Since the UK rejoined Horizon Europe in 2024, opportunities for academic and scientific collaboration have significantly expanded. This milestone has brought much-needed clarity and renewed momentum for joint research between Dutch and British universities and institutions. The Embassy supports stakeholders in both countries in navigating this new landscape and identifying funding and partnership opportunities, including in the context of the upcoming EU Framework Programme (FP10).

Shared challenges, joint solutions

The UK and the Netherlands face similar challenges in education and research, from digitalisation and AI to student well-being and the future skills agenda. The Embassy fosters the exchange of best practices and policy insights across these shared concerns. In the coming years, we will continue to organise delegation visits, bilateral policy dialogues and thematic events on key topics such as knowledge security, academic values, balanced student mobility, and vocational education.

High-level working visits highlight the value of looking abroad for inspiration; in 2022, former Dutch Minister for Science and Education Robbert Dijkgraaf visted London to explore how the UK is addressing the key issues of student mental health and flexible learning in vocational education. These insights feed directly in to the ongoing development of Dutch policies and strengthen mutual learning between our countries at both the government and institutional levels.

Promoting mutual understanding

One of the core goals of the Embassy is to build sustainable links between educational and scientific institutions in both countries. This includes supporting student, staff and researcher exchange, and communicating on the opportunities and challenges of international cooperation. We work closely with partners such as Nuffic, the British Council, and sector organisations to share information, provide advice and amplify success stories.

We are also happy to provide guidance and insights on the UK and Dutch education and research sectors. Our familiarity with both systems allows us to translate between them where needed.

Raising the profile of Dutch research and education

With its world-class institutions and strategic location, the UK offers fertile ground for collaboration. Through public diplomacy events, scientific symposia such as CONNECTS-UK, and joint projects with British partners, the Embassy promotes Dutch excellence in research and education. We also support the study of Dutch language and culture in the UK, including Dutch Studies programmes at universities and cultural engagement initiatives.

Solving global challenges together

The UK and the Netherlands are natural partners in addressing major global challenges, from climate change to public health. Our countries collaborate through international research infrastructures such as the Square Kilometre Array and the proposed Einstein Telescope Project, and align on shared priorities, for example Research Security and the Value(s) of Science within international forums UNESCO, the G7, and the OECD.

Want to collaborate or learn more?

Are you an academic, policymaker, student, or institutional representative interested in working with counterparts in the Netherlands or the UK? Within the Embassy, the Education and Science Attaché can support meaningful connections and answer any relevant questions.

Current Science and Education Attaché, Laura van Voorst Vader, aims to strengthen bilateral relationships between the Netherlands and the UK in the fields of education, research and science at all levels, from supporting students and connecting institutions to facilitating government-level policy exchange.

Please feel free to get in touch via the contact form.