The Research Support pillar comprises approximately 150 FTE. This pillar has a savings target to achieve by 2029. The savings target for this pillar will be defined and elaborated in the coming months. Based on hypotheses (expectations about how savings can be achieved), we will examine which part of the pillar may be affected by savings measures; we do not expect this to apply to the entire pillar. The financial savings potential in this pillar will also be examined, as well as how this ties in with the strategic ambitions for research and research support to which the pillar contributes.
Planning
Current status
The Research Support pillar has started to draw up hypotheses. The savings target in the pillar and the approach to testing it will be further developed and elaborated in the coming weeks. The testing of the hypotheses is expected to start at the beginning of this year.
Testing hypotheses
When testing hypotheses, the effects on finances, personnel, organisational structure and services are examined, among other things. This pillar focuses explicitly on the strategic ambitions and the outcomes of the Research Task Force, so that savings are well aligned with these. Ultimately, testing the hypotheses provides insight into the scope, feasibility and desirability of the potential savings. Employees and users of the services are involved in the testing in order to obtain as complete a picture as possible of the possibilities and implications. Specific attention is paid to the consequences that the potential savings will have for the primary research process at the university.
Final report
The process results in a report that provides insight into potential savings. It states which hypotheses are realistic and which are not. The realistic hypotheses are developed into savings initiatives. In addition, the team shares general findings and points for attention regarding the implementation and realisation of the savings. The phase following the final report is the drafting of an implementation plan that clarifies how the initiatives are to be implemented.