Ongoing projects
The urban society
In 2007, half of the world’s population lived in a city. By 2050, three out of every four people will do so.
Animal testing
Which trends are we likely to see in the years ahead?
Completed projects
Animal Welfare
When is an animal content? When its enclosure is big enough? When it is not too hot or too cold? When it has enough food?
One-day chicks
Each year, the Dutch egg industry kills some thirty million chicks shortly after they hatch, simply because they are male.
Knowledge and spatial design
The Rathenau Institute studied how regional preferences can be reconciled with those of central government. How can we make best use of recent experience and new scientific insights?
Clones and cloning
In 1997, the birth of Dolly the sheep prompted much comment and speculation.
The livestock industry and public opinion
There is increasing awareness and concern, among both politicians and the public, about the way in which animals are treated within the livestock industry.
Sustainable water management
In 1995, the Dutch government realized that a new approach to water management was essential.
Livestock farming: a system
The Rathenau Institute commenced its ‘Considerations in Livestock Farming’ in 1999. The objective was to contribute to the ongoing discussion about livestock farming and prompt a review of the business principles applied in the sector.
Biotechnology and animals
In 2000 and 2001, the Rathenau Institute examined the legislation covering the use of live animals in biotechnology experiments.
Mink farming
In 1999, following a political discussion which had been going on for some ten years, parliament adopted a motion to ban mink farms in the Netherlands.