By accepting a resolution introduced by VVD Member of Parliament Stef Blok on October 13, the Lower Chamber has cleared the way for millions of euros in funding for the NS4V project, although it still needs to be approved by Minister Brinkhost of Economic Affairs. Brinkhorst would need to claim about 25 million euros of the extra income from natural gas. NS4V is expected to employ a hundred researchers, plus administrative support. The project will receive additional funding from the four universities (partly in the shape of staff and facilities) and the industry partners.
The goal of NanoSystems4Vitality is to facilitate research of nanotechnological applications in food and health. There is great need for that in the industry. Debates on concrete themes should provide starting points for the four universities. The agenda is determined by the industry partners. `For example, systems that monitor the food quality,' explains Kees Eijkel, technical commercial director of MESA+ and representative of the four participating universities in the project. He feels that cooperation between the UT and the universities of Groningen, Wageningen and Nijmegen in NS4V is `obvious.' After all, Twente has MESA+, a renowned institute for nanotechnology, while the other universities are leading in the field of food and health. Eijkel: `It is a very strong idea. The timing is perfect, but it is important that others see that, too. Fortunately, the Lower Chamber does. The developments in nanotechnology, food and health are very interesting, also for the industry.'
It is up to the Minister of Economic Affairs to carry out the resolution. CDA MP Pieter Omzigt is optimistic about the chances of Brinkhorst doing so, because the cabinet has indicated clearly how important the project is to them. `But if Brinkhorst wants another round of debate, he is welcome anytime. The resolution will just have to be executed as soon as possible. This is good applied science in an ideal form of public-private cooperation.'
The resolution was accepted with 109 to 22 votes, a `very important signal' according to Eijkel, especially because the opponents were only debating the source of the funding. `The Lower Chamber has clearly expressed a desire to see NanoSystems4Vitality. The next step is to start expanding on the themes and developing a roadmap.' Still, he is not completely confident. `There is a good chance that NS4V will become a reality, but we are not yet certain. At any moment something could happen that requires the natural gas money to be spent otherwise, something like an outbreak of bird flu for example.'
Trans. Jeroen Latour
