1999-2006 National Research Center MSCplus

In 1998, the Materials Science Centre (MSC), together with researchers from the Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute (GBB) and the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry and Chemical Technology, submitted a proposal for an innovative research programme, uniting chemistry and physics, and, to some extent, biology. This proposal was subsequently selected for funding in the so-called Dieptestrategie (Depth Strategy), a framework for stimulating excellence in research. Only six programmes were funded nation-wide under this scheme, and its beneficiaries became known as National Research Centres, initially for five years (1999-2003). To distinguish the programme from its primary participant, the MSC, the name MSC ^plus was introduced.

After a thorough evaluation of the past performance and the plans of the MSC ^plus , funding was extended for another five years, 2004-2008.

Related chapters on our history:

1970-1987: Informal co-operation

1987-1993: Research Institute

1993-1999: Research Institute and School

2007-now:  Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials