Tilburg University invests in Digital Sciences for Society: first € 240,000 awarded to 14 Growth Projects

Academic lead Boudewijn Haverkort: “I am thrilled by the proposals, not only because of their number, but also and especially because of the collaboration between researchers from various Schools they generate and the energy that has gone into preparing them. A huge diversity of socially relevant topics has been targeted and many external partners have been engaged. We have opted for allocating funds by lot, because it is not subjective and does not make a value judgement, which consequently does not adversely intensify competition. It also reduces the burden of reviewing the proposals. The 27 selected projects have been vetted by the Vice-Deans for Research to ensure they meet certain quality and al requirements.” 

In the Digital Sciences for Society program, the funded projects are termed Growth Projects. These are small-scale projects (budgeted at EUR 15,000-40,000) that offer an opportunity to researchers to develop partnerships and to explore ways of using digital sciences to contribute to socially relevant research. In early July, funding will also be awarded to so-termed Icon Projects. These projects run for three to five years and are undertaken by large consortia of Schools and external partners. Each one of such projects is budgeted at around EUR 1 million max. 

The Digital Sciences for Society program has three focus areas: research with impact, education, and organizing collaboration. Through this program, the university invests more than EUR 7 million in initiatives that contribute to expanding knowledge about digital sciences among lecturers and students, developing digital sciences as a scientific area, and using digital sciences for innovations that benefit society. There will also be room for critical and ethical reflection on the potential downside of digital technology.