Preceding
2019
Platform Academische Natuurkunde (PAN) integrates into Dutch Physics Council
In December, representatives of the PAN share their best practices as ‘Dutch Physics Platform’ with the Dutch Physics Council. The PAN dissolves into the new Dutch Physics Council.
2019
Council for Physics and Chemistry splits into Council for Physics and Council for Chemistry
In November, the Council for Physics and Chemistry dissolves itself. At the same time, two new councils are being established: the Dutch Physics Council and the Dutch Chemistry Council. The Councils agree to cooperate where necessary.
2019
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science follows Sector views: universities receive more funding, with an additional 10 million euros annually for physics
In January, the Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Ingrid van Engelshoven, decides on the next steps: the science and technology deans of the universities must translate the Sector Images into individual profile plans. They identify faculty focal points within the focus areas and describe the resources required. This results in an additional annual grant of 10 million euros for physics.
2018
Sector images of Science and Technology
There is a lot of confidence in the ‘sector plans’ instrument, which builds on the success of the earlier Sector Plan Physics and Chemistry. The Physics and Chemistry research field appoints Bert Meijer to prepare the Sector Plans for Science and Technology. The intended strengthening of the knowledge infrastructure of Dutch universities must take place on this basis. The two Sector Images of Science and Technology are published at the end of 2018.
https://www.nwo.nl/en/news/research-priorities-established-sector-outlooks
2017
More money for science and technology
The 2017 Coalition Agreement announces significant investments in science and research. The elaboration of this by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, with an important boost of 60 million euros in the basis of the beta and technical sciences, has received much support from the beta and technology sectors.
https://www.scienceguide.nl/2017/12/ocw-zet-piketpalen-wetenschapsinvesteringen/
2017
PUN is revised and renamed to PAN
The ‘Platform Universitaire Natuurkunde’ (PUN) revises their charter. The ‘Dutch Physics Platform’ incorporates also the four physics-based NWO-institutes (AMOLF, ARCNL, DIFFER, Nikhef), besides all physics departments/institutes at the Dutch universities. Therefore, the Dutch Physics Platform is renamed into ‘Platform Academische Natuurkunde’ (PAN).
2016
Foundation of the Council for Physics and Chemistry
Jasper Knoester, Ben Feringa and Niek Lopes Cardozo, respectively chairmen of the Science Deans Consultation, the Chemical Sciences division of NWO and the FOM Foundation, set up the Council for Physics and Chemistry in June. The Council strives for an integrated national plan to strengthen both disciplines. Robbert Dijkgraaf acts as chair.
2016
Final report Cie. Breimer and new recommendations for strengthening science disciplines
The Breimer Committee publishes its final report ‘Een succesvolle stap’ (A successful step) and hands it in January to Jet Bussemaker, Minister of Education, Culture and Science. Separately, the Rutte-2 Cabinet asks the committee (in the Science Vision 2025) for recommendations for strengthening the science disciplines. These are recorded in ‘Koersvast’.
Douwe Breimer hands over “A successful step” to Jet Bussemaker
Credit: Mark Boneschanscherhttp://www.raadns.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Een-succesvolle-stap.pdf
2014
More students, higher graduation rates for BSc and a connection between MSc and research through Sector Plan
When the Second Interim Report was published in 2014, a number of objectives from the Sector Plan have already been achieved: in addition to the strong growth in student numbers and the improved study success of the bachelor’s programs, the master’s education has been linked to research priority areas.
See also the following news items:
https://www.trouw.nl/nieuws/aantal-studenten-natuurkunde-en-scheikunde-neemt-toe
https://www.scienceguide.nl/2014/09/verrijking-van-de-gereedschapskist/
2013
Vision document with ambitions for physics and chemistry up to 2025
At the request of the Minister of Education, Culture and Science, the physics and chemistry community describes its ambitions for physics and chemistry for the next ten years.
2012
Establishment of ‘Platform Universitaire Natuurkunde’ (PUN)
The Dutch Physics Platform PUN is established. The Platform consists of representatives of all Dutch universities with physics departments/institutes, including WUR. The primary task of the PUN is to share best practices and give asked and unasked advice related mainly to research to e.g. FOM and the science deans.
2011
10 million euros annually for physics
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science makes 20 million euros available annually for the implementation of the Sector Plan, of which 10 million euros for physics. The Breimer Committee advises on the distribution of these funds, in consultation with the science deans and NWO.
2009
The Breimer Committee supervises the distribution of resources
Minister Ronald Plasterk of OCW installs the Breimer Committee. The committee supervises the distribution of resources that the Cabinet has made available on the basis of the Sector Plan.
2007
First Sector Plan Physics and Chemistry
Representatives from physics and chemistry publish the Sector Plan Physics and Chemistry. This focuses on modernising the research landscape, strengthening research in focus areas and creating ‘focus and mass’ within scientific education. This plan was based on the Chemistry Sector Plan Physics and Chemistry:
https://www.nwo-i.nl/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/08-1646-sns-perfecte-chemie-87033.pdf