National Programme for Investments in Large-scale Research Facilities

On 4 July 2005 the Dutch Innovation Platform published its report Kennisambitie en researchinfrastructuur (“Knowledge aspirations and research infrastructure”). This contains concrete recommendations for a strategic policy on large-scale research facilities. One of the recommendations is to set up a special structural fund, a Budget for Investment in Large-Scale Research Facilities (BIG Facilities) of at least €125 million.

In an initial response to this recommendation, the government has decided to earmark €100 million for large-scale infrastructure on a one-off basis. It is hoped that this budget of €100 million for investment in large-scale infrastructure can be used to establish a research facility of international standing in the Netherlands. The minimum level of funding necessary for such a facility is €25 million. The minimum level of funding in the humanities and social sciences is €10 million.

The programme is intended for universities, NWO institutes, KNAW institutes, academic libraries, academic information providers and research institutions that are mainly funded by public means. TNO, the GTIs and R&D-intensive companies were eligible for applying as well. Applications must be submitted by the highest administrative organ of the relevant institute or organisation or the proposed administrator.

What can be applied for

1. The fulll costs of developing, acquiring/building and housing the intended facility, or in other words the full costs of adapting an existing facility so that it can serve to achieve a scientific breakthrough.
2. The facility’s operating costs for a period of no more than 10 years. Operating costs at least include the costs of technically maintaining the facility in its broadest sense