NECTR: 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.
| “EWUU Education is delighted to be part of this new expertise centre. NECTR allows as to bundle and share insights on transdisciplinary learning and increase our insights, to enhance co-creation with students and societal stakeholders.“ Fennie van Straalen – Programme Manager EWUU Education |
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 alliance (TU/e, WUR, UU, UMC Utrecht)
- TNO
- DRIFT for transition
- Klimaatonderzoek Initiatief Nederland (KIN)
- NWO (Dutch Research Council)
- Rathenau Instituut
- 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.