Just before Budget Day, it became clear that the government would cut back on the starter and incentive grants. As of 1 January 2025, this funding will already stop, as budgeted in the so-called ‘Miljoenennota’.
The UT received roughly 8 million euros annually for these grants and has awarded 110 starter grants and 24 incentive grants since their introduction. The UT writes that 'financial commitments already made will be respected'. However, 'no further expenditure may be made from the grants’.
Former education minister Dijkgraaf came up with the plan for the starter and incentive grants in 2022. These were intended as 'working capital' for scientists, to relieve pressure. The introduction of the grants was intended to provide more permanent contracts for young scientists, more room for unbound research, less competition and to reduce the workload and application pressure.
