New national expertise centre unites forces for a transdisciplinary approach to societal challenges
Dutch Expertise Centre for TRansdisciplinary Collaboration launched on 3 April
Twelve leading Dutch organisations have launched NECTR: the Dutch Expertise Centre for TRansdisciplinary Collaboration. NECTR aims to become the national hub for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the embedding of transdisciplinary practices in the Netherlands.
Collaborating for societal breakthroughs
Transdisciplinary collaboration—where researchers, policymakers, professionals, and citizens jointly tackle complex issues—is essential for addressing today’s societal challenges. These include transitions in energy, health, food systems, mobility, and the circular economy. NECTR seeks to strengthen this way of working by connecting knowledge, developing skills, and fostering long-term partnerships.
DRIFT likes to share knowledge about and for transitions, especially when it comes from transdisciplinary / action research. Which means that it is not only scientifically valid but also has a direct social impact.
From fragmentation to connection
The Netherlands has a wealth of experience in transdisciplinary work, but the knowledge is currently fragmented across sectors and organisations. NECTR brings this expertise together, making it more visible and accessible so that we can learn more from one another and collaborate with greater impact.
NECTR’s core objectives
NECTR focuses on four key activities:
- Developing and disseminating knowledge on transdisciplinary collaboration
- Supporting competence and skill development
- Embedding transdisciplinary approaches in academic and professional domains
- Facilitating transdisciplinary partnerships across organisations
Founding partners
NECTR is an initiative of twelve prominent Dutch organisations:
- EWUU alliantie (TU/e, WUR, UU, UMC Utrecht)
- TNO
- DRIFT for transition
- Climate Research Initiative Netherlands (KIN)
- NWO (Dutch Research Council)
- Rathenau Institute
- Athena – Research and Education Institute
- Het Groene Brein
- Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
- Delft University of Technology
- Convergence (TU Delft – Erasmus MC – EUR)
About transdisciplinary collaboration
Transdisciplinary collaboration transcends the boundaries of academic disciplines and actively incorporates non-academic knowledge and perspectives. This approach is essential for developing sustainable and equitable solutions to today’s complex challenges.
More information
Website: transdisciplinairwerken.nl
