Dutch Astronomy's New Decade: A Strategic Plan

The Netherlands is preparing for the next ten years of stellar discoveries! The Netherlands Committee for Astronomy (NCA) has crafted a strategic plan from 2011 to 2020. This plan is created for the excellence research school in astronomy, NOVA, which includes the universities of Amsterdam, Groningen, Leiden, and Nijmegen. Other contributors include the NWO division of Physical Sciences, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON), and the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON).

What's the big idea? The plan lays out the key scientific goals for Dutch astronomy over the next decade. It also highlights the tools and technology needed to achieve these goals. Additionally, it connects astronomy to broader technological development and research. Finance is another key aspect, showing what's needed to make these aims a reality. Education and reaching out to the public are also on the agenda. The plan looks back at what's been accomplished since the previous strategic plan in 2000, and it peeks into the future beyond 2020.

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