Method

From commission to programme
Government ministries, the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and other organisations commission ZonMw to find solutions to certain problems or to boost work in particular areas. Together with experts from the field, ZonMw analyses the current state of play, the problems that exist, the priorities and where to look for solutions. We then incorporate our findings into a programme – a plan of action that sets out the direction for developments in scientific research and health care. The programme gives scientific and health care institutions the opportunity to conduct research or to develop, test and implement innovations on a project basis. ZonMw’s main commissioning bodies are the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and NWO.

Quality and innovation
ZonMw’s chief priority is high-quality scientific research and health care. Clear selection criteria mean only the best proposals are considered for grants. Innovations in health care practice are introduced only once their effectiveness and practicability have been proven.
Proposals for research and practical innovations must tie in with one of our programmes. Some programmes are designed mainly to boost scientific standards or developments in certain areas of science. In others, the emphasis is on developing and testing innovations within particular focus areas or for certain groups. And in other programmes, ZonMw directs improvement processes, coordinating the large-scale introduction of tried and tested innovations.

Applying knowledge and experience
Working in programmes ensures that the results of research and innovation projects can be applied in health care and in further scientific research. We therefore set high standards in terms of the implementability of project results when awarding grants for practically-oriented research. For us, the transfer and use of knowledge and experience is at least as important as the development of new knowledge.