In recent years, the Netherlands has performed excellently in the European Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020. Dutch universities and university clinics received a total of EUR 2.56 billion: half of the total subsidy of over EUR 5 billion allocated to our country. With this total funding, the Netherlands maintains its strong position as a net recipient of Horizon 2020 funding. Our country is the sixth most funded EU Member State. In terms of funding per capita, the Netherlands even leads the ranking. In addition, the average success rate of Dutch participants in Horizon 2020 remains high: at 17% it is above the European average of 12.4%.

Horizon 2020 adds great value to research and innovation. It contributes to solutions for the major societal and economic challenges that Europe and its Member States are facing and to the ambition to keep European science at the global forefront. We hope that the Netherlands will continue its success in the new framework programme, Horizon Europe, and remain committed to extra investments in research and innovation. For two great examples of projects that have benefited from European research funding, see this interview with two scientists who received the prestigious ERC Synergy Grant.