Funding for large-scale research infrastructure “insufficient”

Hans van Duijn, chair of the Permanent Committee for Large-Scale Research Infrastructure, is calling on the next Dutch cabinet to set aside additional funding for research infrastructure. The current budget of 200 million euros, to be distributed over the next five years, is “insufficient,” Van Duijn said.

Large-scale research infrastructure involves highly specialized equipment, such as large telescopes, high-field magnets and large sensor networks as well as ‘virtual’ facilities such as extensive databases and scientific computer networks. Decisions on which infrastructure projects get funding are made guided by a roadmap, which has recently been updated.