RSA CE&C 2015-2021

24 Science Earlier, Table 1 presented highlights of the areas of gravity that naturally evolve from our expertise in conjunction with the societal relevance of this. To fulfil our scientific ambitions, the department creates critical mass and focus centered around these areas of gravity. Aligned with this, the department strives for strong participation in prestigious research programs to acquire sufficient funding, to perform top-notch research at the forefront of science and technology and for investments in large infrastructure. As competition for external funding is high, both at a national and European level, scientific staff are forced to put substantial efforts into grant applications. This highly competitive funding environment requires careful evaluation to make well-informed decisions and explicit choices for a relatively small department covering a significant range of disciplines in chemical engineering and chemical sciences. Societal relevance To guarantee societal impact, the department actively participates in initiatives like the Dutch Science Agenda (NWA), public-private partnerships and the National Growth Fund. As the targeted societal challenges of energy, circularity and health require a multidisciplinary approach, this will be done in collaboration with scientists in the TU/e institutes of ICMS and EIRES, other TU/e departments and relevant industries, other institutes, and other universities. Open access publishing and participation in publications for the general public is encouraged.