Dutch innovation grants stimulate researcher careers and universities
The Dutch Innovational Research Incentives Scheme is not only ensuring that the Netherlands' best researchers secure a position at one of the country's universities, but is having the add on effect of encouraging competition between the universities, the scheme's coordinator has told CORDIS News. The initiative was introduced in 2000 with the aim of stimulating the careers of researchers in the Netherlands. 'The scheme helps the careers of researchers enormously,' said coordinator Anko Wiegel. 'Young researchers had tremendous difficulty getting positions in universities. Many positions are occupied by researchers who have been there a long time, so they could only get temporary positions.' The scheme is attractive for researchers not only because of the financial incentive, but because the funding is accompanied by the promise of a position at a university, although the extent of the university's commitment depends upon the type of grant awarded. Three types of grant are provided for - VENI, VIDI and VICI - the words contained in a note from Julius Caesar notifying the senate of his victory over Pontus, and meaning 'I came, I saw, I conquered'. Applicants can apply for a grant with a view to carrying out research in any field of their choosing. In addition to having demonstrated excellence, candidates must also show innovativeness. 'We want to stimulate young researchers with new and exciting ideas,' explained Dr Wiegel. The VENI grants are available to researchers who have recently completed their doctorate and provides a maximum of 200,000 euro for a period of three years. 2002 saw the awarding of 124 such grants. VIDI grants are targeted at researchers who have completed their doctorate and spent a few years conducting post-doctorate research. Successful candidates are permitted to appoint one or more researchers to assist them, and will receive a maximum of 600,000 euro over five years. 75 such grants were awarded in 2002. VICI grants are aimed at senior researchers who can demonstrate that they are able to successfully develop their own innovative lines of research and act as a coach for young researchers. Their lines of research will be given a structural place within the research institution. The maximum funding is 1,250,000 over a period of five years, and 27 researchers were successful in 2002. Interest in the scheme remains very high, said Mr Wiegel, with the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NOW) currently receiving around 1000 applications per year. Interest among the universities is also great: 'The more candidates they get, the happier they are,' said Mr Wiegel. The scheme is therefore having the catalytic effect of encouraging universities to make themselves more attractive, and to compete for the grant holders, all of whom are within the top 10 to 20 per cent of their peer group. The overall impact of the scheme is still being evaluated. Although he has only anecdotal evidence to support his view, Mr Wiegel is extremely confident that its influence is considerable. 'People who get grants are more successful in their careers. I am very cautious with regard to conclusions, but a grant is a quality mark, and some researchers only get a place if a grant has been received.'
Countries
Netherlands