To boost knowledge about biodiversity in the Netherlands, a nationwide approach to scientific research is required. To make such an approach possible, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ-NWO) and Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute-KNAW have joined forces.
Together, the four institutes will launch the new Centre of Excellence for Netherlands Biodiversity Research. Its aim is to significantly increase integral knowledge of Dutch biodiversity in all environments: on land, in fresh and saltwater, and from genes to entire ecosystems.
The new centre also offers a platform for universities and knowledge institutes in the Netherlands to cooperate. The aim is to create a hub of knowledge about biodiversity available to every scientist. Universities are therefore warmly encouraged to join.
The centre will collaborate on research, and share important facilities, to help science and society move forward. It will be formally launched on 29 September 2020 during the Dutch Biodiversity Gala, which also marks the start of Naturalis' 200th anniversary celebrations.