About us
NOVA – the Netherlands Research School for Astronomy – is the national alliance of the astronomy institutes at the universities of Amsterdam, Groningen, Leiden and Nijmegen.
By bringing together institutes, people and expertise across Dutch astronomy, NOVA enables collaboration on a national scale and strengthens the position of Dutch astronomy internationally.
NOVA was selected as one of the Netherlands’ top research schools in 1998 following an open national competition. This recognition provided a strong foundation for the development of Dutch astronomy and for the close national collaboration that continues today.
Our mission
NOVA’s mission is to strengthen astronomy in the Netherlands by enabling excellent research, developing scientific and technical talent, and advancing astronomical instrumentation and technology.
We create opportunities for researchers, engineers and institutes to work together, support the next generation of astronomical talent, and contribute to the development and use of world-leading research facilities.
We also share astronomical discoveries and knowledge with society and inspire a broad audience through our exploration of the Universe.
Working together
At the heart of NOVA are the astronomy institutes of the universities of Amsterdam, Groningen, Leiden and Nijmegen. NOVA works closely with strategic partners across the Dutch astronomical landscape, including ASTRON, the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, and SRON, the Netherlands Institute for Space Research.
The wider Dutch astronomical community works together through the Astronomy Council (RvdA), which brings together key organisations in Dutch astronomy to coordinate shared scientific priorities and develop a long-term national vision. Through national networks, joint programmes and strategic planning, researchers and institutes combine their expertise and coordinate major scientific and technological initiatives.
This strong national collaboration allows the Netherlands to play a leading role in international astronomy.
From the Netherlands to the Universe
Modern astronomy is fundamentally international. Dutch astronomers contribute to and make use of some of the world's most advanced observatories and research infrastructures, on the ground and in space.
NOVA has particular expertise in the development of cutting-edge astronomical instrumentation and contributes to major international facilities and projects. These include the European Southern Observatory (ESO), its Very Large Telescope and the future Extremely Large Telescope, as well as other major international observatories and space missions.
By combining scientific expertise, advanced technology and international collaboration, NOVA helps ensure that Dutch astronomy continues to contribute to answering some of the biggest questions about our Universe.
