Dutch Computational Science Gets Boost with New Foundation
Enschede, Thursday, 24 October 2024.
The Computational Science NL Foundation has been established to enhance Dutch expertise in addressing major societal challenges. It aims to build a strong community, encourage strategic investments, and position the Netherlands at the forefront of computational advancements.
Strategic Vision and Establishment
The Computational Science NL Foundation, established on October 15, 2024, signifies a pivotal step for the Netherlands in addressing critical global issues like clean energy, sustainable food systems, and improved water management through computational science. Developed as part of the National Agenda for Computational Science, the foundation has garnered support from a coalition of scientists and industry leaders, emphasizing the role of computational models and simulations in creating sustainable solutions for the future[1].
Leadership and Governance
The foundation is led by a strategic board comprised of esteemed academics and industry experts, including Johan Mentink of Radboud University as the chair, Bianca Giovanardi from TU Delft as the secretary, and Linn Leppert from the University of Twente as the treasurer. This leadership team is tasked with steering the foundation towards impactful research and innovation, fostering a robust community dedicated to computational sciences[1].
Focus Areas and Institutional Support
The University of Twente plays a crucial role in supporting the foundation’s focus areas, such as energy-efficient computing, data-driven methods, multiscale modeling, and machine learning, through its various departments like the Mathematics of Computational Sciences and the BRAINS center[2]. By leveraging these resources, the foundation aims to enhance Dutch expertise in computational science, promoting advancements that have the potential to transform industries and solve complex societal challenges.
Impact on Dutch Science and Global Position
The establishment of the Computational Science NL Foundation marks a significant advancement for Dutch science, aiming to reinforce the country’s international standing in the field. According to Prof. Dr. Linn Leppert, computational sciences are becoming increasingly vital across all faculties at the University of Twente, reflecting their importance in fostering innovation and addressing global challenges. This initiative not only promises to elevate the Netherlands’ role in computational science but also contributes to a broader understanding of its applications in various scientific domains[2][3].