TDCC-NES Projects & Activities
The Thematic DCC for the Natural & Engineering Sciences is coordinating activities at various stages: new topics being explored, active (sometimes funded) projects and working groups, and completed project work that has produced results.
TDCC-NES activities are open and collaborative and aim to benefit all relevant stakeholders. Typically, we would start with an exploration meeting, during which collaborative areas of work are identified and a work plan defined. If there is a funding need, the TDCC-NES office will work with the project team on a funding proposal. NWO issues a call each year to fund projects on behalf of the TDCC-NES.
Whilst specific work is being carried forward by project teams (see below), the TDCC-NES Governing Board works with the staff office to decide on the focus for new exploration activities each year (see the current work programme). We welcome requests or suggestions to work on new topics or with new stakeholder groups using the button below. TDCC-NES staff will get in touch with you to explore how your ideas could be shaped into a TDCC-NES activity or project with their support.
Each year, NWO, the Dutch research funder, makes money available to the TDCC-NES to support and encourage projects that contribute to improvements needed in the NES domain. Decisions on the funding requests are made by the TDCC-NES Governing Board according to the Project Decision-Making Principles for the TDCC-NES Governing Board.
Currently active project teams
Individuals or groups are always welcome to get in touch if they see a potential for contribution or alignment with a project or activity. Alternatively, you can submit project ideas anytime via the button above, be it rough, initial ideas, or detailed, well-defined ones.
Projects coming soon
During active project development, opportunities for participation and engagement will be announced via our news channels. Don't forget, TDCC-NES projects are developed openly and collaboratively, so reach out if you want to know more.
Following the FAIR4Instruments workshop in February 2026, we expect to soon be able to tell you more about working groups and follow-up activities looking at the relationship between research instruments and FAIR data (both research data produced by instruments, and data about the instrument).
The following proposals have been approved by the TDCC-NES Governing Board, and with a recommendation for funding, have been submitted to NWO for start during 2026.
Project idea description
ECO-SCALE aims to advance the adoption of large-scale computing infrastructures while strengthening skills in energy-efficient computing across small and large scales through a collaborative, community-driven approach. At its core, the project builds a vibrant Community of Practice and Training Network, enabling NES researchers and support staff to collectively explore, test, and exchange best practices for large-scale computing and sustainable, energy-aware research workflows. Moreover, ECO-SCALE develops an openly accessible knowledge base with guidance, documentation, and training materials, complemented by targeted training activities tailored to diverse stakeholder needs. Finally, it disseminates experiences, insights, and lessons learned to relevant national and international communities.
Lead applicants
Serkan Girgin, University of Twente
Project partners
Jelle Treep, Utrecht University
Esther Plomp, Univerity of Aruba
A. Bhawiyuga, University of Twente
Martin van Gijzen, TU Delft
Alessio Sclocco, NLeSC
Adam Belloum, UvA
Ben van Werkhoven, Leiden University
Peter Hinrich, SURF
Carlos Teijeiro Barjas, SURF
Han Verbiesen, TU/e
Rolf de By, Univerity of Twente
Wim Nap, University of Groningen
Chris Kuipers, Maastricht University
Project idea description
Scientific and engineering research produces valuable datasets, but these are often difficult to reuse across disciplines because they lack documentation tailored to different users. This project will use generative AI to automatically create metadata and descriptions that make data more understandable and usable for diverse communities. By integrating these tools into widely used open-source repositories, researchers, students, and policy makers will be able to access data more easily and apply it across fields. The project will be tested in construction materials, machine learning, and plant sciences, ultimately helping unlock the full potential of FAIR and reusable data.
Lead applicants
Paul Groth, UvA
Project partners
Daphne Miedema, UvA
Dr. Joaquin Vanschoren, TU/e
Dr. Sandra Barbosa Nunes, TU Delft
Felicia Wolters, WUR
Stefan Einarson, Utrecht University Library
Dr. Irene Bonati, SURF
Erwin Hoogerwoord, TU/e
Lucia Collara, UvA
Project idea description
This project develops a universal, open-source field-data-logger that makes field measurements FAIR from the beginning. The logger supports traditional and IoT-based data collection, generates standardised metadata right from the start of the measurements, and is compatible with the most common field sensors. Through an iterative, community-driven design process, the logger is tested in various applications, and documented with production manuals, documentation, training materials, and scientific publications. In this way, the project promotes reproducible, reusable, and interoperable field data for researchers, citizen scientists, and various disciplines in the natural and technical sciences.
Lead applicants
Florian Ellsäßer, University of Twente
Project partners
Anđela Tomić, TU Delft
Santosh Ilamparuthi, TU Delft
SURF
KNMI
RIVM
TU Delft Open Hardware
TU Delft DCC
Coöperatief Plan B met UA (Meet je Stad)
UT-ITC (JECAM site, RANGE)
Citizen Science Hub Twente
Completed projects
The following funded projects have ended, although these topics remain important to the TDCC-NES domain and therefore related activities may continue. To find the results of a particular project, take a look at our list of resources and see our news feed for announcements and details. Some results will be communicated after the project is completed so might not be available immediately.