What does KNAW stand for?
The KNAW is the forum, voice and conscience of science in the Netherlands.
Its institutes are among the (inter)national top with their research and collections. The foundation of all its activities is the conviction that knowledge and creativity are the most important raw materials for well-being and prosperity.
The KNAW consists of three pillars:
1) the association of excellent scientists from all disciplines
2) the management of national scientific research institutes
3) to provide governmental advice on scientific practice
What does KNAW hope to get out of the partnership with the DCVA?
The DCVA's ambition to achieve a 25% reduction in cardiovascular disease burden through a faster translation from excellent science to health improvement is very motivating. Participating KNAW researchers have been doing fantastic research for years. I am convinced that the DCVA will help them to take the step towards knowledge utilization and impact for patients. The DCVA's business development specialists have a unique position with a solid track record in closing deals that bring products to the market. I believe that this form of thematic knowledge transfer is the missing piece of the puzzle in solving the innovation paradox (excellent science but great potential to realize social impact and contribute to future economic growth) in our country.
What does KNAW add to the DCVA, why should we be happy that KNAW is participating? Who ultimately benefits the most?
The KNAW's national research institutes have been selected for their excellence and the contribution to social impact. We believe that from that position we can make a modest contribution to achieving the DCVA's ambition. In addition, we have a large network that we would like to use to strengthen the Knowledge utilization pillar of the DCVA.
Question from NWO:
We have two questions for KNAW.
First: From your perspective: what defines success for the DCVA?
Second: What do you think will be the DCVA’s first successful output in terms of societal impact?
I think I can answer both questions with one answer. From my perspective, the Alliance is successful if it is able to create situations in which one plus one is three, from the strengths of its individual members. The current Corona crisis creates a good example of this. The DCVA is a major contributor to the development of the international registration of patients with the coronavirus COVID-19 who have and / or develop cardiovascular complications. This is only possible by utilizing the individual strengths of each contributing partner. With this, the Alliance probably achieves its first, very large societal impact.