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ATLAS-project at CERN. Credits P. Ginter, CERN
Big Science and the business community
Various scientific research institutes in the Netherlands either house large-scale research facilities themselves or are partners in (international) collaborations centred around large -scale research infrastructures. Research conducted using large-scale research facilities or at major scientific research infrastructures is also referred to as Big Science.
Research institutes working on Big Science often employ Industrial Liaison Officers who maintain contact with the Dutch business community. This is because large scientific infrastructures not only have many scientific partners, but also frequently collaborate with companies possessing specialised expertise in specific technologies.
BigScience.NL network
BigScience.NL is the network of these Dutch Industrial Liaison Officers and works closely with various parties such as trade associations, regional development agencies and the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and Education, Culture and Science.
The large-scale research infrastructures exist thanks to substantial investments by countries entering into long-term partnerships. BigScience.NL aims to connect Dutch companies with these major scientific organisations. For instance, the Industrial Liaison Officers inform companies about tender opportunities and possibilities to develop new technology for and/or with Big Science facilities. In this way, the business community can also benefit from the (national) investments being made in Big Science.
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