How the science system works

Theme

Part of the Rathenau Instituut’s scope is to clarify how the science system works. We therefore produce an extensive series of fact sheets and data publications and issue various periodic reports, including the Total Investment in Research and Innovation (TWIN) figures and the Balance of Science report. In addition to these ongoing activities, we produce in-depth analyses on specific themes in response to current developments in science and policy.

The themes we investigate include public investment in research, scientific career development, and trust in science. Two developments that require particular attention in the coming years are the effects of cuts in research budgets and the impact of AI on scientific research.

Nederlandse wetenschap als werelderfgoed: het Eise Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker — PhD student prepares for her PhD at the University of Groningen. (Corné Sparidaens / ANP)

The two programmes listed below cover topical issues for the next two years. Our ongoing activities within this theme are listed under ‘Science in figures'.

Programmes

Science under pressure

Science is facing hefty budget cuts at a time of increasingly urgent societal issues, increasing workloads, rising geopolitical tensions, concerns about knowledge security, an anticipated decline in the number of Dutch students, and public debates about the societal value of science and about the numbers of foreign students. Over the next two years – in collaboration with stakeholders from the worlds of practice and policy – we will organise and facilitate discussion of the future of Dutch science.
Artificial intelligence

In this dynamic context, we note a development whose implications are still difficult to grasp, namely the rapid advance of AI in scientific research. What does AI mean for the research process, for the knowledge and skills that researchers require, and for the nature and validity of research results?
Science in the Netherlands

Dutch science is of a high standard and internationally well regarded. Nevertheless, there are significant concerns about such matters as heavy workloads and the strong emphasis on competition. We will inform political debate on science and support policymakers by providing data on recent developments and up-to-date interpretation of those developments.