New report guides science sector in becoming more sustainable

30 September 2026

From research institutes, colleges and universities to university medical centers, the knowledge sector is eager to become more sustainable. Commissioned by NWO and the Dutch Climate Research Initiative, and on behalf of the Sustainability Working Group of Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences, the Rathenau Institute and Het Groene Brein conducted a study to determine what changes are needed within the system to make the sector more sustainable. The report identifies the biggest barriers and opportunities, highlights which stakeholders play a key role and outlines what is needed to embed sustainability in education, research and daily practice.

The science sector is fully committed to becoming more sustainable and there are numerous initiatives aimed at achieving this. The recent manifesto ‘Think Sustainable, Act Sustainable‘ has received broad support and initiatives demonstrate that research, education and everyday practices can be carried out differently. However, the study by Rathenau and Het Groene Brein shows that this is a complex systemic challenge. At the same time, the report provides appropriate, transition-oriented guidance.

Integrating sustainability into all core functions

Making the research system more sustainable requires a cultural and systemic shift. After all, it involves more than just sustainable operations. It is crucial to integrate sustainability into all core functions of the research system: education, research and knowledge transfer. According to the study, it is precisely this combination that holds the sector’s potential to contribute to a sustainable, equitable and future-proof society.

Four target groups, four buttons

The transition analysis by the Rathenau Institute and Het Groene Brein was developed through broad consultation with the knowledge sector. The report ‘Making the science sector more sustainable‘ offers guidance for joint reflection, coordination and a path forward. All stakeholders are important to this process: from researchers to funders, from sustainability coordinators to instructors, and from universities and research institutes to universities of applied sciences. The transition analysis invites us to reflect together on opportunities that contribute to the four policy levers that need to be adjusted: coordination (including infrastructure), teacher training and quality assurance, funding and recognition and a shared narrative.

The recommendations are intended for four key target groups: administrators, policymakers and financiers, researchers and educators.

View the report

Joint follow-up and dialogue session on the 9th of November

The report provides the basis for organizing a unifying framework for collaboration in this large and multifaceted sector. In the coming year, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), commissioned by NWO and the knowledge sector, will oversee the development of a suitable framework for collaboration on sustainability. To this end, a meeting will be held on November 9 with the relevant institutions to develop targeted follow-up actions for the ‘coordination’ issue identified in the report. You can register for this event using the button below.