health, environment and agro-food. - Health & Vitality
Research into vitality in its broadest sense has significant potential and covers the complete health spectrum. One of the greatest challenges will involve accurately measuring the health and well-being of individuals and then using that information to have a positive impact on their condition. - Resilience
In our complex and hyper-connected world, we face huge challenges, from climate change to water and energy security, from securing complex food chains to the creation of liveable cities with enhanced IT penetration. - Advanced Materials
Material scientists are currently capable of developing new materials and achieving breakthroughs in the fields of climate, sustainability, health and the economy. - Energy Conversion & Storage
Research is required into new forms of energy transition and storage in order to support the shift to more renewable forms of energy.
The seven themes fit seamlessly alongside the new focus areas of the government's Top Sector policy[1], the National Research Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Talented scientists
The four universities of technology are investing € 19 million from their own resources. This funding is primarily intended to attract talented young scientists focusing on the stated themes, who will also help raise the profile of the universities of technology. The priority will be to appoint permanent new academic staff to Tenure Track positions, who will be involved in both research and education. This will ensure that the connection between research and education is safeguarded and maintained. The government and the business world can contribute to this initiative both structurally and in terms of the programmes. 4TU is eager to engage in dialogue with them on how this will take shape.
4TU.Federation
TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, Twente University and Wageningen University & Research broadly share the same approach in Dutch scientific research policy. This involves educating innovative engineers and securing resources to conduct pioneering research that has an impact on society and boosts the Netherlands' economic position. The 4TU.Federation is therefore contributing to technological research within the National Research Agenda and boosting a new sector plan for Technology.
[1] Dutch coalition agreement 2017-2021, Confidence in the future. Chapter 2.4 The economy, innovation policy and business climate: ‘The Top Sector policy, focused on cooperation between the business world, knowledge institutions and government, will concentrate more on the economic opportunities offered by the three societal themes: energy transition/sustainability; agriculture/water/food; and quantum/high-tech/nanotechnology/photonics.’