The research topics are grouped according to the four themes. In practice, a topic may contribute to more than one theme.
-
Environmental quality and Risk Assessment: the assessment of air quality, the transport, fate and effects of contaminants, nutrients and salts in soil, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems and the risk assessment of pesticides. This theme contributes to WIMEK core 1
-
Ecology and Hydrology: theoretical and experimental studies on the stability and resilience of ecosystems, process hydrology and studies implementing hydrological concepts and models for water management problems. This theme contributes to WIMEK core 2
-
Global change, climate, land use and biogeochemical cycles: studies increasing understanding of basic processes in the climate system, monitoring and assessment studies, the estimation of the impacts of climate change on e.g. biodiversity, food security and the economy, and options for mitigation and adaptation; This theme contributes to WIMEK core 3
-
Management of land and water resources: studies in a Dutch/European context with a strong emphasis on implementation of the European Water Framework Directive and on adaptation to climate change and studies in a context of water and development in countries in transition. The latter studies deal with research on irrigation and water management practices contributing to improved food security and an equitable distribution and sustainable use of water resources. Water and governance is an important item. This theme contributes to WIMEK core 2 and Ceres working program 1