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As part of its Crossover program, the Dutch Research Council (NWO) is funding five large, interdisciplinary research consortia. The total size of the projects lies between 7 and 14 million euros. NWO is contributing 70 percent of the total amount, partners pony up at least 30 percent. The projects concern accelerating sustainability, agricultural production systems, energy storage, lifestyle of the elderly and neurotechnology. They have a maximum duration of seven years.
“New energy and mobility outlook for the Netherlands” (Neon) focuses on methods and techniques that can accelerate the energy transition. The consortium is led by Eindhoven University of Technology. It will receive a Crossover grant of 8.5 million euros.
“System change for new ecology-based and resource-efficient growth with high tech in agriculture” (Synergia) is looking to develop a production system that takes ecology as the starting point and is supported by smart technology. The main applicant is Wageningen University & Research. The project has been awarded 7 million euros.
“Reversible large-scale energy storage” (Release) is going to work on new technological possibilities for large-scale energy storage in the short (2030) and long term (2050). The focus will be on hydrogen and hydrocarbon production from CO2 and flow batteries. Main applicant Delft University of Technology has been granted 10 million euros.
“Maintaining optimal cognitive function in ageing” (Mocia) focuses on being able to signal increased risk of cognitive decline and improving prevention by developing a personalized lifestyle intervention. The main applicant is Radboud University Nijmegen. The project is receiving 9 million euros.
“Innovative neurotechnology for society” (Intense) aims to develop brain implants to improve the lives of people who are blind, deaf or paralyzed or who suffer from epilepsy. The consortium is led by the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience. It has been awarded 14 million euros.
Within these consortia, researchers will join forces with public and private organizations. They’ll strongly focus on facilitating the collaboration between various disciplines and making the connection with application-oriented research. The results should find their way into living labs, testing grounds or centers of expertise.
