State of science in the Netherlands: good news with a downside

According to the report, governmental contribution to research and development (R&D) has risen considerably: from 5.5 billion euros per year in 2018 to 9.1 billion euros in 2023. This year, however, the tap will be closed slowly, the authors warn, and that shall be “followed by steep decreases in subsequent years”. How steep these decreases will be is to be revealed in the months ahead.

Leading position
Dutch scientists have gained a leading position when it comes to the number of publications researchers have to their name. In addition, their work is cited a lot. The Netherlands comes in fourth place on the citation ladder, with an ample lead over the United States in fifth place and behind Singapore, the United Kingdom and Switzerland.

Thanks to their excellent reputation, Dutch scientists perform above average when it comes to procuring research money. Dutch scientists are awarded the highest number of European grants per researcher. 

Jealous
Plenty of countries would be jealous of this position. The Rathenau Institute concludes science is in good shape in the Netherlands. But there’s a downside to this success: the rising number of publications in prestigious journals and the securing of temporary funds lead to an unhealthy rat race.

Dutch universities are looking to promote researchers not only due to their research achievements but also according to their teaching achievements, their contributions to the team, or their efforts to share scientific knowledge with society in an accessible way.

Best known as "Recognition & Rewards",  this new way of valuing employees has become increasingly well-known. Studies show that many people support its basic principles. However, the Rathenau Institute argues that it is not enough to ignite a cultural and system change as, in practice, only a few people can see tangible results. The time researchers spend on their jobs shows that Recognition & Rewards is still in its infancy.

Overworked
The high workload that predominates within Dutch universities is not helping matters, according to the report. Absenteeism is on the rise and many young researchers lack career security, which eats away at them. Universities have been quicker to offer permanent contracts than before, but many Dutch scientists are still paid from temporary funds.

Additionally, the number of women working as researchers in the Netherlands may be increasing but is still low compared to the rest of Europe. The higher the position, the less likely it is to be held by a woman.