The University of Twente has decided to put the starter and incentive grants on hold for now. This means that no new grants will be awarded and no more expenses may be incurred by researchers who have been awarded a grant. This measure immediately follows the Dutch cabinet's decision to cut the funding for the starter and incentive grants.
Because funding for these grants will be halted, it is not possible for UT to continue spending under them: a financial shortfall of EUR 13.3 million would arise. This amount is too large for UT to absorb on its own.
UT regrets having to take this decision, especially for the scientists involved, but given the size of the potential shortfall, it sees no other option than to take this painful decision. Over the past two years, UT has awarded 110 starter and 24 incentive grants to its scientists.
Financial commitments already made will be respected. However, no further expenditure may be made from the grants. The researchers concerned have been informed by letter today. They will soon receive further information from the faculties' HR managers about the follow-up.
This is a provisional decision. In the coming period, we will investigate the situation further. In consultation with various stakeholders, we will develop a suitable solution for this new situation.
Starter and incentive grants
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science introduced the grants in 2022 to support young academics in starting their career. The aim of the scholarships is to encourage untied research and reduce the work and application pressure among researchers. For example, they could use the grant to appoint a PhD candidate or fund research time and facilities.
