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In the period ahead, last week's election results will be transformed into a new cabinet and new policies, including for science. Dutch science has a strong position internationally. Maintaining and reinforcing that strong position is not something to be taken for granted. For the prosperity and well-being of our country, it is vital to nurture it. That can be done by investing in the full breadth of science and safeguarding its open, inclusive, and international character. We also call upon the next Dutch government to continue to make use of the latest scientific insights to tackle the major challenges that we face today. The Academy stands ready to continue to play a connecting role in that regard.
Invest in science right across the board
Science is needed if the Netherlands is to find solutions to the complex problems that it faces now, or may find itself facing in the future. We need knowledge right across the full breadth of science: from medical and engineering disciplines to history and the behavioural sciences. We also need a population that is truly well-educated, and we need stable investments. Our neighbouring countries invest heavily in science (often more than 3 per cent of their GDP); the Netherlands must do the same so as to maintain its position as a scientific leader.
Promote an open and inclusive science system
Science is by its very essence open and international. We advance by sharing knowledge and understanding with top scientists around the entire world. The principles of an open international exchange of researchers and knowledge, academic freedom, and autonomy of the scientific community must be the basic premises at all times. We also wish to emphasise the great importance of diversity and inclusion within our science system, and the need for scientists to feel safe in carrying out their work.
Utilise the latest scientific knowledge when drawing up policy
The Academy calls on the coming Dutch government to continue to make full use of the latest scientific insights, from a wide range of disciplines, when formulating policy. It is eager to help bring science and policy together, and advocates the appointment of 'chief science advisers' who can assist in accessing all the latest insights and solutions that science can offer.