[Views on the financing of biomedical scientific research; the report 'Erop of eronder' (Sink or swim) from the KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences)]

Abstract

In a recent report, entitled 'Erop of eronder. Financiering van (bio)medisch wetenschappelijk onderzoek' [Sink or swim. The financing of (bio)medical scientific research], the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences has reviewed various aspects of the current financing system. The recommendations concern a funding process with emphasis on open programmes focusing on researcher-initiated research, creating an earmarked budget for matching obligations, creating technology transfer centres offering broad expertise for the validation ofthe scientific results, and giving priority to the establishment of a European Research Council that encourages excellence in fundamental research within the European research area.