Scientists object to proposed changes to Dutch funding agency

Science : The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research may undergo a major reorganization next year. The proposed government reforms were prompted by the organization’s complex structure: It comprises nine science divisions, each with a separate budget and leadership; eight semi-independent institutes; and a relatively weak central governing board. To simplify the structure, government advisers have proposed dissolving the science divisions and configuring a more powerful executive board to make decisions regarding programming and budget allocations. The country’s scientists have objected to the government’s attempt to streamline the agency, claiming it would put too much power in the hands of nonscientists and favor applied over basic research. The issue is to be taken up by the Dutch House of Representatives in January.