About us

Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS)

The Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) studies the dynamics of science and its connections to technology and innovation. CWTS uses large databases that enables quantitative discernment of the growth in scientific publications, patterns of collaboration, the impacts of science, and many other aspects of science such as scholarly communication and evidence-based performance assessment. In addition, CWTS analyses the development of scientific careers, and the impact of research assessment on knowledge production, by way of mixed-methods research (including surveys and ethnographic methods). The research is also used to provide high-quality services, via a university-owned company CWTS BV, to research institutes for evaluation of the impact of their publications and their standing in the international scientific community.

Rathenau Institute

The Rathenau Institute promotes the formation of political and public opinion on science and technology. To this end, the Institute studies the organization and development of science systems, publishes about social impact of new technologies, and organizes debates on issues and dilemmas in science and technology. The Rathenau Instituut is independent as regards the substance of its work.
It was established in 1986 by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, which also provides funding. In administrative terms, the institute falls under the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). It has it own board which since 2013 has been chaired by former President of the House of Representatives Gerdi Verbeet.