NWO offers young scientific talent foreign experience
15 December 2010
31 young researchers set to go abroad with Rubicon
The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded grants under the Rubicon programme to 31 promising young researchers. Through Rubicon, NWO aims to offer Dutch scientists who have recently obtained their PhD the chance to gain research experience in other countries.
Most of the young researchers are heading for the United States and Great Britain. Others are going to do research in France, Belgium, Denmark, German, Switzerland and Australia. For many scientists, experience abroad is an important part of their CV.
Eight foreign researchers are using Rubicon to carry out research at a Dutch institution. Through Rubicon, NWO aims to attract foreign researchers to spend a period of research in the Netherlands, enabling it to promote the international mobility of scientific talent.
Applications were submitted by a total of 161 researchers, 31 of whom are to receive a Rubicon award. Rubicon is a programme for promising young researchers who have recently obtained their PhD, are still at the start of their scientific careers and are expected, on the basis of their scientific qualities, to go on to occupy an important position in the Dutch scientific community.
Extra funding from Brussels
Dutch institutions offering a place to a foreign researcher for a year receive 55,000 euros. Dutch researchers going to other countries receive a grant which varies in size depending on the chosen destination. In each round of funding, NWO sets aside 1.7 million euro for Rubicon. For the 2010 rounds, NWO has also received co-funding under the European Union’s 'Marie Curie Cofund Action' programme.
Changes in Rubicon
One finding of the recent review of the Rubicon programme was that there is a need in science for a programme such as Rubicon. Its future funding is uncertain, however. In 2011, there is sufficient funding for two funding rounds. As yet, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) has not earmarked any funds for a continuation of the programme. As Rubicon provides clear added value for young researchers, Dutch political party D66 introduced an amendment in the Dutch Parliament asking for the programme to be maintained. However, the motion was rejected in a vote on 16 December 2010.
Rubicon
The name of the grant comes from the river Rubicon. Julius Caesar crossed the river before embarking on the series of victories that led to his famous pronouncement 'veni, vidi, vici'. Rubicon (www.nwo.nl/rubicon) is a good springboard for a Veni under the NWO’s Innovative Research Incentives Scheme.
You can find an alphabetical list of researchers receiving an award here.
About NWO
The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) is the principal Dutch science funding body and its mission is to facilitate excellent scientific research in the Netherlands by means of national competition. Each year NWO spends more than 700 million euros on grants for top researchers, on innovative instruments and equipment, and on institutes where top research is performed. NWO funds the research of more than 5300 talented researchers at universities and institutes. Independent experts select proposals by means of a peer review system. NWO facilitates the transfer of knowledge to society.
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Further information:
- NWO, Information & Communication Department
- t.: +31 (0)70 344 07 13, voorlichting@nwo.nl
- www.nwo.nl/rubicon
